2012 Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Just because you like some style and comfort in your ride doesn't mean you don't care about the environment, too. The Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover allows drivers to get the best of both worlds; it's a classic Lexus luxury vehicle with eco-friendly tendencies. Unlike some other 'green' cars, the RX lets drivers actually feel the power of acceleration while simultaneously maintaining an environmentally conscious Super Ultralow Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating. And, sure to make drivers really happy in today's soaring gas prices, the Lexus SUV Crossover has a mileage rating of 32 miles per gallon city, 28 highway for a combined 30 mpg. Of course, that's with front wheel drive; impressively, all-wheel drive can get drivers 30 miles per gallon city, 28 highway with a net of 29 mpg.

With the Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover's electric motors, Atkinson cycle 3.5 liter engine, and various other fuel saving capabilities, it's no wonder it's number one in its class of hybrid crossovers. What is interesting to note is that despite its green tendencies, the Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover also maintains the Lexus standard for luxury. Drivers cannot praise the vehicle enough for its smooth ride, plush, quiet and extravagant interior and a high-tech package that makes other luxury vehicles, crossover or no, pale in shamed comparison. The seats are comfortable, sinkable; the space within the cabin of this SUV makes it a simple joy to be a passenger, which is a definite advantage in this world of smaller and smaller vehicles. And the best part of it all is that the vehicle's comfort doesn't detract in any way from its performance on the road.

While not as sporty as some other SUVs, the Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover holds its own in the performance arena. Though some drivers feel as though the sheer comfort of this vehicle, from its softly-sprung suspension to the quiet hush of its electric motor, actually diminishes its excitement, not one of them can say that the Lexus Hybrid Crossover doesn't perform. Being a fully capable hybrid, the RX can be switched from solely electric to solely gas, as well as a duet of the two. The gas engine of this luxury SUV produces a remarkable 245 horsepower; when combined, the RX's V6 engine integrated with the electric motor comes in at just under 300 hp. And because of the Atkinson cycle engine, the combustion and fuel economy are efficiently used, with no wasted energy.

While some luxury SUVs seem to skimp on the 'lux' factor when making the hybrid crossover, the Lexus RX has found a way to incorporate the best of both worlds in this package. With all the fabulous high-tech aspects, the extravagant appointments and overall comfort of the Lexus RX Hybrid SUV Crossover, you'll be hard-pressed to find a luxury SUV that manages to successfully combine luxury and economy. If you've got the cash, you can't do better than this vehicle to get you where you want to go in comfort while helping do your part to be 'green'; most people, however, will find that the additional features make the RX just a bit too far out of reach, no matter how grand.