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Posts Tagged ‘Lexus RX’

The 2009 Lexus RX 350 is largely unchanged. This midsize crossover SUV has a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Continuing as a 2008 model, the gas/electric-hybrid RX 400h teams a 3.3-liter V6 with battery-powered electric motors for a total of 268 hp. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, the RX 400h can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands.

It requires no plug-in charging. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, power tilt and telescopic steering column, adaptive cruise control, navigation system with rearview camera, heated front seats, and DVD entertainment.

Options exclusive to the 350 include a multipanel sunroof and a load-leveling height-adjustable suspension. A Pebble Beach Edition package includes unique trim and chrome alloy wheels.

The 2010 Lexus RX is redesigned, gaining freshened styling, new features, and an updated gas/electric hybrid model. This premium-midsize crossover SUV seats 5 and comes in RX 350 and new-for-2010 hybrid RX 450h versions. Both are available with front- or all-wheel drive. The 2010 model is about an inch longer in wheelbase and overall length compared with the 2009 RX. RX 350 has a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

This represents a gain of 5 horsepower over the 2009 RX 350. The RX 450h pairs a 3.5-liter gas V6 with an electric motor for 295 horsepower total, an increase of 27 horsepower over the 2009 RX 400h. Like other Toyota and Lexus hybrids, the RX 450h can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. It requires no plug-in charging and uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front-side airbags, and front-knee airbags.

Also offered is Lexus’ Pre-Collision System, which is designed to tighten the seatbelts and ready full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision. Hill-start assist is a new standard feature. The available navigation system is controlled by a console-mounted “Remote Touch” module and includes real-time traffic and weather alerts. An available side-view monitoring system uses TV cameras to show a wide-angle passenger-side view of the vehicle on the navigation screen. Other available features on the 2010 Lexus RX include a hard drive for storing digital music files, dual-screen DVD entertainment, adaptive cruise control, and a sport suspension.

The 2011 Lexus RX should see no major changes following its redesign for the 2010 model year. This premium midsize crossover SUV seats five and should reprise RX 350 and gas/electric hybrid RX 450h versions. Both should be available with front- or all-wheel drive. RX 350 should have a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The RX 450h would pair a 3.5-liter gas V6 with an electric motor for 295 horsepower total. Like other Toyota and Lexus hybrids, the RX 450h can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. It requires no plug-in charging and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity should be 3500 lb. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and front knee airbags.

Also offered should be Lexus’ Pre-Collision System, which is designed to tighten the seatbelts and ready full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision. Hill-start assist should be standard. The available navigation system is controlled by a console-mounted “Remote Touch” module and includes real-time traffic and weather alerts. Remaining available should be a side-view monitoring system

Which uses TV cameras to show a wide-angle passenger-side view of the vehicle on the navigation screen. Other available features should include a hard drive for storing digital music files, dual-screen DVD entertainment, adaptive cruise control, and a sport suspension. This report is based on evaluations of the 2010 Lexus RX.