Lexus
2010 Lexus RX 450h Front-Wheel Drive
What it Is: A five-passenger, hybrid, luxury crossover utility vehicle.
Who it's For: Families who need no more than two LATCH points are willing to pay extra for luxury and superior fuel economy.
What's Hot: Joystick-controlled navigation system, excellent fuel economy.
What's Not: Prices climb quickly when you start checking options.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, back up camera, rear-seat DVD system, Bluetooth
How It Got Its Score: The Lexus RX 450h outscores the non-hybrid RX 350 thanks to its fuel economy, which is very good for this class of vehicle. Great crash test scores and plenty of safety equipment help, too.
Just as the Lexus RX was the first luxury crossover, Lexus chose the RX to be the first luxury hybrid crossover a few years ago. With the new model, Lexus upped the ante, providing better power and more fuel economy at the same time. The 2010 Lexus RX 450h serves up 30 mpg on the EPA's combined cycle, notably more than the 21 mpg in the non-hybrid RX 350. While it costs $5,000 more than the non-hybrid model, that's a relatively modest stretch considering the higher prices luxury cars command. It also gets you a more powerful engine, standard advanced stability control (known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), and slightly altered options packages. You also get the same excellent crash test scores and plentiful safety equipment, cool features like the joystick-controlled navigation system, and plenty of passenger and cargo room. It may be expensive, but the RX 450h hybrid's merits help it outscore many other crossovers, despite its high price, and that's worth noting.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$42,685 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.5 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
295 hp |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
Continuously Variable |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
32 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
28 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
30 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
8.4 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
40.0 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
80.3 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Optional |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Optional |
|
Photos
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