The display isn't touch-sensitive and is controlled by Lexus' joystick-like Remote Touch Controller. Both have ample engine power and composed handling as well, and they even have similar price tags. Being electric, the torque to the rear axle is instantaneous when needed for accelerating or gripping. It's that sort of consistent attention to detail that really makes me appreciate Lexus as a luxury marquee. Single stainless steel exhaust S Traction battery capacity kWh 2 Mode select transmission S Alternator S Front-wheel drive S Overdrive S Transmission lock-up torque converter S Battery pack voltage 288 S Nickel metal hydride battery pack S Axle ratio 3. Tech that entertains and Enforms At the top of the dashboard, sunken deep beneath a brow that shades it from the sun and glare, is the color display for the Lexus Enform with Remote Touch infotainment system.
I particularly like how the power windows slow down for the last few inches of their travel, closing silently rather than thunking shut. We know the information you need before you head to the dealer, and we aim to deliver that knowledge in our comprehensive car reviews. This stick fits in the hand like a trackball and moves a cursor around the display to make selections like a mouse. See your dealer for details. If there is a trade-off to the smooth, silent hybrid system, it's a lack of pedal feel. The lateral performance damping system does deliver some upside. See your dealer for details.
If you click the right boxes and ante up for some upgrades, the optional seats are worth it as they have the additional long-distance support of length-adjustable lower cushions. Both models include all the usual safety features—ten airbags, side bags for the rear seats, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes—but there's a least a handful of features that really stand out. The Remote Touch Controller takes some getting used to, but it fits nicely under your hand and features rewarding haptic feedback. Guilt over being so wasteful with fuel in your Lexus hybrid will have you lifting before the noise gets too annoying. The Remote Touch controller remains a mandatory part of the interface that we're conflicted about, but nearly everyone will like that the new Enform system enables apps for Pandora streaming audio and other information services.
This seems a bit imbalanced. It gets the outstanding gas mileage you expect from a hybrid, has spacious and supportive seats, and provides plenty of cargo room — all of which make it a great choice for families. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Lexus extends its original new-car warranty to cover six years or unlimited mileage. The rear seats are also contoured for adult-sized passengers, and those seats flip forward when you need to haul around larger items. Hybrid models perform nearly as well--in an absolute sense, though they manage to mute out even more of the outside world through the steering and brakes. New for 2013 was a Sport Mode that gives you revised throttle mapping with more aggressive tip-in plus different transmission shift points that let the engine rev a bit higher. The whisper-quiet power train and excellent noise and wind deadening allow the optional Mark Levinson audio system to shine unmolested, creating the best possible conditions for it to deliver one of the great mobile listening experiences.
Motions are well damped, as they are in a good luxury sedan, and the only noise you do hear is during moderate to hard acceleration—more so in 450h models. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the carefully. We Did the Research for You: 47 Pieces of Data Analyzed At U. Both vehicles have upscale cabins, comfortable seats, and strong mpg ratings. Instead, it's practical, typically more affordable, oftentimes more reliable, and it has a lot of technology packaged into a car that doesn't appear to be fiscally or environmentally irresponsible.
News, we do your car research for you. Drive the hybrid gently and you'll glide from stops in electric-only mode, with the V-6 almost imperceptibly kicking on at 20 or 25 mph. Lexus vehicles have a reputation for being not just refined and comfortable, but also for being exceptionally well-equipped. You probably drive past a dozen of these on your way to work -- some hybrid, some not, some new and some old -- and never take a second glance. Onscreen selections are made by pressing the Remote Touch's square control stick like a button. A score of three is considered average across all vehicles. There's no drama and no wheelspin, just a brief surge of electric torque before the engine joins the chorus with plentiful power.
See your dealer for details. We put our expertise into every car review on our site with the goal of helping you — the buyer. Power is driven to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Power comes from a 275-horsepower, 3. You'll find no 3D Google Earth Web-connected maps here. Voice-command recognition is also included, as is a year of the Safety Connect concierge service there's a subscription fee after that. That may not leave much room for excitement—or agility—since performance plays second fiddle to comfort and refinement in these models.
See your dealer for details. The combo works together to get you a maximum of 295 available horsepower. The smooth ride was a bit floaty, but did an excellent job of isolating me from the imperfections of the road. It's also positioned in a way that makes it very easy for the driver to reach, but awkward for the front passenger. The rear seats have plenty of legroom, and they slide and recline for added comfort. See your dealer for details. That is, unless you're lucky enough to find yourself sitting inside of one and enjoying its comfortable ride, reliable performance, and well-thought-out amenities.
It hides the hybrid's the total torque output as well. It's very cool, but also a bit weird. The Enform system features voice command that puts many of its features just the touch of a steering wheel button away. While the hybrid likes a light foot, it has a tendency to smooth out pedal input, which is good for fuel economy, but can create a slight lag when you need a quick squirt of power for a pass. The automaker hides its engine under plastic shrouds.
Adaptive lighting and automatic high beams are also optional. Front-wheel drive is also standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Where it truly excels, however, is in gas mileage. Under a sea of plastic engine covers designed to muffle power-train noise and keep you from mucking around with the oily bits, you'll find a 3. Aluminum cylinder head S Fuel economy city 32 mpg Torque 234 lbs. One of the best benefits of the Lexus hybrid system doesn't show up on the spec sheet.