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Review of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

2010 Lexus RX 450h

Price Range $41,660 to $43,250

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

30 to 32
City MPG

28
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Exterior

After spending some time with the RX 450h, I started to see the differences between the 2008 RX 400h and the 2010 RX 450h (Lexus didn’t release an RX 400h for 2009). The RX 450h is less rounded and bubbly than its predecessor. It’s also a bit wider and seems to sit lower on the road, but that’s just because of its headlight placement and hood sculpting.

From the front, the RX 450h looks bolder and stronger, but still elegant. That’s really what’s lovely about the RX 450h: It doesn’t look like an SUV or a family-hauler. It’s a beautiful car, especially in the gorgeous Truffle Mica paint of my test crossover.

The RX 450h’s profile is similar to the RX 400h’s. The roof-mounted spoiler is a bit stronger and hides the rear wiper, and Lexus has added a small “shark-fin” antenna. The door handles are now body-colored, but there’s new chrome trim around the windows and along the door bottoms. There’s also a discreet hybrid badge that sits near the lower chrome strip.

The headlights not only turn on and off automatically, but the high beams automatically switch to low beams when another vehicle is sensed by a camera mounted to the rearview mirror. The side mirrors have LED turn-signal indicators, and the brake lights and taillights are LEDs, too.

The SmartAccess keyless entry system was one of my favorite new features because it freed up my hands. The key stays in your pocket or purse, and the doors unlock by themselves when you reach for them. There’s a button on the keyfob to open the power rear liftgate, and a button in the cargo area to close it. I love magic buttons that do all my dirty work. If only I had one to fold my laundry, too. Maybe Lexus is working on that.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove On

shopping around: At cars.com

key exterior: Features

    ● SmartAccess keyless entry system
    ● Blue-colored Lexus hybrid badges
    ● Automatic bi-xenon headlights
    ● Power rear liftgate
    ● Truffle Mica paint

available exterior: Colors

  • Aurora White Pearl
  • Black Sapphire Pearl
  • Cerulean Blue Metallic
  • Golden Almond Metallic
  • Matador Red Mica
  • Obsidian
  • Smoky Granite Mica
  • Starfire Pearl
  • Truffle Mica
  • Tungsten Pearl

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