Sometime in the spring of 2009, the beloved Lexus RX 400h
will become the 2010 Lexus RX 450h. Like the 2010 RX 350
, the hybrid RX is redesigned (though the basic platform architecture carries over).
Key to its new name is the installation of Toyota's 3.5-liter V6. As this is a hybrid application, the V6 is running on the Atkinson cycle (whereby the intake valves remain open during part of the compression stroke). The cumulative output of the 3.5-liter V6 and the RX's front-drive electric motor is 295 horsepower -- up from 268 on the RX 400h.
However, the hybrid RX has put on some weight, so it probably won't be any quicker than its predecessor. "We prioritized mpg, so we didn't push for a much lower 0-60-mph time," said Ben Mitchell, a product planner for the Lexus RX.
Fuel economy is up by 8 percent, says Lexus. Considering that the 2009 RX 400h has a combined EPA rating of 25.1 mpg, that translates to 27.1 mpg.
Otherwise, the news on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h is in-cabin technology. In addition to the new hard-drive-based navigation system with Remote Touch controller, the RX picks up nav traffic, nav weather, iPod integration and a sideview monitor. Of course, Mark Levinson is still around, too. The airbag count is up to 10, as both the driver and front passenger now get knee bags.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor
estreka says:
07:14 PM, 11/19/08
Given the returns on your LT Lexus hybrid, I'm skeptical.
louiswei says:
07:45 PM, 11/19/08
I had a RX400h for a day and I got around 27 mpg with half city and half highway. I have a picture to prove it too.
sabastian says:
06:29 AM, 11/20/08
Outside looks generic and the inside just looks weird. I'd say it's a step backwards.
dougtheeng says:
06:43 AM, 11/20/08
please change the styling on this vehicle...so tired of it.
1487 says:
08:47 AM, 11/20/08
the interior is just bizarre
1487 says:
08:48 AM, 11/20/08
the interior is just bizarre
1487 says:
08:54 AM, 11/20/08
the interior is just bizarre
cjasis says:
08:55 AM, 11/20/08
I've had several RX hybrids as loaner cars and in the same route that we avg. 15mpg in our 2006 LX470, we avg. 26 mpg in the RX. Our route is about 70% highway/30% surface streets.
I want to drive this new version as I've read internet rumors that the drivetrain is much more seemless a la the drivetrain in the GS450H.
ateixeira says:
12:12 PM, 11/20/08
That 3.5l V6 is a much better engine than the 3.3l V6 was. A little bit more fuel efficient while making a lot more power.
I think the powertrain is a big step up, more than it seems on the surface.
ateixeira says:
12:14 PM, 11/20/08
Hmm, looking more at the photos and it almost looks more like a Camry, with the nose and the shoulder lines. And the interior doesn't look as nice as it used to, either.
billt9 says:
04:13 PM, 11/22/08
This car is pretty bad inside and out.
Buyers have the choices of the Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Toyota Highlander, in this stylized midsized crossover segment.
I can't imagine anyone driving this mess, except those who like the "Lexus" plate, and have no sense of style.
Well, a lot of people are like that actually. 150,000 sales a year, here comes the new Lexus RX!
billt9 says:
04:25 PM, 11/22/08
Ooh and the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and MB ML350 as similarly styled, similarly priced vehicles.
So many choices. Only one choice is super ugly!
alexis4 says:
09:54 AM, 12/30/08
Lexus will probably do very well with Hybrids compared to other automakers simply because as the luxury end of Toyota, buyers will feel comfortable purchasing a Lexus hybrid. www.lexusenglewood.com