ShareThisUnless you look closely and you know what to look for, you're not likely to recognize the 2010 Lexus RX.
It's intentional. Since its introduction in 1999 as the RX300, this car-based crossover has been the runaway sales leader among luxury sport utility vehicles.
In 1998, Mercedes-Benz was the first luxury manufacturer to offer a distinct all-wheel drive SUV, the ML 320. It was truck-like, with body-on-frame construction and substantial off-road capabilities.
Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota, took a softer approach with the RX, basing it on the ES sedan/Toyota Camry, with unit-body construction. Its acceptance was such that Mercedes later converted the ML to a similar unit-body design. But the Lexus RX continued as the sales leader.
With that sort of a loyal following, the designers at Lexus were loathe to tinker with the basic package. Hence, the styling that is only massaged, not drastically re-sculpted.
The front has a more prominent, cleaner look, but the profile is basically the same. From the rear, it looks like, well, any old RX.
The RX continues as a five-passenger vehicle, though only four sit comfortably because the center-rear position is a hard perch.
But thanks to a newly-designed rear suspension system with reduced intrusions into the interior, the cargo area is larger. It can hold 40 cubic feet of stuff -- or about three times the trunk volume of a mid-sized sedan. Fold the rear seatbacks and the space doubles.
But that's mostly old news. The headlines for the 2010 RX are all about technology and new features.
As before, there are two versions: The 350, with a 275-horsepower V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 450h hybrid, which uses a V6 gasoline engine with electric motors that give it a combined 295 horsepower working through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Both models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. On the hybrid, the front wheels are driven by the gasoline engine and electric motor. A separate electric motor drives the rear wheels.
Because the more powerful hybrid is several hundred pounds heavier, the performance is similar. The 350 can accelerate to 60 miles an hour in 7.5 seconds, according to Lexus test figures, and the 450h feels about the same.
But because of its hybrid power train, the all-wheel drive 450h delivers 30/28 miles per gallon on the government's city/highway fuel consumption cycle, compared to 18/24 for the 350 with all-wheel drive. The front-drive version does slightly better at 32/28 for the 450h and 18/25 for the 350.
Both the hybrid and gasoline-engine models deliver a creamy luxury ride and competent handling, thanks to the supple suspension system and electric power steering. If you're the sort who values sharper handling, you can order the $1,300 sport package, which includes a stiffer suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and computer-controlled handling adjustments.
The result is a harsher ride but more tactile sensations and precision on twisting, hilly roads. Deep and comfortable front seats with good thigh and lateral support ameliorate some of the harshness.
The RX350's new six-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually for more driver involvement. You can also do that with the RX450h's CVT, but it works way differently.
There are no shift points in a CVT, which transmits the engine's power seamlessly, almost as if you were running an electric motor. The 450h's CVT is different because it uses planetary gears instead of the usual belts and pulleys. It mimics manual shifting with software and computer controls, and the shifts happen instantly with no hiccups.
The hybrid also uses a different combustion cycle in its gasoline engine, which enhances its fuel economy.
All the new technology and other improvements, according to the RX's chief engineer, Takayuki Katsuda, are aimed at enhancing driver confidence, control and comfort.
One addition is a new version of a concept that is more than half a century old: automatic headlight dimming. Way back in 1952, you could order the Autronic Eye on Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs.
The new RX also features remote touch, a computer mouse-like control for on-screen functions, a head-up display; XM satellite radio with traffic and weather information, music player connectivity, memory seat and mirror adjustments while the vehicle is moving, and a wide-view side monitor system.
The last incorporates a television camera in the right outside mirror that covers a blind spot on the right front of the car. The picture displays on the navigation screen and could warn a driver of a high curb or low post that might damage the vehicle while turning or backing up.
Also new are 10 airbags, including knee bags, a rear wiper concealed under the rooftop spoiler, lower door extensions that cover the rocker panels, remote starting, and tiny windows at the base of the front pillars for improved visibility. However, the tiny window on the driver's side is obscured for most drivers.
Starting prices are $39,025 for the RX350 all-wheel drive and more than $4,000 additional for the RX450h. Extensive options on the tested RX350 boosted the price to $54,870.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
DriveWaysWith LEXUSRX350-specs
