2010 Lexus RX 350

Review

When Lexus presented the first luxury crossover to U.S. clientele, the 1999 RX 300 was an immediate success.  It had

sleek lines, a willing V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, a low profile, wide stance and carried five adults and their belongings in appropriate comfort and style.  

The RX model has since been reworked several times - the engine grew to 3.3L in 2003 (RX 330), Lexus released its first hybrid crossover model (RX 400h) in 2005 and the gasoline engine version became an RX 350 in 2006.  Lexus has chosen 2010 as the year to revamp its category-leading model, making the RX lineup even more relevant than it was at initial market infiltration.

As a 2010 entry, the RX model line will arrive – beginning late February - in two distinct flavors: a gas-powered RX350 and the revamped RX450h hybrid.  All RX models share the same athletic styling that stems from the original RX300 DNA that culminates with a lowered coefficient of drag at 0.33, down from 0.35.  

The

reworked body shows a pronounced shoulder line, front-to-rear, and arched wheel openings, mirror-integrated turn signal lamps and amended rear exterior styling that hides the back window's wiper under a body-colored spoiler cum shade and changes location of the tail lamps, bringing them slightly lower on the body.  Additional chrome accents add to the luxurious appearance.

Lexus engineers have increased the amount of sound deadening at the base of the chassis and throughout the wheel wells, using coatings and underbody covers.  While the result is a very quiet interior, there is no feeling of isolation; there is a distinct connection to the road.  These amendments to the 2010 RX ride give it an excellent compromise in chassis dynamics.  

While the size of the ULEV-rated engine in the RX 350 hasn't changed – the DOHC mill is a four-valve, all-aluminum unit of 3,456 cc – its output is up by five horsepower

to 275 at 6,200 rpm and torque has increased to 257 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm, up by five as well.

The RX 450h, too, has an aluminum V6 engine block and heads.  Without the addition of the Atkinson cycle hybrid motor that replaces the Otto cycle drive previously used, it sports 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, using variable valve timing.  Add in the NiMH hybrid battery pack (under the rear seats) and permanent magnet motor, and output jumps to 295 horsepower, up 27 from the RX 400h.  Lexus is not releasing torque figures for the SULEV-rated hybrid model.

The hybrid's Atkinson cycle hybrid drive features cooled exhaust gas recirculation, exhaust heat recovery and the latest technology for hybrid power inversion.  There is a driver-operated ECO mode switch as well as an EV mode switch,

allowing total electric drive at up to 25 mph.  The RX 450h is physically distinguished from its sister car through a unique grille and fascia, blue-tinted headlamp covers and blue hybrid logos on the chrome splash plates.  Blue badging and blue tail lamp lenses complete the physical distinctions.

The first six-speed shiftable automatic transmission for any Lexus RX model is 13 pounds lighter than the 5-speed it replaces and close to an inch shorter.  It features lower first and second gears to improve launch performance and enhance acceleration. Lexus fits closer ratios for the final three gears to improve fuel economy in town and over the road.  The result is two very quick vehicles with impressive mileage ratings: 18/24/20 for the RX 350 and 28/26/27 for the RX 450h hybrid.

The front MacPherson strut suspension has been retuned for the newest edition of the RX crossover, and Lexus has done quite a job reducing the height on its rear double-wishbone independent suspension.  Lower damper mounting position and under-floor spring placement aids better ingress/egress and hatch liftover, and gains the new RX five percent more overall luggage space.

Normally, I find electric power steering vague to the touch, but the Lexus speed sensitive steering fit to these RX models is delightfully on-spot.  Lexus claims the power steering motor hikes fuel economy by about three percent over the previous generation RX.  Because the unit uses no hydraulic fluid, it cuts maintenance and helps the environment – and it's a simple, compact design.

The new

2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h have an alphabet soup of brake systems: ABS, TRAC, VSC, EBD and BA, together with hill-start assistance control that stops the crossover from rolling backwards.

The elegance of the new RX cannot be matched in this – or many other – class of vehicle.  Thanks to the efficiency of its chassis, the cabin is roomier than the prior model.  All RX models have tilt/telescope steering columns and a driver's seat that slides two inches rearward – as the steering wheel tilts upward – for entry.

The newly designed, 10-way power front seats are shaped to accommodate arm movement when the available Remote Touch (see below) is in use.  Front seats are ventilated for comfort on hot and humid days.  To complement available leather seating (cloth is standard), all Lexus RX models have standard wood trim, in either brown walnut or espresso bird's eye maple.

In

its continuing search for excellence, Lexus fits 10 standard airbags and includes knee airbags for driver and front passenger.  Roll sensors inflate the head curtains if a predetermined threshold is detected.  Lexus uses a combination of LED and incandescent lighting to provide rear map light and footwell illumination, another safety feature.

Inside, the gauge screen is black until ignited by the start/stop button.  The center console design is arrayed in zones beginning with a multi-information/navigation display at the top; the freeform central stack then delves into heating, air conditioning and ventilation switches.  None of the vehicles driven during our preview lacked navigation systems.

Black gauges on the hybrid are rimmed in a gentle blue top and features white numbers and pointers.  Vehicle information icons are each bathed in an appropriate color – red for seat belts and brakes and orange for the tire pressure monitoring system and other vehicle aids.  The dash is not backlit; rather, it has an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED) that ensures readability from a wide angle.

A multi-information

switch on the right side of the full-function steering wheel allows the driver to switch modes for driving (ECO and EV modes for RX 450h hybrid, ECO indicator for RX 350) and to access trip computer data by paging through the available entries.  The switch mode also supports various extra cost options like adaptive front lights and intuitive parking assist.

Anyone who has ever used a touch-screen interface will appreciate what Lexus has done to eradicate the resulting mess on the viewing screen with its Remote Touch interface, an easy reach on the center console.  Previous mouse users – 99 percent of us – will find the interface intuitive to use.

The navigation feature is an integrated screen that splits on highways to name upcoming exits.  There is real-time XM satellite traffic that notes tie-ups in the general vicinity and real-time weather, both free for three months and fee-based thereafter.

The central

storage area contains an audio input jack, USB plugs, a 12-volt input and standard Bluetooth connectivity.  Lexus offers rear-seat entertainment for the RX models with dual 7-inch screens set into each front headrest.  Slide/recline rear seating is uncompromised with a 40/20/40 fold and remote release levers in the cargo area.

The fully carpeted and covered hatch area holds 40 cubic feet with both seats up.  There are hooks and clips to secure wayward items.  The hatch door is lowered by an accessible touchpad button.

Lexus provided us with several variants of the new 2010 RX 350 and 450h to drive around San Diego County in California.  The RX 350 will be 80 percent of the build, while the RX 450h hybrid will constitute 20 percent of vehicles in the coming sales year, arriving in March.

Based on

driving experiences with both vehicles, the hybrid is my out-and-out choice.  Where once discernible when the machine went from electric to fuel drive, this is now a seamless segue.  The vehicle charges when the driver lifts from the accelerator; it is no longer necessary to brake forcefully to enact charging. And as an interesting side note, the technology inherent in the RX 450h is already trickling down to the 2010 Toyota Prius, announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The suspension is delightful and direct and there is no excess body roll.  The handling is entirely predictable and willing; the ride is compliant but not soft.  

Pricing has not been announced but expect the RX 350 to start just under $40 large, with the RX 450h a few grand higher.  

Where the previous RX hybrid was kind of like one's eccentric auntie, the 2010 RX 450h feels like an old friend or even a comfortable pair of shoes.  It's the complete package.