Ride and handling-- now with less sogginess!
The improved ride and handling were a real treat. The flubbery steering is gone, replaced by a far more connected and weighty feel. The ride is still focused on comfort, though it’s gained a nice, heavy and solid character. It barely makes a peep over any surface.
Best of all, the new RX now corners without the soggy toast sensation found in the latter. It’s been tightened up nicely-- perhaps actually earning the 'sport' portion of its Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle categorization.
Combustion, volts and a CVT transmission
And, the propulsion. Light-footed driving sees the RX deliver its power in a smooth, virtually noiseless manner. The CVT transmission never shifts, which adds to the sensation of gently gliding forward on a meaty wave of torque.
The CVT still feels strange at full throttle, though the RX will blast by an 18-wheeler in a hurry when called upon.
Score one for the hybrids
Measuring fuel consumption on my drive pegged actual mileage at 9.4L / 100km. I noticed little difference in actual mileage using the ‘ECO’ or ‘Normal’ drive modes, but I’m not a hot-blooded hyper-miler, either.
These mileage figures are in the same ballpark as a smaller and less powerful crossover, or about the same as a medium to large family sedan. Unfortunately, the RX hybrid requires refueling with premium gas.
In all, Lexus has made a number of welcomed improvements to a machine that needed few. The results should prove favorable to new hybrid shoppers, or existing owners looking to upgrade.
In fact, at the time of writing, the RX 450h was named Canada’s Best New SUV / CUV over $60,000 by a panel of Canada’s top automotive journalists. It was the only hybrid entry in its five-vehicle premium SUV class.
The improved ride and handling were a real treat. The flubbery steering is gone, replaced by a far more connected and weighty feel. The ride is still focused on comfort, though it’s gained a nice, heavy and solid character. It barely makes a peep over any surface.
Best of all, the new RX now corners without the soggy toast sensation found in the latter. It’s been tightened up nicely-- perhaps actually earning the 'sport' portion of its Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle categorization.
Combustion, volts and a CVT transmission
And, the propulsion. Light-footed driving sees the RX deliver its power in a smooth, virtually noiseless manner. The CVT transmission never shifts, which adds to the sensation of gently gliding forward on a meaty wave of torque.
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| For 2010, Lexus has made the RX even better—and that’s exciting news. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The CVT still feels strange at full throttle, though the RX will blast by an 18-wheeler in a hurry when called upon.
Score one for the hybrids
Measuring fuel consumption on my drive pegged actual mileage at 9.4L / 100km. I noticed little difference in actual mileage using the ‘ECO’ or ‘Normal’ drive modes, but I’m not a hot-blooded hyper-miler, either.
These mileage figures are in the same ballpark as a smaller and less powerful crossover, or about the same as a medium to large family sedan. Unfortunately, the RX hybrid requires refueling with premium gas.
In all, Lexus has made a number of welcomed improvements to a machine that needed few. The results should prove favorable to new hybrid shoppers, or existing owners looking to upgrade.
In fact, at the time of writing, the RX 450h was named Canada’s Best New SUV / CUV over $60,000 by a panel of Canada’s top automotive journalists. It was the only hybrid entry in its five-vehicle premium SUV class.
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