2010 Lexus RX 450h: A Luxury Hybrid Crossover in a Class By Itself

What’s New:

The second-generation, five-passenger Lexus RX hybrid was introduced last summer as a 2010 model just months after the RX 350, the non hybrid version, hit the scene. Along with the new sexy futuristic design, the vehicle also wears a new name – the RX 450h – dropping the RX 400h tag.

Lexus best-selling hybrid not only is draped with new sheet metal, but underneath the vehicle one will find a uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control, along with more cargo space.

And, under the hood, one will find that Lexus made dramatic changes their, too, with its next-generation hybrid system. In this updated midsize crossover, the Asian-based automaker has packed in a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, which puts out more horsepower than its non-hybrid sibling, the RX 350, while also improving fuel-efficiency.

According to fueleconomy.gov this hybrid can achieve somewhere between 30 to 32 mpg in city-driving, while earning 28 mpg on the highway. This estimate takes into consideration both the all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions.  

Must Have Goodies:

The new RX 450his available with a selection of luxury and sport option packages, which include features like a high-end 330-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, heated and cooled front seats, a dual-screen rear-seat mounted entertainment system, a dynamic radar cruise control, which automatically adjusts the speed and distance for the driver before rear-ending a vehicle, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels. 

The luxury five-passenger crossover is also available with a one-of-a-kind Pre-Collision System (PCS). With the use of radar technology, the PCS recognizes a possible frontal collision and primes the brake assist and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seat-belt in anticipation of the crash.

In addition to the PCS, the RX 450h is also available with two available headlight systems which swivel in the direction of the steering-wheel and the speed of the vehicle. Thus, this helps to improve the overall lighting, when cornering. 

And a feature every vehicle should offer is a new automatic high-beam system that automatically switches from high to low beam at night when it detects light from oncoming vehicles. 

Moreover, Lexus offers offer a rear-view camera for going in reverse, but what we believe to be a Lexus-exclusive is their all-new wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation screen. Yes, big brother was always riding along with us even when we didn’t realize it. 

What We Liked:

The redesigned RX model is equipped with what Lexus terms as being a SmartAccess keyless entry. As long as the key is on one’s person, when they approaches the vehicle, the interior and exterior courtesy lamps illuminate and the doors automatically unlock.

The RX 450h also features a front-wheel hybrid drive or a part-time all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand.

Ironically, unlike a traditional mechanical-designed AWD system that reduce fuel efficiency due to the added weight and friction of the system, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator, which is apart of the hybrid system, allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively, which in turn improves fuel-efficiency.

And, just like in the HS 250h, Lexus’ all-dedicated midsize luxury sedan, the navigation system can be controlled by an all-new "Remote Touch" easy-to-use mouse-like controller located with in arms reach of the center armrest. Techies will be enamored with the mouse since it can be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. And for those not preferring to use the mouse, one can still use Lexus’ voice recognition system to control the navigation system.

Moreover, to distinguish this as a hybrid, this Lexus includes a distinctive grille, blue-trimmed Lexus logos, a unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted front and real lights and optional LED headlamps.

Finally, the new RX 450h became the first Lexus vehicle to feature available real-time weather and traffic updates via a subscription to XM satellite radio. The real-time weather vocally and visually (or via the navigation screen) alerts occupants of the latest forecast and near-by weather concerns just like a weather forecaster, while the real-time traffic alerts occupants instantaneously of current conditions and accidents.   

What We Disliked:

With all of the technology in this Lexus, why doesn’t this vehicle offer an electronic blind spot detection system? Even the non premium priced Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan offers this feature to their customers. With this feature, the driver is alerted via an audible lighted display in the side-view mirrors of objects in its blind spot, before changing lanes. 

.Any Juice:

While most hybrids are better known for achieving exceptional gas mileage as opposed to power, Lexus has managed to achieve both in the 450h with the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. This new engine puts out 295 horses. 

The Verdict:

The second-generation Lexus hybrid crossover is available in either a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. Lexus continues to be a trendsetter and set a standard in the auto industry with this second-generation midsize crossover. Being behind the wheel of this vehicle, one can easily get a glimpse of the future of the car industry and how far it has come from the days of the horse and buggy. 

While many automakers are gunning after Lexus with their look-a-like vehicles, there isn’t an automaker that has built a hybrid in this segment to counter the RX 450h. 

Pricing for the RX 450h starts at $43,560 for the non-all-wheel crossover. This is about $5,000 more than the RX 350, the non hybrid sibling, which garners up to 14 mpg less in city-driving and 3 mpg less on the highway than the hybrid, according to fueleconomy.gov.  Also when comparing the RX 450h to the RX 350, one should be able to achieve 518 and 363 miles respectively, on one tank of gas, according to fueleconomy.gov. Furthermore, unlike most hybrids, the RX 450h puts out 20 more horses than the RX 350, while providing better fuel-efficiency.

Stepping into the all-wheel drive hybrid will add $2,000 to the sticker. And, to load up this luxury cruiser with all the options will run the sticker-up close to $60,000. As one can tell, it’s not cheap to drive green, while flaunting the latest gadgets in this cool looking crossover.  

Competition: None