Over the years, the average size of vehicles has grown. The evergreen Golf is decidedly plumper than before and the BMW 3 Series looks like an oceanliner alongside its predecessors. Oddly enough, this has all been offset by the introduction of new models that are even smaller than before. The Renault Kwid and Suzuki S-Presso may look like they're sizeable, but in reality, they're crossover-styled city cars with an emphasis on efficiency.
The growth trend is one that befalls the Lexus RX as well. The first few generations were considered to be compact while the last two have been classed as being mid-size. The latest generation is not a small machine at all, coming in at 4890 mm long, it is 50 mm longer than its predecessor.
However, as the consumer's desire for increased space in these creations grow, they are confronted by the overwhelming need to be more efficient and kinder to the environment. Us humans, we're a complex creature. Thankfully, Lexus makes it easier to have your bread buttered on both sides, thanks to their "fuel-efficient" RX 450h SE hybrid.
Related: Do hybrid engines improve fuel efficiency?
Styling
The AL20 generation of the Lexus RX has been with us for several years now, it's not a new car. The vehicle parked in my driveway is merely an update, a facelift, a Life Cycle Impulse, as BMW would put it. As such, it's still recognisable as an RX, despite the refreshed visage and fancy adornments.
Lexus has made changed to the spindle grille, giving it L-shaped elements in the lower section and a revised lower lip area. This garnish extends to the sides of the vehicle and makes the new RX appear longer than before. Just above this trim, the newly designed bumper features more aggressive, gaping air dams and as a whole make the front end of the RX appear more cohesive.
Related: 2020 Lexus RX model update: Comfort... now with added F-Sportiness
The bumper is complemented by new headlights that are not only new in detail but new in technology as well. These LED headlights feature Bladescan technology that sees the LED beam directed not forward, but backwards and onto a mirror that rotates at high speeds. They claim that this allows for better visibility with a more focussed beam of light and allows for faster activation and more accurate manipulation of the high beam assist system.
The rear gets a similar Lexus L-theme with new LED taillights that feature a striking L-shape element. The rear bumper has also been fettled with and ties in with what Lexus calls their Character Line, the waistline that runs down the side of the RX.
The colour of our test unit is one of the new colours available in the RX range, called Terrane Khaki. It's joined by Ice Ecru on the RX palate.
The Drive
Compliant yet capable handling and dynamics is the core of the mid-size SUV. It has to be a Jack-Of-All-Trades, capable of floating over uneven tarmac and carving up a canyon, absorbing the undulations of the off-road path and dive-bombing an apex the next. It's a tall order for a 2.2-ton vehicle. The RX 450h manages to do this rather well though and without unrealistic expectations, found it to more than capable of providing and engaging drive. Its forté is the open road though where the compliant suspension soaked up the bumps and pockmarks with very little theatrics.
The additional weight of the batteries in the RX 450h can be felt though, and this hybrid offering starts to feel it when it comes to braking performance. Be it as a result of the regenerative braking system or plainly the sheer mass of the vehicle, the brakes lacked the sort of bite that one would like in a vehicle if this physical size. The RX would stop, but this required greater distances and more effort from the relevant speed limits.
Performance
All Lexus RXs run the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, albeit in various states of tune. It's no different in the case of the 450h and in this application, it produces 193 kW and 335 Nm torque. This power is supplemented by the hybrid drive system for a total output of 230 kW. The electric motors also provide an additional 139 Nm torque. Lexus claims that this is good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of 7.7-seconds, making it the quickest RX one can buy. The top speed is limited to a round 200 km/h.
Unlike the RX350 and RX350 F-Sport models that use a traditional torque convertor 8-speed gearbox, the 450h is fitted with a CVT gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.
Space and Comfort
There's no shortage of space in the RX 450h SE and inside you will find seating for 4 adults with it swallowing 5 at a pinch. Rear legroom and headroom are generous (for the average build). Back seat passengers are also treated to heated seats, climate control vents and a handy armrest with storage and cupholders.
Up front, legroom is more than generous and at no time does the cabin feel claustrophobic or as if it encroached in any way. The additional size is most certainly felt in the cabin. While I wouldn't say that it is more cramped than the likes of a Q7 or X5, there is a noticeable cosseting that presents itself - the cabin does feel more ergonomic.
The boot has a high floor and once the electric tailgate is shut, you will have 453-litres to work with that can expand to a grand total of 924-litres with the rear seats folded flat. Incidentally, this is identical to the full-petrol offerings, testimony to the clever design of the 450h in that the batteries do not eat into the load area - something that cannot be said about the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
In addition to the appearances, Lexus has updated its infotainment system to now include a touchscreen interface. Sadly, their massively infuriating trackpad still remains the primary method of control. Please, Lexus, we're begging you - get rid of that. You will get navigation as standard as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety
Changing the way a vehicle looks is one thing, but actually improving it when you facelift the model is definitely the gold medal approach. As technologies develop and certain systems become more refined and feasible to include, some manufacturers will update their model range rather than wait for the all-new model to be launched. I'm pleased to report that in the case of the Lexus RX range, the safety systems have been beefed up and revitalized.
Lexus Safety System+ is now a standard feature on the RX 450h and it offers autonomous braking and a pre-collision safety system to bolster the already impressive array of safety equipment. This system also includes night vision with pedestrian detection and a daytime cyclist detection system as well as Lane Trace Assist.
Standard fare includes no fewer than 10 airbags, VSC with cornering assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with collision mitigation and autonomous braking.
Fuel Consumption
The RX 450h employs a series-hybrid system without the option of plugging it in to charge the batteries and as such, relies on the petrol engine and regenerative braking to charge the batteries. The electric motors will handle part throttle pull aways and propel the RX 450h to speeds of up to 60 km/h before the ICE kicks in and takes over, charging the batteries as you go.
Related: How to drive your hybrid car efficiently
At higher speeds, the electric motors will only handle some of the coasting and when you combine this with the CVT gearbox, there is a slight unnerving disconnect between the engine speed and the road speed. This is a minor detraction from what is a pretty good system, even if the fuel consumption savings are not as great as one would hope for.
Lexus claims a combined cycle figure of 5.7 l/100km but there was no way we were getting that right, even with the vehicle in EV/Eco mode. our figures hovered around the 9 l/100km mark instead.
Price
The Lexus RX 450h SE is the most expensive RX offering, coming in at R 1 315 800 but that's where it ends. Yup, it's a Lexus so you don't have to worry about an extensive options list rushing the price into the stratosphere. Included in the price, you will get a 7-year / 105 000 km warranty and service plan while the batteries are covered for 8-years / 195 000 km.
The Verdict
The RX 450h SE leaves me somewhat conflicted, largely due to the lack of economy gain from the hybrid drive system. I don't doubt that with a careful foot and in certain driving conditions that it would get closer to the frugal claims but in my time with it so far, it's yet to impress in this department.
Where it does impress is in the standard equipment, style and the quality of the drive. It's quiet, supple and very easy to live with especially with the driver assistance systems making light work of parking situations. If you're not too phased with the fuel consumption, then the cheaper F-Sport will give you just as many thrills with just as much class.
Recommended next:
The Lexus RX350L – When you have Range Rover money and Japanese sensibility.
Luxury SUV shootout! VW Touareg vs. Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX
Lexus RX 350 vs Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: which one is the best value for money?