Aug. 30, 2016

Who says you can’t combine luxury and eco-friendly elements in the same sentence these days? The folks at the Texas Auto Writers Association gave a nod to that winning combination a few weeks ago in Fort Worth at the group’s Spring Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. The organization handed out the 2016 Green Vehicle of Texas Award to the 2016 Lexus RX 450h.

“We are grateful to receive this award from such a respected group of auto writers,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.  “To win in Texas is a great honor for Lexus and the new RX.” 

More than 60 journalists test-drove and evaluated vehicles in 16 categories at the event.

TAWA member and on-air personality Kristin Barclay said of the vehicle “Bold on the outside, with sophisticated elegance throughout the interior, the 2016 Lexus RX450h won TAWA voters over with its refined interior and smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine that shifts so smoothly the driver almost forgets they're driving a hybrid. With a luxurious interior and handling similar to a car, the RX450h stands apart from its competitors with 308 hp and 30 mpg combined."

The 2016 RX 450h design blends sharp creases and curves that company executives believe represent a “bold evolution in the model’s styling, sharing the same design DNA with other recently-launched models.” 

In fact, the variety of green features on the RX 450h have inspired many to tout this redesigned Lexus as one of the best Lexus luxury utility vehicles to ever be introduced to the market.

Strong competition in this segment include a small number of contenders that include the Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid, BMW X5 xDrive 40e and the Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid, but even so, the Lexus RX 450h is still one of the best-selling models in the Lexus lineup.

In addition to the many green features, the RX, including the 450h, touts impressive safety, convenience and technology features that are hard to compete against in this segment.

Introduced more than 15 years ago this year’s RX design moves into its fourth generation with 308 horsepower and 247 pound feet of torque on the hybrid version and a combined 30 miles per gallon using 91-octane unleaded fuel.

The hybrid-powered drivetrain on the Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. For 2016 the key components and control systems have also been enhanced or re-engineered to offer an impressive fuel economy, minimal emissions and excellent on-road performance.

The transmission includes a hybrid front transaxle with a transmission oil cooler for increased motor/generator cooling performance at low speeds and the rear transaxle on the All Wheel Drive combines an electric motor with a reduction drive and features a new three-shaft configuration and aluminum case and cover to reduce weight. 

Among other updates to the system are a design evolution of the Power Control Unit (PCU) and HV Engine Control Unit (ECU) that delivers better energy efficiency; more driver-friendly operation and more refined performance.  The implementation of a lighter, more efficient hybrid system coolant electric water pump and packaging changes to the hybrid battery means a more compact design for improved space utilization too. 

In addition to its exceptional quality and performance, the RX platform has been engineered to proactively contribute to environmental conservation and sustainability, thanks to lead- and hexavalent chromium-free engine components and the use of recyclable Super Olefin Polymer (SOP) plastics throughout the bodywork.
Design inside and out is attractive with what can be defined as an athletic build and new for 2016 the exterior boasts flush-fitting headlight washers, chrome dual exhaust, an available panoramic moonroof, solid aluminum roof rails, redesigned door handles incorporating SmartAccess, and convenient door handle illumination.  There are also three new exterior colors; Caviar, Autumn Shimmer and Nightfall Mica and all the RX models have the scratch-resistant self-restoring coat in the body paint.

Take note of this year’s ergonomic upgrades to the armrests with supple, rounded surfaces finished with improved soft-touch materials and for the first time on a Lexus the interior door handles make use of a knobless door lock for a more harmonious and refined design aesthetic.  The instrument panel is also redesigned and the instrument cluster offers the driver instantaneous information with a quick glance from the easy-to-read gauge faces.  

When set in the in the “ECO” mode the engine power has a moderated output, throttle response and climate control system for increased fuel efficiency.  The RX 450h also adds an “EV DRIVE” setting that allows the vehicle to be driven purely in electric vehicle (EV) mode, under certain conditions, completely shutting down the gasoline-powered engine.

One of my favorite features on this new Lexus, the ambient light of the multi-information display, which changes depending on the Driver Mode Select system.  When operating within the ECO or NORMAL driving modes, the illumination appears blue to let the driver know she is driving in more economical settings while in SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes the light glows red.

“We know the mid-sized luxury SUV segment is extremely competitive, which is why the new RX is completely re-imagined to reflect a product philosophy that is engaging to look at and dynamic to drive,” Bracken concluded. “The results speak for themselves.”


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