For a little over a decade, the Lexus RX has remained one of the brand’s most popular models of luxury SUVs. While cruising in Atlanta in the 2020 RX 450h F Sport, Lexus’ hybrid luxury SUV, I quickly learned why the RX is one of Lexus’ most popular SUV models.
The ‘h’ in RX 450h Stands for High Performance
This hybrid version of the RX 450h features a highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. This efficiency can be attributed to its powerful electric motors and an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission, allowing moms who are zipping between work and school pick-up to get there safely and quickly with the help of 308 horsepower.
Related: Room For More in the 2019 Lexus RX450 L Hybrid
Road tripping families will love the fuel economy of the RX 450h. It’s simply amazing. What 3.5 L 6 cylinder SUV gives you a combined MPG of 30 (31 city/28 highway).
Top of the Line Safety Features that Make Driving Less Stressful
Lexus knows that if there is one thing a mom needs less of, it’s stress. That is why the top of the line safety features come standard in the RX 450h. This 5-passenger luxury SUV is equipped with Lexus Safety System + 2.0. This package includes safety features that make driving for moms less stressful, such as:
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Intelligent High Beam Headlamps
📸 Kim Smith
Standard safety features that the 2020 RX 450h has is Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking can help you when backing out of a parking space by notifying you of vehicles approaching from either side. And, if it senses an impending collision, the system can automatically brake your vehicle to a stop.
📸 Kim Smith
Driving in cities like Atlanta or in New York where I am from, coming into contact with pedestrians and bicyclists is imminent. The 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is equipped with technology (Vehicle Proximity Notification System) that, when driving at low speeds or in EV mode, will notify pedestrians or cyclists of your vehicle approaching. A sound is emitted from a speaker mounted near the SUVs front bumper.
Related: The Best Three-Row Luxury SUVs for Growing Families
Kid-Sensing Safety Seats
Kids, once they get older and taller love to try riding in the first seat. It makes them feel more mature. Lexus, keeping kids’ safety in mind has designed the front-passenger seat to detect whether the seat is occupied by an adult or a child, or is vacant. In case the system detects a child or empty passenger seat, the system prevents the passenger’s front, side and knee airbags from being deployed.
Heads Up, Mom!
When I was driving on Atlanta’s highways, which for me was unfamiliar territory, the heads up display was a godsend. I loved not having to take my eyes off the road to look at a screen for directions because everything was in my line of vision. Being able to focus on the road and driving was one less element of stress that this luxury SUV delivered.
Silence is Golden in this Luxury Hybrid SUV
As a mom, I know how important it is to have peace and quiet. The smooth hybrid engine is quiet, even when the car transitions from gas to electric or initiates the Start-Stop Technology, the SUV remains quiet.
📸 Kim Smith
Even in a car full of kids, the Lexus RX 450h provides mom with a silent ride. and with six (6) USB ports kids can ensure their mobile devices are at full charge during car rides, leaving mom in peace. Plus, it is also equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Compatible, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes on the 15-speaker Premium Audio System.
📸 Kim Smith
Lexus listened to their loyal consumer base and added, in addition to intuitive controls on the steering wheel and a new Remote Touchpad, a touchscreen with pinch/zoom functionality. This feature takes the guesswork out of maneuvering through the menu and entertainment options.
Related: The Lexus 2020 RX 450h F Sport – Leading Luxury SUV – Now Even More Defined
📸 Kim Smith
The 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is Roomy
This may sound weird but I love an SUV that has rear passenger seats on rails. Seats on rails make it easier to accommodate passengers with long legs, like a growing teenager or adult. Rails also help when you need to place smaller kids in their car safety seats. The RX 450h has rear seats on rails, which made me love it even more.
In addition to seats being on rails, there is enough room for three car seats. The 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is equipped with two (2) sets of LATCH connectors systems plus three (3) anchors to securely install child safety seats.
If you’re a mom with two kids in seats, you should know that two [infant] seats can be installed – one behind the passenger and one behind the driver – with a small adult or larger child fitting in the middle.
If you are like me, and end up toting around luggage, boxes or any random large item, you’ll be impressed by the 18 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.9 cubic feet with them folded down.
📸 Kim Smith
How much does the 2020 Lexus RX 450h AWD F Sport Cost?
The 2020 Lexus RX 450 h F Sport has a starting MSRP of $50,550.
- Base Price RX 450h: $46,750
- Optional Packages:
- Luxury package ($4,130) – adds leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel;
- Navigation package ($2,285) – adds a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, an in-dash DVD player, and a 12-speaker audio system.
I loved driving the 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport
It was a quiet and smooth ride equipped with all of the bells and whistles a luxury SUV should have. It has everything a mom with a small family (at most three children) would love, from top of the line safety features, technology, and entertainment options. Plus, with it being a hybrid luxury SUV, it has excellent gas mileage. If you’re a mom looking for a luxury SUV that’s safe (earned 5/5 safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and performs, the 2020 Lexus RX 450h F Sport is for you. Learn more about this hybrid luxury SUV here: http://www.lexus.com.
📸Tomika of Life in Pumps
Get Social with Lexus
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Disclosure: As an A Girls Guide to Cars Partner, the Lexus RX450 h F Sport was provided for review purposes only. All opinions are my own and are honest.