Hybrids have a mixed history at the Tow Car Awards. The RX450h is definitely one of the better petrol-electric cars we’ve tested, but it’s far from perfect.
The combination of a 3.5-litre V6 and a pair of electric motors makes the RX seriously quick. It took just 9.9 seconds to go from 30-60mph.
For the most part it’s a stable tow car, too. The Lexus was reassuring at 70mph and felt as if it could have gone faster. However, it took longer to recover from short, sharp steering inputs than the best heavyweight tow cars, and the RX was too wayward in the lane-change for the driver to attempt the third and fastest run. The biggest disappointment was the lengthy braking distance from 30mph.
Practicality let the Lexus down. The noseweight limit of just 80kg is very low for such a big heavy car, and it will need careful caravan loading to be sure it isn’t exceeded. The absence of self-levelling suspension or trailer stability control also reduced the RX’s score.
However, there’s no arguing with the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability, and low emissions make the Lexus RX450h a good choice for a company car driver looking to keep a tight rein on his or her tax bill.
