First Look: 2010 Lexus RX350 & RX450h
By Justin Couture, MSN Autos
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s a pretty good phrase to live by if you’re in the auto industry, and it’s a rule that Lexus has followed to a tee with the new third generation RX luxury crossover.
Since 1998, the RX has been Lexus’ best-selling sport utility/crossover, beating the truck-based GX and LX-series vehicles. Part of its success can be attributed to it being one of the first car-based crossovers on the market, and in more recent years, due to the launch of the RX400h hybrid model. With such a strong following and a positive image, it isn’t difficult to see why Lexus didn’t want to change its recipe.
From far, the 2010 RX looks more or less the same as the outgoing model, though the new crossover rides on a marginally longer wheelbase and slightly wider track. Over the past three generations, the RX’s body has become progressively flatter, and more streamlined; this latest model cuts through the air with ease due to a car-like drag rating of 0.32 cd.
Bucking the trend of other premium crossovers, the RX will only be offered with two rows of seats. Lexus says that its customers perceived the luxury crossover as being “the right size.” Lexus did, however, improve the cargo bay’s utility by fitting a more compact rear suspension system. By changing from struts to double wishbones, the new RX has a more voluminous bay with fewer intrusions.
In the powertrain department, the gasoline-only RX350 retains its 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine, but it’s been revised to generate an additional 5 horsepower for a grand total of 275 hp. The RX350 also receives a new six-speed automatic transmission, which takes the place of the outgoing model’s five-speed auto.
Bigger changes can be found in the hybrid camp. The RX400h is now the RX450h; its engine has been up-sized to the 3.5-litre V6 engine from the RX350 in place of the previous 3.3-litre V6. One major change is that the RX450h’s engine now runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle, which is favoured by hybrids.
As before, the hybrid RX continues to be matched with a CVT transmission with available electric all wheel drive. Lexus says that by having an electric motor drive the rear wheels, it’s capable of increasing the efficiency of the hybrid’s regenerative braking system. Net horsepower from the new system is up by 27 hp to 295 hp.
In addition, to improve the fuel economy of the RX450h during short trips and in cold weather conditions, Lexus fitted the crossover with an exhaust heat recovery system. The system captures heat from the engine, and uses it to warm the battery pack more quickly. This allows the electric portion of the hybrid drivetrain to begin operating sooner, taking a load off the gasoline-powered side, improving fuel economy.
If there’s any news to talk about, it’s with regards to the RX’s interior. Both the RX350 and RX450h gain a swoopy new dashboard that cuts the cabin in two. The ’10 RX also debuts Lexus’ new “Remote Touch” controller for the new hard disk-based navigation system, which has been modeled around a computer’s mouse. Lexus is known for its easy to use touchscreen systems, so it will be interesting to see the public’s reaction to this new layout. The system also features voice recognition software.
If it’s technology that floats your boat, the RX will be right up your alley. Its list of new tech features includes radar-based cruise control with pre-collision protection, head-up display, a wide angle side-view camera for improved visibility, automatic high beams, LED headlamps and a segment-best airbag count of 10. (Phew!) As before, the RX can also be had with a power-operated tailgate, a reverse camera and a premium Mark Levinson sound system.
The new 2010 RX350 will begin production shortly, and will arrive in dealerships in February. The RX450h hybrid will be available during the first quarter of 2009.
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