RX 450h in the Market

I've personally never understood car shoppers' desire to get a hybrid version of a luxury car or SUV, even if the mileage gains are significant, as they are in the RX; these buyers can afford more expensive gas if (when) prices spike. If the hybrid is also a pleasure to drive, it makes much more sense. An example of that is Lexus' own LS 600h sedan. When the driving experience is crippled by the hybrid system, as it is in the RX, there's no reason to buy. That's unfortunate, because the RX 350 is terrific and decently priced for what you get.

Adding the cost of the hybrid system to the cost of your daily driving happiness — even minus the huge mileage savings — is a tough equation for a car shopper to work through. There's no crossover — nor is there any SUV or minivan — that offers so much room with such great gas mileage, luxury badge or not. Even a four-cylinder Toyota Venza requires more stops at the pump.

Green drivers who can stomach the driving tradeoffs are the buyers who will gravitate to the RX 450h. I don't suspect anyone else will, but in today's increasingly eco-conscious world that might not be such a small group.

    See also:

    Do-it-yourself service precautions
    If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in these sections. CAUTION: The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sudde ...

    Event data recorder
    Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal vehicle performance. Besides storing data useful for t ...

    Electronic key battery
    Replace the battery with a new one if it is discharged. You will need the following items: Flathead screwdriver. Small Phillips-head screwdriver. Lithium battery (CR1632). Replacing the battery ...