Napa Valley, California–It wasn’t easy, convincing Japanese executives to build the first Lexus model outside Japan. But when an Ontario-based plant started building the Lexus RX crossover earlier this decade, the suits were elated with both the quality and sales results.
Not only did the RX become Lexus’s global sales leader — the 2003 plant opening, in Cambridge, also coincided with the reveal of a hybrid version. That model hit the market a few years later and a technologically advanced yet planet-friendly sheen to the brand.
In Canada, about 40 per cent of all 2008 Lexus sales were RX models, with about one-fifth of those being the 400h hybrid version. Both versions set sales records by October, even as they entered grey-hair status in market terms.
With all this success, it’s not surprising that Lexus has chosen a conservative path for its all-new 2010 RX 350, and 450h hybrid counterpart (see “Cleaner, meaner RX Hybrid” for 450h details).
Styling is noticeably sleeker but modernly familiar, taking few chances that the brand’s bread-and-butter crossover will offend current or potential Lexus “guests” (as customers are known). More pronounced shoulders and a slightly scalloped kink in the lower rear doors are new touches, while a rear wiper now hides gracefully below the standard rear spoiler.
Things get more radical once the driver steps inside. Lexus has adopted an interior design that offers the auto world’s first organic LED lighting, a heads-up display that ghosts speed, audio and navigation directions into the driver’s line of sight, and an all-new Remote Touch system that brings the RX into the era of multi-function controllers.
The new system works well enough, but Lexus was smart to integrate the most commonly used functions into the RX’s steering wheel controls. This way, even drivers who don’t opt for the navi system can quickly access key vehicle functions.
Although the RX 350’s engine is largely an updated version of the outgoing 3.5-litre V6, its slightly higher output (275 hp) maintains its unobtrusive demeanour, as well as an impressive 10.1 L/100 km fuel economy average. It’s as if the RX realizes that it is meant to remain in the background at all times, like a helpful but silent housekeeper that somehow keeps everything a-sparkle while remaining mostly out of sight.
More dynamic attention was paid to the rear suspension, which becomes a sportier double wishbone design in place of the previous rear struts. Also noticeably upgraded is the six-speed automatic, with a sequential shift mode for when you want a little more power or control.
The 2010 RX is no doubt a sharper handler than its predecessor. That said, around the many curving hills of Napa Valley, its personality still comes across as favouring comfort over quickness.
The quiet engine and electric steering never really entice you to push it, while the centre-console mounted shifter and lack of steering wheel shift paddles make it seem a touch unnatural to switch gears for yourself.
The dynamic personality of the 2010 RX 350 could be a statement made of many Lexus models: sportingly capable, but primarily comfortable. It’s a formula the brand has ridden to much market success.
The RX’s standard all-wheel drive, sleek if conservative styling, advanced interior, reasonable fuel economy and overall driver-friendliness still make it a standout in the luxury crossover class. Its $46,700 starting price is significantly lower than some of its mid-size competition, barely higher than various smaller compact luxury utes, and about the same as the mechanically similar Toyota Highlander V6.
All told, then, the Lexus RX looks set to continue as the sales powerhouse in its segment — and as a genuine Canadian success story.
BONUS
2010 RX 450h Hybrid: Cleaner and meaner
The 2010 hybrid Lexus RX 450h only recently went on sale, and unlike its gas-only counterpart, the 450h receives some major advances under its hood.
Besides a move to a larger gasoline engine, now at 3.5 litres, the engine also becomes an Atkinson cycle engine, meaning it breathes better and uses less fuel. The gas engine alone produces 245 hp and drivers will enjoy a total of 295 hp when power from the electric motor is added to the equation.
That 10 per cent power boost is accompanied by a more relevant consumption decrease of 14 per cent, where it averages a Toyota Corolla-like 6.5 L/100km in the city, 7.1 on the highway.
