2010 Lexus RX450h

Those seeking a blend of luxury, utility, and earth-friendly technology will no doubt be making tracks to see the 2010 Lexus RX450h.  Part of the all-new RX mid-size crossover lineup, the RX450h is a gilded showcase for the Toyota’s latest green engineering skills.

The revised front-drive Lexus Hybrid Drive uses a larger 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 and two motor-generators to produce a total of 295 horsepower. That’s a jump of 27 horsepower over the previous RX hybrid.  All wheel drives add a third motor-generator at the rear.

The new hybrid system also utilizes a smaller, lighter power control unit, as well as a lighter nickel metal hydride battery pack.

Other gas saving improvements include a Cooled EGR system that reduces exhaust temperature and Exhaust Heat Recovery that speeds engine warm-up.

This gives the RX450h improved government fuel economy ratings of 28 city/27 highway, and a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification in California.

The hybrid drivetrain also features a new 6-speed automatic transmission and 2-step flywheel damper to smooth out transitions between low speed electric mode and higher speed gas mode.

The 5-passenger RX450h also gets a few tech upgrades inside, where familiar Lexus luxury blends with more modern styling for 2010.

The most distinctive new feature is a Remote Touch controller. This mouse-like unit on the console controls navigation, audio, and climate systems. There’s also an available Heads Up Display, and premium audio choices that include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson package with XM satellite radio capability for traffic and weather.

And it’s all wrapped up in a longer, wider body, with more muscular, if clearly evolutionary styling, but now with distinctive blue-tinted hybrid badges. 

Prices for the 2010 Lexus RX450h are expected to start at about $44,000 when it hits showroom in early summer.