The Holidays are my favorite time of the year next to off-season vacations I get to take with my family. To change the pace a bit this year, my family and I set out on a journey to drive out to Dallas, TX from Jacksonville, FL to visit family. Originally, we had our eyes set on flying out, but due to the record-low gas prices, we decided that a road trip was in store. The only detail left up in the air was our choice of a vehicle to take our trip in. The list was short for our selection, so, I took the task of figuring out what vehicle was comfortable enough yet fuel efficient for us to travel in true luxury style. On the short list the 2014 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid stood out, claiming our winning candidate in a perfect balance of luxury, comfort, performance and fuel savings.
Mobile, AL at USS Alabama BB-60 Battleship park
We set out on a journey to travel in the lap of luxury with a hint of fuel conscious driving without sacrificing anything, including performance. From our previous reviews of the Lexus GS 450h you can already conclude that we found this vehicle to be a commandeering indulgence due to its as-tested price of $70K. Despite pricing, the GS 450h was a formidable approach to getting 34 mpg on the highway, a cabin laced in luxury with bamboo, perforated heated and ventilated seats, a supple ride, and enough oomph to reach 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
See Also: 2014 Lexus GS 450h Review & Test Drive
Interstate I20 Entering Texas
Our trip started off with much to like about the Lexus GS 450h, getting a respectable 32.1 mpg while traveling at interstate speeds. To my surprise, the fuel consumption figure exponentially drops off when you exceed 70 mph, yet anything around 65 mph and lower you will expect to get 34 mph or better in some circumstances. Reaching the Louisiana border where speed limits increase to 75 mph gave way to a lower 30.5 mpg. The remainder of the trip sufficed few trips to the gas pump as we saw prices inch even lower as we entered into Texas.
Car Wash in Dallas, TX area
Before concluding our trip we hit several rain storms, further proving the road prowess of the GS 450h. The hybrid retains its stature even when toting 4,190 pounds plus our 13.2 cubic-foot trunk packed full of luggage and Christmas gifts.
Dark Interstate I10 Heading Home to Jacksonville, FL
Rounding off our trip on the way back home it was evident that the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) coupled with the V6 engine and pair of electric motors was among the best culmination of a hybrid system in a luxury vehicle. Even though I digress in my dispassion with CVT transmissions, Lexus has pulled off an amazing feat that hardly ever correlates the negative sides of the GS 450h’s distant Prius hybrid sibling. This is far more than a dolled up Prius, this is a 338 horsepower – gas sipping – luxury cruiser that deserves a close look at the well-endowed statement it makes before you gasp at its price tag. The GS 450h hybrid is more for the consumption conscious with the proper monetary means who never wants to sacrifice anything because of its hybrid connotation, rather than someone who is looking to save money. I totally get it.
Copyright: 2014 AutomotiveAddicts.com
