Lexus RX Deals

2010 Lexus RX Review

The gold standard of hybrid crossovers.

The hybrid version of the RX sport utility, introduced in 2005, sold relatively well but was never a game-changer in terms of capabilities or performance. But the RX sits at a sweet spot in the hybrid SUV market — more car-like than the Ford Escape Hybrid, and not as large as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Chrysler Aspen Hybrids.

At the centre of its electronic heart is a 3.5L V6 engine that runs on an Atkinson Cycle for increased efficiency. Alone, it makes 275 horsepower, but the total system output is 295 horses. Power enough to hit 100kph in a little over 7 seconds, and more than enough torque to do roasties in the Whole Foods parking lot.

If only it was rear-wheel-drive. The truck’s all-wheel-drive system has been tuned specifically for the hybrid, called an “active torque control system”, which allows for a more normal feel in cornering. In addition, a hybrid snow mode helps maintain cornering traction and braking performance in slippery conditions. Add to those features its exhaust gas re-circulation system to reduce emissions substantially and an exhaust heat recovery system to speed up vehicle warm up performance in cold weather.

A selectable “EV” mode helps keep the electric motors running for as long as possible, while an “ECO” mode is geared specifically toward achieving the best mileage. Oh, and it used a rear electric motor/generator and power coupling to allow for four-wheel regenerative braking, as well as transferring torque to the rear wheels when traction is needed.

Lexus could have finished there, frankly, because its powertrain alone is impressive. But inside, the most noticeable development is what Lexus call “remote touch.” The Remote touch controller is mounted on the centre console, and elevated to form a resting place for the driver’s right hand when in use. In the centre, a flat joystick controller moves a cursor on a centrally-mounted display. Seems like a typical system — until you move over a button. At that moment, the controller gives a slight jolt of force feedback — just like a Playstation controller — letting you know you’ve moved over a selectable part of the display.

It works very well, except for one problem: there’s no control surface for the front passenger. Because a large number of vehicle functions require use of the controller — navigation being the big one — the passenger needs to reach across the cupholders and operate the system perilously close to the driver’s right thigh. Not an issue if your passenger introduces herself by her bust, waist, and hips measurements — but a big one if your technophobe Uncle Larry is hitching a ride to the airport. Models without navigation don’t have the remote touch controller.

A new, “casual voice recognition system” works well, and joins other optional tech goodies like USB audio input, XM satellite radio and XM NavTraffic capabilities, Bluetooth phone integration, 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound stereo, dynamic radar cruise control, heads-up display, and dual screen rear seat DVD system.

Three more technologies deserve special mention: a wide-angle side view monitor that helps you see the ground near the right front-passenger wheel, via a mirror-mounted camera, and parking assist that will aid in parking maneuvers. The third is an automatic high-beam system that uses a front-facing camera to recognize the lights of oncoming traffic to automatically turn on and off the high beams as-needed.

Ten airbags and a suite of safety gear should ensure high crash test scores, including a “Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management” system that combines stability control, ABS, hill-start assist, and traction control into a single unit, reducing response times.

There’s literally so much stuff in the new RX450h that you’d be excused for thinking Lexus was trying to annihilate the competition. Which they have. Not only does it pack a techie punch, it drives just like a normal vehicle — the only difference is in the amount of time you spend away from the pumps.

Did we mention it’s over eight per cent more efficient than the old model, too? And has a better drag coefficient than the Ferrari F430?