When the Lexus RX 300 debuted in 1998 it was the first of its kind: a car-based luxury SUV. Though it has many competitors now, it continues to be a top seller in the segment and is the most popular vehicle in the Lexus lineup.
In its third all-new iteration and available now, the 2010 RX 350 focuses on subtle refinements and significant new high-tech features. The 2010 RX 450h gasoline/electric hybrid goes on sale this summer.
2010 Lexus RX 350
ENGINE: 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6
TRANSMISSION: six-speed multimode automatic
DRIVE TRAIN: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (optional)
BASE PRICE: $36,800 (FWD), $38,200 (AWD)
FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city/25 highway (FWD), 18 city/24 highway (AWD)
WEB SITE: www.lexus.com
While the 2005 second-generation RX retained a family resemblance to the original, it grew six inches and lost its athletic stance for more of a luxury vehicle look. Stylingwise, the 2010 RX is an evolutionary change, growing only 1.38 inches in length and 1.6 in width and gaining a more sculpted appearance. Aerodynamics have been improved as well. It has picked up a few chrome bits and new 18- and optional 19-inch wheels. A new functional body-colored spoiler over the rear glass contains the AM/FM radio antenna, and the high-mount brake light. It creates a cleaner appearance and shields the rear wiper from the elements and car washes.
RX 450h will be distinguishable by blue-tinted light covers and badges, a unique 19-inch wheel and “hybrid” logos.
Interior design is nicely refined and new features abound. The navigation screen has been moved eight inches forward due to complaints about glare and fingerprints on the previous touch screen. This necessitated a remote control, which cleans up the overall appearance of the instrument panel.
Called remote touch, it’s a hit compared to the rotary dials of luxury competitors. Placed just right in the console, it’s intuitive to use with the familiar feeling of a computer mouse. It can be operated by either the driver or the passenger; certain functions are blocked while in motion, but can be accessed via voice commands.
When the cursor is moved over graphic buttons on the screen, the touch pad actually gives some feedback so you “feel” the buttons. The console runs full length now, though there is a purse-sized hole left in the lower section where previous models had a space.
A backup camera is available in vehicles without navigation, with a display that appears in the rearview mirror. Other thoughtful touches for light-colored interiors include dark-colored mats that have a chance to stay looking clean and a dark low-glare finish on the top of the instrument panel.
In terms of ride and handling, the outgoing RX was a pleasant driver, but the 2010 RX has noticeably improved thanks to new electric power steering and a more sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension. The rear suspension has the side benefit of increasing cargo area room since the strut towers, which intruded inside, are eliminated.
Tweaks to the valve timing, manifold design and computer mapping resulted in a negligible 5-horsepower and 6 pound-feet of torque increase in the RX 350. Hardly enough to tell in the seat of the pants, but the new six-speed transmission has a lower first and second gear for a crisper launch feel. So much so that it tended to be jerky from a stop if an average-amount throttle was applied, though it was easy to become accustomed to the conservative throttle input needed for smooth acceleration. This behavior certainly contributes to fuel efficiency as well.
On the topic of fuel efficiency, Lexus has done the unthinkable: added a significant amount of weight to the vehicle yet still improved fuel mileage across the board. The RX 350 has picked up some 500 pounds even though Lexus points to several improved components with reduced mass. Engineers always claim weight savings is the magic bullet for fuel-economy improvement, so it attests to the success of numerous drivetrain refinements to the RX. Hybrid mileage improved as well, netting an indicated average of 26.2 mpg on our test loop of mixed driving, not far off the 28 cited by Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
The hybrid drive system employs several improvements, including an Atkinson-cycle engine that improves efficiency, though at the expense of power output. Popular for use in some other hybrids, the addition of electric drive makes up for the power loss; the 2010 RX 450h has a combined output of 295-horsepower, up 27 from the current model.
Lexus is targeting younger buyers as well as current RX owners with the redesign. Most of the improvements and new technology features were based on feedback from current RX drivers. Pricing for RX 350 starts at $36,800 for front-wheel drive and $38,200 for all-wheel drive. According to Al Smith, vice president of Lexus customer services, this represents about $2,000 more content than the outgoing model for about $900 less.
