2010 Lexus RX: Road Test
2010 Lexus RX ▼
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- MSRP: $36,800 - $43,250
- Invoice: $32,752 - $39,357
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Our road test for the 2010 Lexus RX includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Lexus RX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Lexus RX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Lexus RX help you decide if a 2010 Lexus RX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
RX 350 is responsive at any speed. The automatic transmission is quick to downshift for more power when in Sport mode. In standard drive mode, the transmission is tailored to feather-footed economy-minded driving. As such, a stomp of the gas pedal is required in order coax a downshift. RX450h has impressive thrust and outstanding passing punch. Its CVT transmission is responsive. The well-integrated hybrid/electric powertrain exhibits very little of the surging and bogging typical of hybrid vehicles.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an front-drive RX 350 averaged 19.3 mpg, not a great result. An AWD RX 350 averaged a disappointing 17.5 mpg. A front-drive RX 450h averaged an impressive 31.0 mpg in an even mix of city/highway driving. No opportunity to measure fuel economy on other models. Lexus recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6.2 |
On both RX 350 and 450h, the ride is absorbent yet composed and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan. The available 19-inch wheels, with or without the Sport Package, make for a stiffer ride over rough pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
Agile handling is not the RX's forte, but both RX 350 and 450h are competent enough in routine driving. They exhibit moderate cornering lean but secure grip. The Sport Package provides slightly sharper moves. The steering and brakes are fairly lifeless.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Overall noise levels are pleasantly low. Both gas engines sound rich and refined under throttle, but RX 450h's electric motor occasionally whirrs and whines obtrusively. There is a noticeable wind whistle at highway speeds from the generously sized rear-view mirrors. The Sport Package's 19-inch tires induce slightly more road noise.
CONTROLS
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Backlit gauges are large, well marked, and clearly legible. Dashboard contains many small buttons, but climate and audio controls are grouped separately and colored differently for easier identification at a glance. Navigation screen is placed conveniently high in dashboard and deeply inset so it rarely washes out in sunlight. The Remote Touch control module takes getting used to, but is reasonably simple and intuitive.
DETAILS
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
RX models feature luxurious, high-grade cabin materials, with many soft-touch surfaces and comfortable padding. To some testers, certain cabin color combinations lack contrast and look flat.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
The seats are shaped and padded for long-haul comfort, with an excellent blend of cushioning and support. Plentiful seat and steering-wheel adjustments make it simple to tailor a comfortable driving stance. Rear window is good-sized, but visibility to the rear corners is slightly impeded by the roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Ample headroom and foot space for adults sitting outboard. The seat slides fore and aft. Sliding it rearward affords decent legroom, even behind a tall front-seat occupant. Entry and exit are OK, despite narrow floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
The rear-seat sections fold with one easy motion and with their headrests in place, but they don't lay quite flat. Rear cargo area pull-handles allow the rear seats to be folded from the back of the vehicle, a handy touch. RXs have class-competitive load volumes with seats up or down, but their limited height and sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Interior small-items storage is a bit below average for an SUV.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.1 |
The redesigned 2010 Lexus RX retains its predecessor's winning formula of luxurious comfort, practicality, and build quality while adding welcome high-tech features. The RX 450h's hybrid powertrain exhibits outstanding refinement.
Total Score
| 2WD RX 350 w/19-inch wheels | AWD RX 350 | AWD RX 350 w/Sport Pkg | 2WD RX 450h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 76 | 74 | 80 | 70.3 |
Total Score: 76
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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