A true star in the Lexus lineup, the RX premium crossover is enjoying unprecedented success: in the first 10 months of 2008, more than 5,000 units were sold in Canada alone despite the global economy starting to crash down.
Clearly, the current-generation Lexus is a winner... which only put more pressure on the shoulders of designers and engineers working on the next-generation model. How do you improve a great product without jeopardizing its appeal? Well, you just have to be smart about it. Sure, there are some obvious changes but, following today's trend, the 2010 Lexus RX is more an evolution than a revolution, both in regular and hybrid trim.
Twin brother?
In terms of aesthetics, there is little to report about. You really need to have a great photographic memory to be able to spot the minor styling revisions at first glance.
Overall, the silhouette is virtually identical. It looks a bit sharper, with slightly different side curves and a seemingly lower profile. But again, there's nothing really new here.
Elsewhere, the headlights and taillights have been modified to incorporate LEDs, while maximum wheel size has been increased to 19 inches. The revised rear window is larger to enhance visibility for the driver. Right above is a small roofline spoiler integrating both the antenna and wiper, which are consequently protected against the elements. All in all, the new RX shares strong family ties with its predecessor -- or should we say "twin brother"?
New-style interior
Expect to find a lot more changes inside. The redesigned seats offer the same level of comfort as in the previous model, while overall passenger room is more than adequate. However, the main upgrades are about one thing and that's styling.
For example, the center console now looks more modern with a dual triangle design. The result is striking for sure, although it might not be as well executed as the previous model's. Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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| In reality, the new 2010 Lexus RX takes off where its predecessor left off. |
Clearly, the current-generation Lexus is a winner... which only put more pressure on the shoulders of designers and engineers working on the next-generation model. How do you improve a great product without jeopardizing its appeal? Well, you just have to be smart about it. Sure, there are some obvious changes but, following today's trend, the 2010 Lexus RX is more an evolution than a revolution, both in regular and hybrid trim.
Twin brother?
In terms of aesthetics, there is little to report about. You really need to have a great photographic memory to be able to spot the minor styling revisions at first glance.
Overall, the silhouette is virtually identical. It looks a bit sharper, with slightly different side curves and a seemingly lower profile. But again, there's nothing really new here.
Elsewhere, the headlights and taillights have been modified to incorporate LEDs, while maximum wheel size has been increased to 19 inches. The revised rear window is larger to enhance visibility for the driver. Right above is a small roofline spoiler integrating both the antenna and wiper, which are consequently protected against the elements. All in all, the new RX shares strong family ties with its predecessor -- or should we say "twin brother"?
New-style interior
Expect to find a lot more changes inside. The redesigned seats offer the same level of comfort as in the previous model, while overall passenger room is more than adequate. However, the main upgrades are about one thing and that's styling.
For example, the center console now looks more modern with a dual triangle design. The result is striking for sure, although it might not be as well executed as the previous model's. Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
 |
| The center console now looks more modern with a dual triangle design. |