2010 Lexus RX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

All new for 2010, the Lexus RX 350 features a refreshed exterior design, a more powerful engine, and a number of new technologies...

All new for 2010, the Lexus RX 350 features a refreshed exterior design, a more powerful engine, and a number of new technologies introduced for the first time in any Lexus vehicle. Now in its third generation, the 2010 RX 350 luxury utility vehicle (as the automaker refers to it) maintains its same basic exterior shape and car-like platform. Exterior updates include a revamped inverted trapezoid grille, angled headlights, a sharply designed shoulder line, and a more aerodynamic shape overall than the previous year's version. The 2010 RX 350 also receives sportier 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Under its hood, the 2010 RX 350 comes equipped with an improved 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 275 hp, an increase of 5 hp over the previous year's engine. In addition, the V6 generates 90 percent of its peak torque (257 lb-ft) at a low rpm range, which helps to improve acceleration. The engine utilizes a dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, which fine-tunes intake and exhaust valve timing throughout the rpm range. This helps improve fuel efficiency, lower exhaust emissions, and optimize power in all driving conditions, according to the automaker. The V6 links to a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with manual shift and snow modes.

The RX 350 comes in a base front-wheel drive and an AWD trim equipped with an Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system, which helps improve traction and stability in all driving conditions. Both trims ride on a revamped suspension designed for improved agility and control, as well as passenger comfort. Thanks to the the redesigned suspension system, the RX 350 offers five percent more cargo space than the previous year's version.

Lexus-first technologies include an optional Hard Disk Drive navigation system with an all-new Remote Touch controller, located on the center console, which operates similarly to a computer mouse. Drivers can customize the controller to provide the appropriate level of feedback. In addition, the RX 350's optional navigation system includes a new casual voice-recognition system, which acknowledges conversational commands. The vehicle's standard XM satellite radio now includes XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

Both trims seat five passengers comfortably in a spacious cabin with a "dual-zone cockpit" design. New for 2010, the dual zones include an operation zone, which provides the driver with a wide range of information accessible through an optional steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch and the Remote Touch navigation controller, and a display zone, which includes an 8-inch navigation display set back in the dash to ensure optimal visibility. In addition, an optional Heads-Up Display, which projects information on the windshield, uses high-intensity LEDs so the display can be easily read even in direct sunlight.

Standard features in the 2010 RX 350 include 10-way adjustable power front seats, reclining and sliding rear seats, wood trim on the dash and center console, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a nine-speaker audio system with a 6-CD changer. Options include leather seats, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, a power cargo door, and a DVD entertainment system.

The RX 350 also comes equipped with a full range of airbags, including side-curtain roll-sensing and front side seat-mounted airbags, as well as four-sensor antilock brakes. Other standard safety features include a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which integrates the vehicle's stability control, antilock braking, hill assist control, and traction control systems. In addition, an optional Pre-Collision System uses radar technology to detect a possible frontal crash and automatically retracts the front seat belts and primes the brake assist to optimize passenger protection.