2021 Lexus RX 450HL: Economy plus excellence
Exceptional design
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL is a bold car, you can tell just from a glance. The car’s imposing stature and menacing grille make it stand out. The latter is the most unique feature of the car and covers more than half the front fascia. The car’s bold lines and shape also increase the appeal.
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL is no common car or SUV for that matter. The design is sharp and despite the imposing size, the car looks very agile. From any angle, the car screams luxury. It is not intended to please everyone and we are sure that this car is aimed at a younger audience.
The bi-led headlamps look fierce as they swoop and mold to the hood. The angled air intakes on the front bumper add to the appeal. The lines on the car are aggressive and for those looking for a tame car, this is not the one. The approach is bold, to say the least, and we think it works well. The Lexus stands out among its counterparts and we think it does so in a rather striking manner.
The HL nametag
The important thing you need to be aware of is the nomenclature. The car’s name and moniker mean a lot of things. The RX is the biggest and badest SUV from Lexus and you will know this at first glance. The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL is also a hybrid vehicle. The H badging means that the car uses an electric powertrain to aid the engine.
While it isn’t a fully-fledged hybrid system, it does well. The L is a designation intended to inform you of the length of the vehicle. Yes, the L means that the car is longer than the regular RX 450. The car is 110 mm longer than the standard RX 450. The name is not just for show and is a way to distinguish the cars.
Hybrid powertrain
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL comes with a hybrid powertrain and it is the company’s way of showing how dedicated it is to the movement. While the hybrid system is designed to work in tandem with the V6 engine, figures are rather vague. The motor is placed in the rear and enables an all-wheel drive on the car.
The car is not entirely a plug-in hybrid and the electric-only mode allows you to drive the car at a slow speed. Once you fully step on the accelerator, the engine takes over. While the lack of a plug-in system may dissuade environmentalists, the 2021 Lexus RX 450HL hybrid still produces excellent results in the form of mileage.
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL delivers a stunning 31 mpg in the city! These numbers make the car a very economical option and will help you curtail fuel expenses in the future. While real-world usage may yield slightly lower numbers, it is still far better than what you get from the competition.
Splendid Driving
The car is simply a smooth operator. You will have no problems traversing all kinds of terrains. The car’s big 20-inch wheels can chew up pebbles and even bigger bumps on the roads with ease. Passengers will feel almost nothing and the ride is simply splendid. Driving the car feels like you are floating on air and for the 2021 Lexus RX 450HL price, it better be the sensation you get when you are splurging.
The car lacks a little tightness and responsiveness, this could be due to the softer suspension and the lighter steering. However, we believe that any changes in the chassis setup would ruin the soft and supple ride of the car. The cabin is also incredibly quiet, which is expected from a car in this price range.
On the performance front, the car’s V6 combined with the electric motor provides a neat 308 bhp and while torque calculation is confusing, the engine does have a known max output of 247 lb-ft.
The car is smooth even in the performance department. You will find no lag when you put your foot down and the grunts of the engine feel like they are coming from a distance, which attests to the build quality of the cabin. The car does a zero to sixty in 8 seconds, which can seem sluggish, yet the Lexus is not a performance machine. For that, the sportier RX 450H F Sport model should be your choice.
Rich interiors
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL interior is worth the hype. Step inside the cabin and you’ll find that it is covered in the most luxurious of materials. The car is swathed in upscale materials and even the buttons and switches feel tactile and firm.
The analog dials add a classic touch and also stay modern with an upgraded infotainment system. The car’s seats are plush and akin to the ride quality. The ride height is also quite high, giving you a commanding view of the road. The car has ample head and legroom.
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL is also a longer vehicle and that means instead of getting just seating for five people, almost 7 adults can squeeze in. Although the passengers at the back will feel the pinch. The quality of materials is class and that goes in line with other offerings in the same segment.
Top-notch safety features
You get a tire pressure monitor, Lexus’ Safety System 2.0, brake assist, 10 airbags, and a Smart Stop technology as standard. Lexus has always been renowned for its safety systems and here it delivers a bevy of features.
You get the standard set of systems that assist you on the roads. Go to any 2021 Lexus RX 450HL review and you will find that safety is something they are truly delighted with. The car gets 5-star ratings in almost every single category of government safety testing.
Conclusion and verdict
The 2021 Lexus RX 450HL is a brilliant car, with an innovative and edgy design it will turn heads. The car’s comfort and convenience also give it a major boost in appeal. The engine is great, thanks in part to the hybrid powertrain. The ride on the car is as smooth as you like, no-frills. It is an SUV that delivers in every department and makes for the easiest recommendation.
