Redesigned Lexus RX Gets a Shot of Testosterone

Jan 07 2009 by Lori Hindman

In my recent review of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, I said the hybrid version of Lexus’ RX 350 was in dire need of an update. Well, I guess the folks at Lexus agreed with me, because they completely redesigned their best-selling RX to make it faster, quieter and techie-er for the 2010 model year.

Fans of the RX have no need to worry: The new version isn’t a radical departure from the current one, but there are countless small changes that add up to a huge difference in the driving experience.

The 2010 RX 350, which hits dealerships in February, maintains its well-known silhouette. Lexus sharpened some of the RX’s edges and created a stronger, bolder face. Overall, it’s a bit more angular; by pushing the wheels out to the corners of the vehicle, Lexus made the RX seem wider and lower to the ground. The new look speaks to the new, faster, more powerful engine and its fabulous performance.

The new hybrid version of the RX, the 450h, is more powerful than its traditional gas engine sibling, and it delivers an extra 6 mpg versus the redesigned RX 350. It seems somehow wrong that a hybrid should be this fast, but the RX 450h pulls it off. The RX 450h arrives in dealerships this spring. Driving it was an exercise in self-restraint; to maximize fuel economy you have to lay off the gas, but, oh my, is it tempting to drop the pedal. The RX constantly surprised me with its quick takeoffs and incredible handling. There’s absolutely no roly-poly sensation, even on twisty roads during what we’ll call “spirited” driving. Cars that handle like this should have deep bucket seats and a warning sticker, but the RX has neither. I got the sense that the car was snickering at me with sly satisfaction.

Family-friendly amenities like sliding and reclining rear seats mean that everyone rests comfortably in the super-quiet cabin. The RX drives so smoothly that no one gets bounced around. There’s a new storage space beneath the center console for a large purse, which means that no one will step on your fabulous new handbag. There’s also new underfloor storage in the cargo area for smaller items. A proximity key and power-retracting steering wheel make getting in and out even easier. A backup camera is available with or without the navigation system.

Along with luxury features like heated leather seats and premium Mark Levinson stereo packages, the 2010 RX also has some new technology that was sorely lacking in the earlier versions. Multiple ports allow an MP3 player to connect to the stereo through either an auxiliary jack or USB cable. There are two 12-volt adapters and an AV input with the rear entertainment system. The system allows three different entertainment options to be playing at the SAME TIME. Just imagine: One kid plays Xbox, another child watches a DVD and you rock out to your favorite tunes. Wow.

For the driver, the new Remote Touch infotainment system puts all the controls you need at your fingertips with a video-game-like joystick. There aren’t any separate buttons for the system that require you to look away from the road. A new voice-control system allows for more casual use, too. The system actually responds to things like, “It’s too cold in here” and “I want Chinese food.” Now your kids have someone else they can whine to.