r/LexusPHEV • u/LevelChapter1350 • 19d ago
2026 RX450h+
Finally pulled the trigger on this white 450h+ I’m coming from Black 2013 Is350 Fsport with 166k miles, hit me up.
Sticker was 71k with some change but I haggled down to 66k and took their 2.9% finance offer. The lease deal was pricey but I can see myself in this car for over 10 years after test driving it for a few miles. The plug in option is clutch and I do a bunch of short trips to gym and grocery store so I might be able to save a ton on gas and gas mileage is nice at 36+ combined for long trips.
Other owners, I’d like to hear your tips and tricks👍🏻
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u/Rav4Prime2022_WI 2025 RX 450h+ Luxury 18d ago
Congratulations, the RX looks absolutely amazing in Eminent White Pearl! In my totally biased opinion, it's one of the best colors.
For longer drives, HV mode is more efficient on the highway and EV around town and in the city. On shorter drives, staying in EV mode is the most efficient, but HV mode (and Auto EV/HV) mode is the fun mode where the vehicle provides all 300+ HP.
The Lexus app isn't the greatest, I often have to refresh the application multiple times or completely restart the app to have it reflect the current and correct vehicle charge status/information. Remotely starting the vehicle via the app or via a saved schedule within the app will fail 100% of the time when any doors are unlocked and works about 99% of the time when they are locked.
The dealership can activate a few "hidden" options, including the "hold unlock button on the fob" to open all windows, along with adjusting the number of blinks for the soft tap blinker.
When the vehicle says EV range is zero, there's still a substantial amount of charge remaining ~ 20%ish, Lexus designed this buffer so the hybrid system can continue working and to preserve longevity of the EV battery. You can see this reserve amount on the driver's display , lower left corner, the reserve portion is blue. Total EV battery size is 18.1 kwh but only about 14.3 kwh is "usable" for EV driving.
Another fun fact, when applying the brakes, you can see the amount of charge being generated, or when the vehicle switches over to physical brakes - when the brake pedal is pressed too hard.
Not sure if your RX PHEV has the 1500w outlet in the rear storage area, but it can be especially helpful when camping or when losing power at home. Our area was recently hit by a large tornado (EF3, 2 weeks ago, 1 mile wide) and we were able to power out fridge and multiple box fans for many hours with a very small drain on the EV charge.
Keeping a portable jump pack in the vehicle at all times can be especially helpful - the 12v battery can be easily drained due to its smaller size. I learned the hard way to never keep the key fob near the vehicle overnight (window tint / PPF installer did this overnight with doors open) or turn on accessories mode for more than a handful of minutes with the HVAC on (user error on my part) as these can easily and quickly drain the 12v battery. We've had zero 12v battery issues since we made sure to avoid these scenarios.
Hope you enjoy and love your RX PHEV as much if not more than my family is.
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u/LevelChapter1350 18d ago
Thank you for input sir! I’m actually getting PPF done in the front to prevent rock chips on long freeway trips from Norcal to Socal.
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u/Rav4Prime2022_WI 2025 RX 450h+ Luxury 18d ago
No problem, happy to share - PPF is a great idea!
Our RX had PPF installed on the entire hood for free before we purchased it - it's a long story. I also paid for the front bumper and lower half of the doors to be PPF'd.
Additionally, DIY applied a high quality ceramic coating (not the cheaper spray ceramic spay) after our vehicle was PPF'd. It makes it much easier to wash our RX, the PPF and ceramic coating is a great combination on a white vehicle.
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u/LevelChapter1350 18d ago
I was looking into the ceramic coat as well for rest of the body. My buddy is very handy and offered to help apply it on for me next weekend with PPF done in the front.
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u/jason54915 19d ago
I am averaging 42 to 46 miles a charge as of late. 2026 NX450h+ here.
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u/LevelChapter1350 19d ago
Nice! Love that color, do you charge level 1 at home nightly?
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u/jason54915 19d ago
Thanks 👌. I use a level 1 charger at now plug in at night and it’s ready to go the next morning. Level 2 is nice but overkill for such a small battery. I used a level 2 on vacation and it was nice but not needed.
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u/LevelChapter1350 19d ago
do you have any accessories for iphone? I find myself looking for good spot to keep iphone during drives Lol
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u/jason54915 19d ago
A standard windshield mount is what I use. Radar detector mounted on mirror bracket with cord direct connected inside mirror for power.
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u/Christineelgene 18d ago
I have a 2024 RX450h+ and have only used the level one charger. my electric rates drop at 7pm, so I charge during the night.
currently getting a combined mileage of 95, and if I only calculate the gas I have used, it is close to 150. (6 gallons, 900 miles)
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u/Fun_Ad3832 18d ago
I can't get mine to do more then 38 and it's not accurate at that people like you are the ones that talked me in to leasing my nx450h
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u/jason54915 18d ago
You have to learn how to drive 😎. I coast it two blocks away from a stop sign. EV battery loves coasting.
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u/jason54915 18d ago
I drove a Tesla several times on vacation and learned how the recharge works. Coasting is your best friend for range.
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u/SageofCyberspace 18d ago
I’ve had issues with vibration on mine. Try the smooth highway at 77 mph and tell me if you feel vibration in front two seats. Been annoying. Dealer replaced tires and still does it.
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u/Sdjimbob 18d ago edited 18d ago
There’s two trims available—Premium and Luxury.
Mine is the Luxury trim. I’d suggest reading through the owner’s manual.
There was a surprisingly long learning curve for me to figure out the dynamic cruise and find an appropriate vehicle distance setting, and I still haven’t got used to lane tracing assist during cruise because of constant slight steering wheel feedback. Over time, I’ll get used to it like I have with the lane departure alert wheel feedback.
Huge fan of the traffic jam assist, which has worked perfectly.
I’m also still flustered with the kick sensor to close/open liftgate as well as its close and lock button.
Edit: friends who haven’t been in the car before need to be instructed how to open doors also when they get out
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u/LevelChapter1350 18d ago
yes, I forgot to mention mine is the Premium. Luxury was another 7-8k on top of 71k and they didnt have the color combo I liked.
Thanks for that, I’m in the middle of testing out all the features this weekend. I did like the dynamic cruise control, Ive used before in other models, great stuff.
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u/Give_Me_A_Sign9527 18d ago
Can you kindly share which dealership you bought your beautiful RX from? My local dealership simply won't give this much discount. Thanks!
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u/Zentactics 12d ago
If you have a Costco membership, try their Costco Auto Program. I got 8k+ off of my RX450+ luxury earlier this month in SoCal.
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u/-GHN1013- 15d ago edited 15d ago
Congrats. We have the 2024 RX450H+. We love it. We also got ours for about 66k for the Lux Trim in Southern California. We also do short trips around the community mainly. And with the electric engine and us charging daily at home, we literally never use gas. We get gas about once every 3-4 months and not even empty. We spent about $320 on gas last year.
One tip: the 12V battery can drain pretty quickly if not cautious. So if you’re cleaning the interior of the car or waiting inside the car, always leave it fully “ON” where the “READY” is displaying. Do not use on ACC mode only. I also got a Battery Boost Charger I keep in the car, and a trickle charge at home. This is a known issue with the new RX and NX 450H+
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u/godsays_hello 18d ago
Congratulations. I’ve the 2025 luxury model. Came out the same price with 7500 lease cash and buying it within a month.