2010 Lexus RX 350/450h

Toyota /

2010 Lexus RX 350/450h

Overview: This luxury utility vehicle has a new look and the option of a revised hybrid drivetrain. The latter employs a gasoline-powered 3.5-liter V-6 that is now augmented by new, more efficient inverter bringing the system’s total horsepower count to 295, 27 more than the current model. The non-hybrid model uses a six-speed automatic while the hybrid has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RX 350 hits the showrooms in February, the RX 450h goes on sale in the spring. Each is available as a front-drive model or with part-time all-wheel drive.

Our take: The new RX is ever so slightly wider, longer and taller than the outgoing model. It also comes bristling with stuff such as hard drives and voice recognition; Lexus cars usually come with a good level of standard kit. And if the hybrid version salves a few consciences, then great.

-- Colin Ryan

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