Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Navigator84, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Premium hybrid SUV rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP in December 2015 (91% adults, 82% children). The hybrid system has a reputation for durability, and the main weakness reported is the 12 V battery, which can go flat after a period standing. A few airbag recalls affected early production: check them with the serial number.
- Reliability
- 5.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €29,000 – €33,000
- Monthly cost
- €530
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: RX 450h, RX 450hL 7 places.
RX 450h
✓ RecommendedHybrid · Automatic · 313 hp · 5.3 L/100 km · 122 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
3.5 L V6 combined with electric motors, continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), 313 hp combined; boot of 539 L.
RX 450hL 7 places
✓ RecommendedHybrid · Automatic · 313 hp · Crit'Air 1
Long-wheelbase version, 11 cm longer at the rear, with an electrically folding third row, only as the 313 hp hybrid in France (presented at the end of 2017).
Market prices
€29,000 – €33,000
Indicative range: 2016 to 2019, yearly medians of 39 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
12 V battery discharging
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingA 12 V battery that drains after a few weeks standing is the fault most often reported on the RX 450h (Who Can Fix My Car), and it is the subject of many owner accounts on Lexus forums. This battery cannot be jump-started: it must be recharged slowly, otherwise the hybrid circuits can be damaged.
- Versions
- RX 450h, RX 450hL 7 places
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Airbag recalls (2015-2016 production)
Manufacturer recallA US recall (16V053) covers 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h models built between 16 November and 23 December 2015: a faulty weld may allow gas to escape from the driver's knee airbag. An Australian recall also covers RX 450h models built from late 2015 to early 2016 whose passenger airbag may deploy partially. These campaigns concern specific production batches: have the serial number checked with the Lexus network.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- RX 450h, RX 450hL 7 places
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Lexus RX”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €130 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €77 |
| Maintenance | €26 |
| Depreciation | €297 |
| Total per month | €530 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€130
RX 450h version: combined consumption of 5.3 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.3 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €130
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€77
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€26
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€297
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Lexus RX IV — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Check the condition of the 12 V battery and ask whether the car has been left standing for a long time.
- Have the Lexus network check, using the serial number, that the airbag recalls have been carried out.
- Ask for the full service book: a documented service history is the most reassuring thing on a hybrid.
- Test the electric tailgate and the air conditioning, both cited as minor faults.
- 7-seat version: try the third row and its electric folding mechanism.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the 12 V battery already been replaced or recharged after a period standing?
- Have the airbag recalls been carried out? Can you provide proof?
- Has the servicing been carried out in the Lexus network, with invoices?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota RAV4
V · since 2019
- Price
- €26,700 – €45,300
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
BMW X3
III (G01) · 2017–2024
- Price
- €17,245 – €45,480
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Touareg
III · since 2018
- Price
- €33,200 – €88,400
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Diesel, Hybrid
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Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Kia Sorento
IV · since 2020
- Price
- €32,985 – €50,440
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Lexus RX IV (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What Euro NCAP rating does the Lexus RX have?
5 stars in December 2015, with 91% for adult occupant protection, 82% child, 79% pedestrians and 77% safety assist (Lexus UK, AutoBild).
What is the boot capacity of the Lexus RX 450h?
About 539 litres according to Caradisiac. Automobile Propre gives a range of 453 to 924 litres depending on the configuration.
Is there a 7-seat Lexus RX in France?
Yes, the RX 450hL, 11 cm longer, presented at the end of 2017. It is only offered as the 313 hp hybrid (Automobile Propre, Motor1).
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