Customers looking to purchase a hybrid crossover may be pleased to learn that the Lexus RX 450h will be offered with a huge price cut in 2018. However, the addition of certain features will lessen the initial discount.
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h will have a starting price of $46,690, making it $7,340 cheaper than last year's model. This price cut means that customers who were initially planning to purchase the standard RX300 can upgrade to the eco-friendly variant for just $1,025 more.
However, according to Cars Direct, a consequence of this price reduction is that the hybrid crossover will be coming with less equipment. For example, leather and heated/ventilated seats, which were previously offered as standard features, will now require an additional $640.
Meanwhile, customers looking to add the Premium Package for $1,100 will first have to purchase a power tilt and slide moonroof and aluminum roof rails for $1,350. Both the moonroof and roof rails came standard in the previous model year.
Customers will now have to pay $2,120 for the navigation system and $1,065 for the blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic braking.
Adding all these features will increase the base price of the 2018 Lexus RX 450h to $52,975, which translates to a smaller price reduction of $1,055. Regardless, customers will still be able to purchase a luxury hybrid crossover for a little bit less than last year.
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. It comes standard with an all-wheel drive system. In terms of performance, the hybrid crossover attains 31 miles per gallon (mpg) during city driving, 28 mpg during highway driving and 30 mpg during combined driving.
In related news, Lexus will be adding a new model to the hybrid lineup. The RX 450hL, slated to arrive next spring, will provide increased passenger capacity with three rows of seating. The automaker has not yet announced pricing for the upcoming variant.
