2010 Lexus RX 450h

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Many reviewers reserve the highest praise for the Lexus RX 450h's performance, which is excellent for a hybrid. Its gasoline engine power is employed for heavy acceleration, while commuter traffic and slow-speed driving will use the electric motor the majority of the time. Reviewers' few complaints concern the RX Hybrid's heavy weight, which can impede acceleration and handling.

• "The 2010 RX continues this mission; it holds the road well for a vehicle of its size and behaves very predictably when pushed, but it's intended to be a relaxed, comfortable cruiser, not an invigorating corner carver. Based on our test drives, it fulfills that mission well." -- Consumer Guide
• "On the road, the crossover is stable and safe, yet rather unexciting to drive, which is in keeping with the nature and intent of hybrid-powered vehicles." -- MSN
• "More impressive was the RX 400h with the newest version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive. It's handling was, if anything, even better than the 350's, despite an extra 300 pounds of mass." -- CNET
• "We drove RX 350s and RX 450h hybrids on a variety of roads and found both to be quiet, comfortable and responsive. The more fuel-efficient hybrid's performance is actually stronger than the standard RX's, and its transitions from electric to gas engine drive were all but transparent." -- AutoMedia.com
• "Our time behind the wheel primarily consisted of suburban jaunts and the occasional Northern California back-road, where both the RX350 and RX450h proved to be competent, compliant day-to-day cruisers." -- Autoblog
• "With luxury and refinement being such a Lexus characteristic, it's tempting to ignore the driving-pleasure side of the equation. But the new RX is fast and remarkably agile for a 4500-pound (in AWD spec) leather-lined luxury crossover. Or, in the case of the RX450h hybrid model, a 4800-pound high-tech luxury vehicle." -- Popular Mechanics

Acceleration and Power

The 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid is partially powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 245 horsepower and partially powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It is classified as a full hybrid because the 450h has the ability to drive exclusively with either its engine or its motor. The EPA hasn't yet rated the 2010 model, but it's expected to achieve 26/24 with all-wheel drive and 27/24 with front-wheel drive, according to Lexus - figures that are even better than the 2009 model's.

• "And, indeed, during our tour of California's Napa Valley, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h gathers speed with the same rapid fluidity as the RX 400h. We also notice that the blending of the power sources is a bit smoother and quieter, particularly when the gas engine is shutting down or restarting. Perhaps this is the result of the two-stage mechanism to absorb torque that the Lexus engineers have added to the transaxle's flywheel damper." -- Edmunds
• "Power delivery is a staid affair on both the standard and hybrid model, with few peaks and fewer valleys." -- Autoblog
• "Indeed, the engine can easily be felt starting up when pulling away from a stop sign, for example. At full throttle, the continuously variable transmission effect --the engine pitch staying almost steady as the vehicle gathers speed -- is evident. Otherwise the powertrain is simply unobtrusive." - The Examiner
• "We spent seat time in an AWD RX 350 and a 2WD RX 450h. Both provide confident--but not commanding--acceleration in both city and highway driving. We were particularly impressed with the smooth performance of the powertrain in the RX 450h." -- Consumer Guide
• "The RX 450h, meanwhile, doesn't accelerate with the same level of urgency [as the traditional RX 350], even though its gas-electric drivetrain makes more power. It has more weight to carry around -- about 300 pounds more. It's by no means pokey, but the assistance from the electric motor isn't as much as you might think." -- Cars.com

Handling and Braking

For the most part, test drivers find the RX 450h handles quite smoothly for a hybrid. However, a few find that its weight (which has increased with the 2010 redesign) has negative effects on handling.

• "[T]he 2010 Lexus RX 450h is not at home on Highway 29. Its excessive weight is apparent when changing direction, and although it has the same double-wishbone rear suspension as the 2010 RX 350, it feels less agile. When the road straightens, though, the RX 450h settles in and delivers a relaxed, serene ride that we simply can't fault." -- Edmunds
• "As for handling, even with the Sport suspension package, the RX450h rolls like a tugboat off Cape Hatteras. This is a tall, heavy vehicle, with the suspension dial set on ‘Xanax.' No corner carving here." -- Los Angeles Times
• "One of the most impressive elements of the RX 450h's driving experience is its brake-pedal feel. This is an area where hybrids -- which make use of both friction and regenerative braking systems -- have struggled to match the linear pedal response of a traditional hydraulic brake system. The RX 450h shows that it can be done, as its firm pedal feel and natural braking response give no hint that there's regenerative braking going on." -- Cars.com
• "The suspension is biased more toward ride than handling and in true Lexus luxury car fashion delivers a compliant comfortable experience that is never unsettling. " - On Wheels, Inc.