Anyone tow with a Lexus RX450h?

Lisa33

I'm considering making a change in my tow vehicle. I currently tow with a BMW X5, which has a 6,000 lb towing capacity. It also has pretty crappy fuel economy. I get about14 or 15 mpg on a good day while towing. If I give into temptation on the highways out west and go above 65, that plummets to 11-12 mpg. I am very drawn to the Lexus RX450h because of the fuel economy (it's a hybrid). It gets an average of about 30 mpg (not towing), which is about twice what my car gets while city driving. The kicker for me is that the Lexus has only a 3,500 lb towing capacity. My trailer weighs 2,200 lbs dry. Its gross weight is listed at 3,300, but that's with 1,100 lbs of water, propane and cargo. I don't ever have anywhere close to that onboard. So, I'm going to say that it's probably no more than somewhere around 2800 fully loaded. Anyway, I'm just giving some serious thought to whether I want to consider a vehicle with a 3,500 lb rating. The fuel economy is oh so very attractive, though! Does anyone else tow with one? I'd also be interested in feedback from anyone who tows a trailer close to their vehicle's rated towing capacity. Thanks! Lisa

greggburch

We bought a T@B this summer and have been pulling it all summer with a 2008 Highlander Hybrid all over Colorado. Drug it over Loveland Pass and Vail Pass coming and going last weekend. Held 65 up a steep ascent to 11,000 ft. And pulled well at 70 mph on rolling hills.

Lisa33

Thank you, Gregg! @greggburch That is good to hear. I was actually surprised to learn that the hybrids have more horsepower than their gas engine only counterparts because of the addition of the electric motors. I've always equated fuel economy with lower performance. Well, I'm the happy owner of the RX450h. Here's hoping I'm still happy when I start towing with it! Your response has me feeling encouraged. Thanks!

greggburch

Somewhere along the way, hybrid technology for American consumers moved from just fuel economy to better performance. The Highlander has been one of the best cars I've owned. It's got 150,000 miles on it so far. Looking forward to many camping adventures with it. 

Lisa33

Ooh, also good to hear! I normally say no to service contracts, but decided to spring for the 6-year service agreement on this one. I hope to keep it for a long time, too!

Peter_S

Hi Lisa, Now that you've had the RX 450h for a while have you had a good towing experience with it?  It's appealing to me for the mileage when. I'm not towing with it so it seems ideal. Thanks. 

LisaTucson

Any update on pulling with a Lexus RX 450h? I just bought a tab and will be pulling with it. Any advice on getting it set up with wiring and brake controller?

jgram2

Hey there @Lisa33 Are you still camping with or without your Lexus? Curious minds want to know. 😊

dragonsdofly

@jgram2, @Lisa33 hasn't been active on the forum since November,  2015. She may be out there, but it's unlikely you're going to get an answer after all this time.

GrandmasKid

We.ve been towing our Outback with a 2010 Highlander Hybrid (which also has a 3500 lb towing capacity). Weve got 16,000 miles on the T@B so far, including towing out of Death Valley to above Yosemite Valley without any problems. Knock on wood!

daizie24

Got a Tab 320S 2021 & a RH450h 2021 as towing vehicle. Getting a 22 MPG high way the most so far.