The 5-Year-Old Lexus Hybrid SUV That You Should Buy Today

Hybrid SUVs can cost a pretty penny because of their complex powertrain systems. Some of the most popular hybrid SUVs have starting prices between $31,000 and upwards of $50,000, depending on their size. Luckily, depreciation helps make some of the most expensive hybrid SUVs affordable. Depreciation can also make luxury hybrid SUVs accessible to those with tighter budgets.

One used Lexus hybrid SUV provides incredible value for its price. Furthermore, it’s extremely reliable and should be able to stand the test of time. Is this Lexus hybrid SUV your next vehicle purchase, or is it a hard pass?

In order to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources.

Why The 2019 Lexus RX450h Is A Great Used Buy

The 2019 Lexus RX450h is the hybrid variant of the Lexus RX midsize SUV. This luxury midsize hybrid SUV is a close relative to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, there are some things you should know about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Toyota’s midsize hybrid SUV is legendary to gearheads who value longevity. It’s one of the most long-lasting SUVs around and one of the most likely vehicles on roads today to hit 250,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.com. Suffice it to say, the Lexus RX 450h comes from a fine family. Furthermore, it’s even flashier than its Toyota predecessor as a luxury model.

In a nutshell, the 2019 Lexus RX450h is a great used buy because it can be found at affordable prices, has exceptional fuel economy, and is well-equipped. Luxury vehicles like the RX450h cost a pretty penny when brand-new, so getting a used one is a great way to enjoy a premium driving and ownership experience at a fraction of the price. If you regularly travel with a few passengers and appreciate a refined interior, affordable refueling costs, and a dependable powertrain, it’s easy to see why the 2019 RX450h is considered a steal at the right price. So, what is the “right price”?

How Much A Five-Year-Old RX450h Costs

Kelley Blue Book claims that a 2019 Lexus RX450h that has accumulated around 79,000 miles has a typical listing price of $31,762. It has a fair purchase price of $31,262. This may seem steep, but the 2019 RX450’s original MSRP was $46,245 for the base model. So, a fair purchase price of $31,262 means that the luxury midsize hybrid SUV has lost nearly $15,000 in value due to depreciation.

Another factor to keep in mind is the SUV’s longevity. If you can find one with 79,000 miles or less, it should last for an additional eight years, at least based on the average annual driving range. It could last for 11 years or more if properly maintained. So, under $32K for a five-year-old RX450h is actually a great deal, especially considering its performance specs.

The 2019 Lexus RX450h Produces 308 Horsepower

What’s a luxury vehicle without ample power? The RX450h uses a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and three electric motors to produce a whopping 308 ponies. It boasts 247 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty of power for a family SUV. The addition of electric motors to the powertrain setup makes the RX450h more powerful than its gas version and more efficient. So, the RX450h is exhilarating to drive, but it also isn’t a gas guzzler, unlike many luxury midsize SUVs. This combination is the best of both worlds for drivers who enjoy powerful vehicles but don’t want to break the bank at the gas pump.

Performance Specifications

The 2019 Lexus RX450h produces excellent power for its segment and it’s efficient for its size. It can travel for nearly 500 miles before needing to refuel. The RX450h has impressive performance specs that hint at an enjoyable and cost-effective ownership experience compared to the average luxury midsize family SUV.

2019 RX450h Trims New. vs. Used Prices

Lexus’ midsize hybrid SUV comes in four trim levels. The base model is luxurious but there are upper trim levels that are sportier and more opulent.

The 2019 RX450hL is a three-row model that’s ideal for folks that need more seats in their midsize hybrid SUV. Its KBB fair purchase price is only $895 higher than the base model. The 2019 Lexus RX 450h F Sport AWD is the sportiest version of the luxury midsize hybrid SUV. It features a sport-tuned suspension and F Sport interior/exterior styling. This trim has a Kelley Blue Book fair purchase price that is $5,025.

The 450h F Sport is the flashiest, most performance-oriented trim. The 450hL luxury is the final configuration. It’s a three-row version that includes the best features Lexus has to offer like semi-aniline leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated front and rear seats. The 450hL Luxury does not have a KBB fair purchase price. Expect used models to start at around $40,000 based on the price of lower trims.

The Lexus RX450h’s Legendary Ancestor

Now that you have a pretty good idea of what the Lexus RX450h has to offer, let’s circle back to its origins and predecessor. The first-ever Highlander Hybrid hit the scene in the summer of 2005 as a 2006 model year. So, The Highlander Hybrid has been around for nearly two decades. In that time Toyota has arguably perfected its hybrid technology, and most of the brand’s portfolio has been converted to hybrid vehicles. There are even some hybrid-only options like the Camry, Sienna, Sequoia, and more.

The Highlander Hybrid has become a staple for families that value reliability and stellar fuel economy. Lexus’ iteration of the Highlander Hybrid has carved out its own identity and gained its own following due to its unique exterior body style and luxurious standard features. So, it may have the same DNA as the Highlander Hybrid, but it has a personality and demographic of its own.

RX450h Issues And Recalls

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The 2019 Lexus RX450h earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It received scores of “Good” for crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. CarComplaints.com only features two complaints registered against the 2019 RX450h, with the 2010 model year being the most problematic. According to NHTSA, the luxury midsize hybrid SUV has never been recalled.

New VS. Used Lexus RX450h

New vehicles aren’t always the better option when it comes to value. Getting a brand-new vehicle likely means you will be on the receiving end of depreciation while used vehicle buyers can benefit from depreciation. So, how has the RX450h changed over time, and is the 2019 model year the superior luxury midsize hybrid SUV?

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid has a higher starting price than the 2019 model year, which makes sense due to inflation. It produces less power than the 2019 RX Hybrid. The newest model is significantly more efficient than the 2019 Lexus RX 450h. It has an incredible driving range for a midsize SUV. Ultimately, the 2019 Lexus RX Hybrid is a better deal today because of depreciation, but the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid clearly features several performance improvements on top of a redesigned exterior and interior.