If someone were to offer you, free and clear, either a Lexus RX450h or a Prius, which hybrid would you choose? The Lexus, of course, is far more comfortable, with a much better ride than the Prius, and it gets 30 mpg, which is great for an SUV. The Prius, course, wins the mpg war, hands down. So, with money no object, would you opt for the Prius mpg or the Lexus luxury?
"Money no object" What an American question! Let's try again: With morals no object, which one would you opt for?
The RX450h 2WD gets 30 mpg combined on the EPA test cycle. FWIW, Consumer Reports at Best & worst cars review, fuel-efficient vehicles gave it 26 mpg overall. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm also states it it requires premium. I don't know. Money or at least and value are usually an object, for me. The RX 450h starts at ~$20K above a base Prius. That's a pretty big delta, in my book. Back in 2001, I sort of considered a AWD/4WD Lexus RX when in the market V6 4-door medium sized car. I figured I might want AWD/4WD since it sometimes snows in the Pacific Northwest. I balked when I saw the price of the 2WD ones and ended up buying an 02 Nissan Maxima GXE which was WAY cheaper. I've never spent even $40K for a car with tax, license and all so I'd be personally hesitant to spend the type of $ needed for a new RX 450h. Since some of your earlier posts indicated you had concerns about the interior quality of the Prius, why not look into an HS 250h, while you're at it? The HS hasn't done great in some reviews, for some odd reason, but I enjoyed my the one week free test drive I won of it. The interior is FAR nicer than any Prius and there are some gadgets available on it that aren't available on any US Prius such as HUD, front view wide monitor, Lexus Enform, memory power seats w/cooling seats (had heating too). My loaner unfortunately didn't have HUD nor front view wide monitor.
The question should be one RX40h or two Priuses. I want CT200h for the compact luxury class leading handling and near 50 MPG.
I just realized that the OP in the past has talked about squeezing in his drums. I have no idea how big they are but the HS might be too limiting in terms of cargo capacity and versatility compared to the Prius. Oh well.
Completely different, there is no way to compare. We have an RX (non-hybrid) and a Prius but there really is no comparing the two. They are made for completely different purposes and both do what they are meant to do excellently. The AWD of the RX comes in handy up the mountains sometimes, and the comfort on long hauls is unparalleled. The Prius is a MPG machine with all the tech comforts that coincide with the inner geek. The Lexus has the Lexus badge and you are kidding yourself if you say that isnt a reason for buying one. We could have bought a Toyota Rav4 (Well we do have one, but it is 04) instead of the Lexus and it would have done everything pretty much the same with slightly less better trim. You pay for the exclusive nature. Same like why you buy a Lambo instead of an Audi, or VW for that matter. If money is no object, then buy both and be happy.
For me, the Prius is a 'big car' with 'too much' power, so I would never consider driving a tank like the Lexus RX450h. Others may hold other opinions, but that is mine.
1962 Ford Falcon wagon 69 HP 1970 Ford Maverick 98 HP (automatic) 1977 Mazda 808 Mizer wagon 69 HP 1979 Mazda GLC 69 HP 1986 Ford Escort wagon 90 HP 1989 Toyota Corolla All-trac wagon 105 HP but AWD (new car) 2001 Subaru Forester 165 HP but AWD (new car) 2009 Toyota Prius 110 HP (new car) The Subie was faster than the Prius, but most of these cars were way slower 0-40 MPH Tiny station wagons are my vehicle of choice. AWD sucks up quite a lot of the HP out of an engine.
You're neglecting the fact that new cars have gotten a few times heavier compared to their older counterparts over the years due to all the required safety devices and therefore need more power to push. Older lightweight cars with only gas engine did match the Prius' fuel economy back then, but this is no longer possible because of the safety requirements.
Neither the Mizer or GLC could pull over 35 MPH in third, so I spent many uphill miles at 35 MPH. A 5 speed would have served them well. I never passed any car going uphill in the All-trac, except an All-trac with an automatic. The Maverick had get up and go, and in this list the Forester is a race car, but I really do prefer tiny station wagons, if the Prius had a wagon, I would have bought it over the hatchback.
The point is those cars would have topped out at 15 mph or so if they were to meet today's safety requirements and keep the same hp. So you like underpowered cars? Most of us don't.
At any price? Cayenne S Hybrid - All Cayenne Models - All Porsche Vehicles - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG fantastic SUV. much better than any toyota AWD system too
I now own a Lexus GS450H and it has gone into Lexus Garage twice now. Each time they gave me a completely new RX 450H to drive for a week each. I am impressed with the RX450H. It MPG is ok but compared to the power and the size of the car it is very impressive. It is a lovely car but for fun and speed I prefer my GS450h anytime (not pratical though but it is great fun). I no longer drive like a loser. The amount of power the GS gets its amazing and the MPG is acceptable.
