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2010 Lexus RX 450h - Review

Lyle Dennis

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2010 Lexus RX 450h

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The Lexus RX450h is newly redesigned and engineered for the 2010 model year, and is the hybrid version of the popular RX350. It replaces the previous RX400h hybrid. The new vehicle uses a second generation hybrid powertrain.

Car and Driver had the chance to take the vehicle out for a short 25 mile test drive.

They noted the 6 cylinder gas engine has been increased from 3.3 to 3.5 L resulting in 27 additional horsepower to a total of 295.

There are three electric motors in the all wheel drive version; one within the transmission that acts as a generator to recapture kinetic energy, a 167 hp unit for propelling the front wheels, and a 68 hp to assist the rear wheels. The third rear motor adds an additional $1595 in price over the FWD version.

The author describes the car as "an exercise in being totally pampered," and that it is a "serene" car without any fatal flaws.

It is a five passenger vehicle with a base price of $44,125.

The driver found the 0 to 60 time to be 7.1 seconds, and observed combined fuel economy to be 25 mpg despite the official EPA rating of 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

The author did note that the "droning" continuously variable transmission "will not win anyone over."

The non hybrid RX350 averaged 21 mpg giving only 4 mpg of benefit to the hybrid which was traded off for slightly slower performance. It was noted that financially, "it would take 231,026 miles for the hybrid to 'break even' with the RX350," though 1760 fewer gallons of gas would be consumed in the process.

In conclusion the reporter noted a preference for the gas only RX350.

Source (Car and Driver)

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Comments (4)

Luke Posted: 9/8/2009 9:38am PDT

I had a chance to ride in one of these a few weeks ago. We stayed at a nice resort, and they used them to ferry us around. They're neat vehicles, and they're everything a luxury CUV should be -- comfortable leather seats, nice interior, nice well-integrated gadgets, and so on. It was so smooth that I didn't even realize it was a hybrid at first, though once I started straining to feel the engine start and stop I could figure it out.
But we drove there in a Prius, and got 49mpg and some change going through the Appalachians. After that, 31mpg didn't seem too special, and the Prius half the price and is a better fit for my lifestyle. But if someone must have a luxury CUV, this one looks like an excellent choice. My tastes are more modest, though.

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Noel Park Posted: 9/17/2009 2:37pm PDT

Irrelevant.

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KirkN Posted: 9/23/2009 3:39pm PDT

I have a 2007 RX400h and average 29.5 mpg in it. The power difference between the 350 and 450 has to be huge. Just like any Hybrid if you want the best mileage you need to adjust your starting, coasting, and stopping to better the MPG.

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Mike Williamson Posted: 9/29/2009 11:51am PDT

I, too, am disappointed that this new generation hybrid didn't reach 35 mpg. Sigh. Maybe next year?

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