Lexus’s first hybrid crossover model was called the RX 400h. It promised the responsible operation that hybrids offer-- but that was far from the only compelling reason to consider it. By wearing the green side of its identity discreetly, it came off as a largely compromise-free hybrid that happened to be a great premium crossover, too.
2010 RX Hybrid: new look, new power, new name
For 2010, Lexus has made the RX even better—and that’s exciting news. The new look is less awkward and more dynamic, the engine is more powerful, and the features list has been expanded. Fuel consumption is down, too.
The RX hybrid even gets a new name this year. The numerical portion of its badge jumps from 400h to 450h-- creating an 'RX 450h' designation and referencing the more powerful drivetrain.
This results from an increase in displacement from 3.3 to 3.5 litres for the gas engine. Combined horsepower output rises to 295—or some 20 more than the gas-only model.
According to the ‘450h’ in the name, combined efforts of the hybrid drive system create power output that’s roughly equivalent to a 4.5 litre engine. It might have batteries bolted to the floor-pan, but the RX 450h goes like electrically-boosted stink when called upon.
Delightful upgrades
Lexus is improving a very good thing here—but not a perfect one.
This writer’s main complaints of the first-generation RX hybrid dealt with a cluttered and disorganized interior control layout, a numb and over-assisted steering system, and a spongy, bouncy and way-too-soft ride. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Lexus had virtually eliminated these issues with the machine’s latest redesign.
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| The RX450h was named Canada’s Best New SUV / CUV over $60,000 by a panel of Canada’s top automotive journalists.(Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
2010 RX Hybrid: new look, new power, new name
For 2010, Lexus has made the RX even better—and that’s exciting news. The new look is less awkward and more dynamic, the engine is more powerful, and the features list has been expanded. Fuel consumption is down, too.
The RX hybrid even gets a new name this year. The numerical portion of its badge jumps from 400h to 450h-- creating an 'RX 450h' designation and referencing the more powerful drivetrain.
This results from an increase in displacement from 3.3 to 3.5 litres for the gas engine. Combined horsepower output rises to 295—or some 20 more than the gas-only model.
According to the ‘450h’ in the name, combined efforts of the hybrid drive system create power output that’s roughly equivalent to a 4.5 litre engine. It might have batteries bolted to the floor-pan, but the RX 450h goes like electrically-boosted stink when called upon.
Delightful upgrades
Lexus is improving a very good thing here—but not a perfect one.
This writer’s main complaints of the first-generation RX hybrid dealt with a cluttered and disorganized interior control layout, a numb and over-assisted steering system, and a spongy, bouncy and way-too-soft ride. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Lexus had virtually eliminated these issues with the machine’s latest redesign.
 |
| Now, a small central command system eliminates dozens of buttons and controls. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |