Road Test: 2010 Lexus RX 450h

Ever since its debut, Lexus’ RX series of mid-sized SUVs has been a hit. The 2010 Lexus RX 450h solidifies this history as the company’s third generation RX hybrid is perhaps the most luxurious environmentally-friendly SUV on the planet today.

On my road test of a sparkling and sophisticated burgundy 2010 RX 450h, I found this good-looking SUV with tons of luxury-minded standard features is an overall good buy even at a base price of $41,600.

Why do you need a $42,000 SUV? On my way to the grand opening of Long Beach’s brand new Hotel Maya, I felt the 2010 Lexus RX 450h was perfectly suited for my trip to Southern California’s coolest new luxury boutique hotel.

For people who are used to the finer things in life, including getaways to happening destinations like Hotel Maya’s downtown Long Beach, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h is super economical (30 mpg combined) and brings exceptional luxury as well as superior quality, great performance, modern design, wonderful comfort, advanced safety and cool technology.

One feature the RX has yet to supply American consumers is a third-row seat unlike up-and-coming competitors like Chevy’s super cool Traverse. Perhaps the next generation RX will hold up to seven passengers in all-out luxury. For now, the Lexus RX series competes with other mid-sized, five-seat luxury SUVs such as the VW Touareg TDI, Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec and BMW X5 35d.

2010 Lexus RX 450h Exterior

When I drove into valet parking at Long Beach’s Hotel Maya, I felt the 2010 Lexus RX 450h was a perfect pairing to this waterfront location. There’s a definite sense of modern design with the RX series in its pointy nose, curvy lines and modern appeal just as in this hotel’s minimalist Latin-inspired design.

With the second-generation RX models, I thought Lexus was going a bit off track in its clunkier and way-too-boxy design. The 2010 Lexus RX models, however, has brought back the sexy in this rarefied SUV.

My sparkling burgundy 2010 Lexus RX 450h was a real beauty, and I especially loved the polished chrome trim around the windows, thesporty curves and the yet-again bootylicious back side.

2010 Lexus RX 450h Interior

Inside, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h shines as well. All was right in my world when I sat in the well-appointed Lexus RX 450h cabin on my way to pick up a BFF in Southern California’s Sunset Beach and then drive along Long Beach’s scenic Ocean Avenue to Hotel Maya.

The driver’s cockpit is plush, spacious and full of advanced luxury features. One of my favorite features happens when you turn the car off (with the push of a keyless start/stop button). I just love when the steering wheel automatically goes up and your seat automagically slides back when you turn off the car, don’t you? And, when you start back up again, the car lovingly returns to its original positions. How wonderful!

The instrument gauges are certainly sporty and I definitely enjoyed the “eco” driving speedometer, which helps drivers stay in the “green” and use as much electric power as possible.

I also liked how the Lexus RX 450h has put its rather large navigation and information screen right on the dash in plain view. However, I’m not so impressed with Lexus’ new “remote touch” interface. Using your right hand next to the shift gear, the driver can manipulate settings for navigation, audio, climate and other car functions. The system was certainly a hands-free way of driving, but I’ve driven better integrated software systems in such as Mercedes-Benz’s rolling ball COMAND system.

The swooping central console design also left a bit to be desired and the buttons and controls need a bit more sophistication and ergonomic rework. The leather seats are superbly comfortable for both driver and passenger with loads of legroom and lots of niches for cups and mobile devices. The 2010 Lexus RX also brings true old world decadence to this SUV class with its shiny faux bois trim everywhere.

The back seat is also plush with lots of room for long legs and kid or work gear. The pull-down leather arm rest hides a cool storage compartment and two cup holders. The 40/20/40 split second row seats also make for great versatility when hauling people and cargo.

Overall, the 2010 Lexus RX boasts exceptional interior design, quality craftsmanship and top-of-the-line materials.

2010 Lexus RX 450h Performance

For an SUV that starts with the push of a button and not a whisper of sound, you’d never believe the 2010 Lexus RX 450h is a powerhouse on the road. Plus, if you can keep to 30 mph or below, the 450h stays in electric mode and doesn’t use a drop of gasoline.

When you approach the “redline” at 30 mph, however, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h’s 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine roars to life. Along city streets, the RX 450h is a wonderfully smooth drive with smooth acceleration, handling and braking.

In freeway or urban traffic like downtown Long Beach, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h shows its true colors as a performance-minded hybrid. When needed, the RX’s V-6 engine can punch from zero to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. All other driving dynamics work well in fast and defensive driving too, including the aforementioned zippy acceleration, sporty handling and spot-on braking.

Lexus powertrain engineers improved the 2010 Lexus RX 450h in many key areas, giving this latest RX hybrid improved efficiency even in cold temperatures. Plus, the 450h can be driven in three modes: ECO (for super fuel economy), EV (for stealth all-electric noiseless driving) and S (for more sporty driving).

2010 Lexus RX 450h Safety

The Lexus 2010 RX 450 comes standard with lots of advanced safety features, including lots of advanced air bag systems, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, stability and traction controls. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has not yet rated the 2010 Lexus RX 450h in crash tests although the 2010 Lexus RX 350 has received the NHTSA’s top ratings in all categories.

2010 Lexus RX 450h Trim Levels, Packages & Options

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h comes in one trim level and is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive models. Standard equipment includes keyless ignition and entry, 18-inch wheels, 10-way power front seats, sliding and reclining 40/20/40 second row seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with built-in controls, wood trim and a nine-speaker audio system with CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.

The “sport package” features a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels. The “premium package” includes leather upholstery, sun roof, driver seat memory, power lift gate and iPod interface. With the purchase of the “premium package,” buyers can also add the “comfort package,” (xenon headlights, heated and cooled front seats) and/or the “luxury package” (upgraded leather seating, wood-and-leather steering wheel, extendable front seat cushions).

The “navigation package,” which can only be added when also buying the “premium package,” features a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, Bluetooth interconnectivity, an upgraded speaker system and a back-up camera.

Other stand-alone options are park assist, LED headlights, Mark Levinson audio system, dual screen rear entertainment system and the Lexus pre-collision system.

Basically, Lexus hit a home run with its luxuriously upgraded and brilliantly engineered 2010 Lexus RX 450h. So did downtown Long Beach with its truly gorgeous and well-designed Hotel Maya.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande