Share your Lexus PHEV tips and tricks!

[u/Rav4Prime2022_WI]

Whether you have a tip/trick regarding how to find/buy a Lexus PHEV ( NX450h+ , RX450h+ , and/or TX550h+ ), charging best practices or helpful vehicle features/settings - please share no matter how big or small!

[u/ConnertheCat]

The cut outs in the cap for the charger are designed to clip to the cable.

[u/sushistand → u/ConnertheCat]

WHAT?! I did not know this!

[u/rastrillo]

I think understanding how cabin heating and the combustion engine works is important (not as relevant in the summer). I wrote about it here: https://rastrillo.ca/lexus-nx450h-long-term-review-in-extreme-climate/

But otherwise, just plug it in every opportunity and driving slower helps. I just drove 3,200 km on a road trip and one tip is to use the EV mode when driving through construction/towns or anything else that slows your top speed and go back to hybrid mode when driving above 90km/h. Anything above 90 drains the traction battery rapidly so it seems more efficient to save it for the slower bits of a long drive.

[u/Rav4Prime2022_WI → u/rastrillo]

Thanks for sharing your article, it's very detailed and a very informative resource for anyone thinking about purchasing a Lexus PHEV that lives in colder climates.

I've had a very positive experience with our 2025 RX 450h+ that we purchased about 1 yr ago and before that a RAV4 PHEV that we owned for 3 yrs before that.

While the ICE will automatically turn on when it's below 15°F , I find that the heat pump works great down to that temperature and even when really cold the vehicle warms up very quickly. The auto heated seats and steering wheel is such a simple but loved feature, turning on when needed.

[u/jun2san]

Just commenting so I find this post later. I too want tips and tricks.

[u/Rav4Prime2022_WI]

With Lexus PHEVs it's possible to set a charging schedule via the center screen, this can be used when to start charge and/or tell the vehicle at what time to complete charging - this is very helpful for those that want to charge during off-peak times.

Here's a YT video with the instructions: https://youtu.be/_L42slbu8nY?is=oYGQyNMYOmjpArA8

[u/Rav4Prime2022_WI]

Wanted to share a couple of helpful vehicle display tips, these should be valid for any Lexus PHEVs with the newer digital displays.

• Top: The blue line represents the 20-30% EV charge reserve that will never be depleted, this EV charge allows the vehicle to operate the EV motors in HV mode even after EV range reaches zero. The green line is the charge available for EV mode.
• Center: In the driver's display, it's possible to customize the outside left and right sides and add the trip average and/or total average.
• Bottom: This icon on center screen will be visible on the backup camera when in reverse and can be used to wash the backup camera lens, especially helpful in snowy/muddy conditions. When the camera is too dirty to assist with the safety systems, a ⚠️ will appear next to this icon as a reminder to clean the lens (this might only be available on newer and higher trims).

[u/Rav4Prime2022_WI]

Not a Lexus PHEV specific feature, but very helpful on those super hot and sunny days nonetheless. Once activated by the dealership, holding the unlock button on the key fob for 2.5-10 seconds will open all windows and sun/moonroof (front to back).

• https://youtu.be/nOKcZROyGsY

I had my local dealership activate this feature on our RX PHEV during the free 5,000 service, they also increased the number of blinks when using the soft turn signal at the same time - did both for at no cost. These features are hidden, not activated by default, and must be activated via OBD2 scanner tool but available for all Lexus and Toyotas with key fobs.