2010 Lexus RX 350

NEW FOR 2010:

- All-new, redesigned model

- Revised V6 engine and new six-speed automatic transmission

- RX 450h hybrid model reintroduced

For 2010, the Lexus RX 350 has been redesigned into its third generation, while the hybrid version, temporarily discontinued for 2009, returns as the RX 450h. Changes to the RX 350 include a revised and more responsive engine, an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, new technologies including an organic LED display and Remote Touch navigator, and new interior and exterior design.

Both the RX 350 and 450h use a 3.5-litre V6 engine. In the hybrid, it includes an Atkinson Cycle, which reduces intake and exhaust energy losses; the resulting drop in power is compensated by the hybrid drive's electric motors. The RX 350 uses a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 450h uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both models are all-wheel drive. The 350 uses Active Torque Control, which uses electronic sensors to monitor vehicle and engine speed, gear ratio and steering angle, and adjust torque from 50:50 to 100:0 front to rear. The 450h also adjusts torque when required, but does so with electric drive motors on the rear wheels. These motors also aid with improved regenerative braking.

Standard features on the RX 350 include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, hill start assist, power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, six-CD/MP3 stereo with XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-way power fabric front seats, 60/40 split-folding sliding and reclining rear seats, auto up/down windows, rear privacy glass, keyless entry with touch-sensor exterior door handles, eight-inch LCD multi-information display with customizable features, electroluminescent gauges, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, bird's-eye maple or brown walnut wood trim, cargo mat and net, tonneau cover, carpet floor mats, silver-painted roof rails, front and rear splash guards, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps, rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icer, automatic headlamps with washers, driver and passenger knee airbags, LED brake lights, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, garage door opener, and pushbutton start.

The 350 can be further optioned with several packages. A Premium Package 1 adds heated and ventilated perforated leather seats, driver's side memory, auto-dimming mirrors, power sunroof, and power rear door. A Premium Package 2 further adds automatic, auto-levelling bi-xenon headlamps, automatic high-beam feature, wallet-size Smart Key Card, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera. The Touring Package further adds 19-inch alloy wheels, voice-activated navigation system with Remote Touch, XM Real-Time Traffic, 12-speaker premium audio system, rear subwoofer, USB input, wood- and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and backup camera in the navigation display. The Sport Package further adds Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, heads-up display, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and unique alloy wheel finish. The Ultra Premium Package further adds premium leather upholstery, Mark Levinson 15-speaker surround sound system, in-dash six-DVD changer, wide-view side monitor system, power-folding mirrors, front seat power thigh support, Intuitive Parking Assist, roof rail crossbars, front illuminated door sill trim, dual-screen DVD rear-seat entertainment system, and 115-volt power outlet.

Features on the RX 450h include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six-CD/MP3 stereo with XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-way power perforated heated and ventilated seats, 60/40 split-folding, sliding and reclining rear seats, auto up/down windows, rear privacy glass, keyless entry with door handle touch sensors, eight-inch LCD multi information display with customizable features, backup camera, electroluminescent gauges, auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera and compass, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, bird's-eye maple or brown walnut wood trim, cargo net and mat, tonneau cover, carpet floor mats, rear bumper protector, silver-painted roof rails, front and rear splash guards, power sunroof, roof-mounted spoiler, auto-dimming heated mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps, rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icer, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with auto-levelling, automatic high beam feature and washers, driver and passenger knee airbags, LED brake lights, first-aid kit, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, garage door opener, wallet-size Smart Card Key, power liftgate, cargo under-floor storage compartments, and three 12-volt outlets.

Options include a Touring Package, which adds 19-inch alloy wheels, 12-speaker premium audio system, rear subwoofer, USB input, voice-activated navigation system with Remote Touch, XM Real-Time Traffic Capability, and wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and an Ultra Premium Package, which further adds a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, dual-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system with remote control, six-DVD changer, dynamic radar cruise control, Intuitive Parking Assist, 115-volt outlet, roof rail crossbars, heads-up display, wide-view side monitor system, LED headlamps, power-folding mirrors, pre-collision system, premium leather upholstery, front seat power thigh support, and front illuminated door sill trim.