2011 Lexus RX 450h — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Lexus RX 450h is an SUV powered by a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 34–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Lexus RX 450h workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2010 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 37 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 31 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h, all with the 3.5L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 28 to 29 mpg (US), or 34 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (29/27) | 197 | $2,950 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (31/28) | 190 | $2,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h
Running Costs: 2011 Lexus RX 450h
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Lexus RX 450h at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Lexus RX 450h Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Lexus RX 450h. The most-reported areas are Engine (12), Electrical system (5), Service brakes (5). Complaints include 6 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 3 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 36 complaints across the 12 Lexus RX 450h model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (12 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (5 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (5 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Body structure (5 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Lexus RX 450h compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 35 mpg figure is 8 mpg better than that average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 63 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Lexus models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Lexus RX 450h's 35 mpg is 7 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 62 g/km lower than the 252 g/km Lexus average.
Of the 13 Lexus RX 450h model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Lexus RX 450h year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Lexus RX 450h have?
It's fitted with a 3.5L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (av-s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Lexus RX 450h?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 34 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Lexus RX 450h cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Lexus RX 450h have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Lexus RX 450h have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Lexus RX 450h?
Among the 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (12 complaints), Electrical system (5 complaints), Service brakes (5 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Lexus RX 450h's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.