Lexus
2010 Lexus RX 450h All-Wheel Drive
What it Is: A five-passenger, hybrid, all-wheel drive luxury crossover utility vehicle.
Who it's For: Families who need no more than two LATCH points, need all-wheel drive, and 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: Despite its $45,000 price tag, the all-wheel drive Lexus RX 450h outscores crossovers costing half as much thanks to excellent safety features and crash test scores, and great fuel economy.
Lexus invented the luxury crossover with the RX, and it invented the luxury hybrid crossover with the hybrid version of the RX. For this third generation, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h with all-wheel drive would seem to have the deck stacked against it. Normally, all-wheel drive and the added expense of a hybrid system hurt a vehicle's score, but in this case it significantly outscores the non-hybrid all-wheel drive RX because of its excellent fuel economy. However, note that the price on the RX 450h starts high ($45,150 including destination) and goes up quickly from there. That's a roughly $5,000 premium over the non-hybrid, but as a percentage increase it's not too bad since we're talking about fairly expensive cars to begin with. For that extra money you get excellent fuel economy, more power than the standard RX 350, standard advanced stability control (known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), and altered options packages. The RX 450h also gets 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.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$44,275 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.5 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
295 hp |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
All Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
Continuously Variable |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
30 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
28 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
29 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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