2010 Lexus RX 450h: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Lexus redesigned its five-seat RX crossover for 2010, with the gasoline RX 350 carrying over a similar V-6 drivetrain. Because its electrically assisted V-6 grew to 3.5 liters from 3.3 liters, the RX 400h becomes the RX 450h. Slight exterior tweaks differentiate the RX 450h from its non-hybrid sibling. Other updates include a new joystick-like controller for the navigation system and a new rear suspension, which Lexus says frees up more cargo room and improves handling over the outgoing RX’s simpler setup.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The non-hybrid RX 350 is covered separately in Cars.com’s Research section.

Exterior
Though it’s a few hairs taller than its predecessor, the RX 450h looks more carlike than ever; its dimensions, now also wider and longer, give the crossover a wagon-like stance. In back are frosted taillight effects similar to those on the outgoing RX. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 19-inchers optional.

Elements specific to the RX 450h include blue-trimmed Lexus logos, a unique grille and front bumper design, and blue-tinted headlights and taillights. LED headlights, like those on Lexus’ LS 600h L flagship, are optional.

Interior
The interior ditches much of the prior generation’s symmetrical shapes for swooping panels and futuristic controls. Chief among them is Lexus’ Remote Touch system, which uses a knob to navigate menus with a mouse-like arrow on the dashboard display screen. Like Lexus’ other hybrids, the RX 450h’s display screen can show the power flow between the drivetrain’s electric motors, engine and battery. Other features include voice-recognition software that Lexus says will pick up conversational prompts rather than traditional formal, specific commands.

The optional leather seats are power-adjustable up front. The backseat folds in a 40/20/40 split; like before, it reclines and adjusts forward and backward. High-tech options include a head-up display with LED lighting that’s purportedly bright enough to read on a sunny day. In place of the RX 350’s tachometer is a gauge showing electric-motor assist versus battery recharging.The interior ditches much of the prior generation’s symmetrical shapes for swooping panels and futuristic controls. Chief among them is Lexus’ Remote Touch system, which uses a knob to navigate menus with a mouse-like arrow on the dashboard display screen. Like Lexus’ other hybrids, the RX 450h’s display screen can show the power flow between the drivetrain’s electric motors, engine and battery. Other features include voice-recognition software that Lexus says will pick up conversational prompts rather than traditional formal, specific commands.

The optional leather seats are power-adjustable up front. The backseat folds in a 40/20/40 split; like before, it reclines and adjusts forward and backward. High-tech options include a head-up display with LED lighting that’s purportedly bright enough to read on a sunny day. In place of the RX 350’s tachometer is a gauge showing electric-motor assist versus battery recharging.

Under the Hood
The RX 450h uses a gasoline 3.5-liter V-6 that’s assisted by electric motor-generators, creating up to 295 combined horsepower and projected city gas mileage in the upper 20s. It’s a “full” hybrid, meaning it can cruise on electric-only power at low speeds. Like other hybrids, its electric motors draw power from the friction of deceleration, called regenerative braking.

When properly equipped, the RX 450h can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety
Ten standard airbags include four in front — the two required chest airbags plus two knee airbags — as well as seat-mounted side airbags for the first and second rows. Head-protecting side curtain airbags span both rows. Active head restraints, antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.

Lexus’ standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system integrates stability control with various other systems, while an optional radar-based Pre-Collision System can cinch up the seat belts and prime the brakes for maximum response should it detect an imminent impact. Other options include adaptive headlights that automatically swivel a few degrees to better illuminate corners; adaptive cruise control; and a new side-mirror-mounted camera system that gives drivers a wider view of the adjacent lane.