New Lexus RX: Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid, or Gasoline?

Lexus has completely redesigned the RX, releasing it on November 18, 2022. Engines can be selected from gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid . There are four types: RX350, RX350h, RX450h+, and RX500h. We’ll explain in detail the differences between plug-in hybrids , hybrids, and gasoline vehicles, as well as the differences between grades.

Lexus 5th generation RX full model change

While the exterior remains the same concept , this time it is of course equipped with an improved second-generation ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) ” platform called the “GA-K platform,” and a multi-link suspension, which allows for a larger interior space than the previous model. The adoption of the newly developed platform achieves high aerodynamic performance, resulting in a “low center of gravity” and “increased body rigidity,” marking a significant evolution from the previous model. By reducing weight and lowering the floor, the center of gravity has been lowered by 15mm from the previous model, and the wheelbase has been widened by 60mm, and the tread has been widened by 15mm in the front and 45mm in the rear, resulting in a package that reduces the yaw moment of inertia. A multi-link suspension is adopted. The next-generation “Lexus Safety System +” is standard on all vehicles .

The compact and lightweight hybrid system “High-Performance Multi-Stage THS II” is adopted to improve fuel efficiency. The top-of-the-line grade “RX500h” uses a “2.4L direct injection turbo engine + hybrid system . ” The RX500h F SPORT Performance, following the RZ, uses the four-wheel drive system “DIRECT4” that utilizes electrification technology .

Evolution of “Lexus Safety System+”

The improved performance of the monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar allows “Pre-Collision Safety” to detect cyclists during the day and pedestrians at night. “Radar Cruise Control” and “Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)” assist steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the same lane when using radar cruise control on expressways, etc. “Road Sign Assist (RSA)” uses a camera to read major road signs and displays them on the meter and head-up display. “Leading Vehicle Departure Notification (TMN)” notifies the driver when the vehicle ahead has started to depart by displaying a message on the meter and head-up display and sounding a buzzer.

Lexus 5th Generation New RX Price and Grade

Lexus RX fuel economy data

Fuel economy for gasoline vehicles (AWD) is WLCT mode: 11.2km/L (8.5km/L)

Hybrid vehicle (AWD) fuel economy in WLCT mode: 18.7km/L (13.1km/L)

Plug-in hybrid vehicle (AWD) WLCT mode fuel economy: 19.6km/L (EV driving distance: 86km) (15km/L)

( ) is approximate actual fuel consumption

Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid: How to recoup your investment

This became a very difficult question when considering fuel economy and price. Comparing the three grades of the “version L” AWD, the gasoline model costs 7,070,000 yen, the hybrid model 7,960,000 yen, and the plug-in hybrid model 8,720,000 yen. The difference is 890,000 yen for the hybrid model and 1,650,000 yen for the plug-in hybrid model . Furthermore, the hybrid model is eligible for a 37,500 yen tax reduction under the “Eco Car Tax Reduction,” and the plug-in hybrid model is eligible for a total tax reduction of 620,000 yen if you apply for the “Clean Energy Vehicle Adoption Promotion Subsidy.”

Now, let’s calculate the cost of gasoline. The hybrid model costs 852,500 yen, and the plug-in hybrid model costs 1,030,000 yen . Let’s examine how much driving you need to do to make up for that. This calculation is based on the actual fuel economy figures listed above.

After 10,000km, the hybrid model was priced at 73,121 yen, while the plug-in hybrid model was priced at 90,235 yen. After 50,000km, the hybrid model was priced at 365,605 yen, while the plug-in hybrid model was priced at 451,175 yen. In other words, this still doesn’t make up for the difference in the price of the car itself…

If you’re likely to get rid of your new car after about five years, or even if you consider driving 100,000km, choosing a hybrid car won’t pay off. The plug-in hybrid model will cost 902,350 yen more, so you won’t be able to recoup your investment. Just because it’s a hybrid car doesn’t mean you can choose it lightly. Furthermore, in the case of the “RX version L,” there’s no difference in the exterior design from a hybrid, so you can’t be proud of it.

RX body color

• White Nova Glass Flakes
• Heat Blue Contrast Layering *Additional color: 165,000 yen
• Sonic Chrome
• Sonic Quartz
• Terrain Khaki Mica Metallic
• Sonic Titanium
• Celestial Blue Glass Flakes
• Graphite Black Glass Flakes
• Sonic Iridium
• Deep Blue Mica
• Red Mica Crystal Shine
• Sonic Copper *Additional color: 165,000 yen

Conclusion Summary

The 2WD models of the “RX350h “F SPORT”” and “RX350h “version L”” will likely be the most popular. These two will undoubtedly be the most popular due to their hybrid grade and the freedom of option selection.  The cheaper “NX350 “version L”” and “NX350 “F SPORT”” 2WD will likely be even more popular. As the only gasoline-powered models, they will likely be popular due to their almost impeccable exterior design and equipment.

So far we’ve been talking about price, but I’d like to talk about comfort as well. When starting off, the car will run on the motor alone, which is an area that motors excel at, so you can expect a very smooth start . Furthermore, when using the “ACC adaptive cruise control with full-speed chase function,” the compatibility between electric control and hybrids is good , so there is a high possibility of a difference. In terms of comfort, I recommend the “hybrid car .” Furthermore, the price difference between hybrid and gasoline vehicles is 890,000 yen. Considering that the difference is not as great as it was a decade ago, I feel that we are now in an age where it doesn’t matter which one you choose. If you can afford it, and also consider resale value, I would recommend choosing the “hybrid” grade.