The RX 350 is the gas-powered version of the Lexus SUV that is also available as the hybrid-powered RX 450h. Traditionally, Lexus loads the latest technology onto their products and the RX is no exception to that rule. Some highlights include a new compact double wishbone independent rear suspension, a six-speed sequential automatic transmission, active torque control all-wheel-drive, blind spot side view cameras, heads up display, a joystick-style Remote Touch controller to operate most of the controls on the center stack, an acoustic front windshield to reduce interior road noise, and new non-woven fender liners coated with a polyester felt to cut back on grit, water and road noise.
The RX has a new broader stance, which sets the front 2.8-inches wider and the rear an inch wider for an overall increase of 1.6-inches. Tiny triangular side glass inserts increase visibility downward, and to the front of the side view mirrors.
Using a revised version of the now-familiar 3.5-liter V6, Lexus has mated it to an all-new six-speed “Multi-Mode” automatic tranny. The all-wheel-drive system, which was equipped on our test vehicles, is the new Active Torque Control AWD system. This newer version uses electronically controlled coupling instead of the viscous coupling found in the outgoing version, to vary torque balance from 100:0 to 50:50, front to rear. The Lexus RX 350 also incorporates Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) as an available option. Overall, the RX continues to display the quality and range that Lexus is famous for. The electronic power steering, which replaces the previous hydraulic system, offered good steering feel at low speed and firmed up nicely when at speed. The new double-wishbone rear suspension offers immediate improvement over the previous strut-based version, while at the same time offering improved cargo capacity. The RX 350 arrives in Lexus dealerships in February.
The RX is the best selling Lexus model of all time. The best I can say about the new RX’s exterior: the front looks slightly less goofy. The RX350′s interior is a horse [power] of a different color: cool, modern, contemporary and uncluttered. When I pressed the start button, the seat and steering wheel moved into driving position, a first for the RX (only the steering wheel presents itself in the outgoing model). The RX 350′s Mark Levinson sound system remains an aural delight but it’s no longer head of the class. Not so the 2010 RX, which assembles the major controls into one iDrive like unit.
One of my biggest complaints about my current RX: I can’t operate the navigation system while in motion. The RX 350′s driving experience is somewhat improved, mostly attributable to the addition of a few hundred pounds of needed ballast. The old RX always felt too light and uncontrolled. Meanwhile, I sampled an RX 350 with the nineteen inch wheels. The RX 350′s acceleration is crisp and creamy. The RX 350 offers more luxury, more features, more conveniences, more . . . where was I? The 2010 RX will be heading to my garage soon.
The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is arriving in showrooms completely revamped—yet completely familiar to anyone who’s driven the previous two editions of the five-seat crossover vehicle.
For the Lexus RX, 2010 brings a moderately updated drivetrain. (There’s a hybrid edition covered separately as the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.)