2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2010 Lexus RX 350
- Competes with: Acura MDX, Infiniti FX35
- Looks like: Lexus took a page from Toyota for its redesigned crossover
- Drivetrain: 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
- Hits dealerships: February 2009
Lexus’ wildly popular RX SUV has been withering on the vine, waiting for a redesign, for some time now. Lexus has finally delivered with an all-new 2010 model that shares a lot with the new Toyota Venza crossover. The new RX is slightly longer and wider than the 2009 model, and it packs a more powerful V-6 engine that produces 275 hp, versus the 270 from last year's engine.
While the look outside seems like an organic upgrade from the past, the interior is radically different. The dashboard features swoopy curves around the controls and center LCD screen, and the shifter is mounted smack in the middle of the center stack of controls. Like many competitors, a square-ish control now manages the navigation system, but if it becomes too bothersome there's voice activation as well. The navigation system is optional.
The RX comes standard with 18-inch wheels and optional 19s. Owners might wonder why they get shortchanged compared to Venza owners who get 20s standard on V-6 models.
Mileage numbers weren’t released, but we assume the RX 350 will match the Venza’s above-average 19/26 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive models and 18/25 mpg city/highway for all-wheel drive. A hybrid RX will also be offered, and we’ll have more information on that in another post.
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WOW LEXUS NOT YOUR FINEST WORK !!!
it's like the rx and the venza mated...not a cute kid. also, the dash reminds me (at least in style) of the buick rendezvous.
The inside is nice. Could do without the shifter being so high up. The outside really is not that big of a change. BUT, it WILL sell great just cause of what it is.
It looks like they just grafted a Mazda CX-9 rear onto an old RX and changed the headlights and grill. And the interior is an awful swoopy mess. Could that controller look more like an after thought? In all of the BMW's, Mercedes, and even Hyundai Genesis, it looks more integrated. I'd take a venza over this one for sure.
Broq
I was waiting to see the new RX before making a decision on my next car, which was between the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus. I can now safely say that come next Febuary, there will be a new Volvo in my garage.
You know, I actually like this swoopy design. I think it's slightly overkill, but I still like it. It makes it seem more sophisticated. The taillights look exactly like the CX-9's, which I really don't like. I don't know, I guess it's the angle in which the picture is taken, because it looks diffent close up.
It looks just like the current one. What a let down.
It looks just like the current one. What a let down.
It looks just like the current one. What a let down.
It bothers me that Toyota is going the way of GM, having too many models that end up overlapping each other :(, guess I'm a Honda man now... although the new Venza is rather classy, but the RX should definitely have its own styling and interior design cues, instead of poaching it from lesser Toyotas
looks like a Hyundai Veracruz.
oh wait...
The exterior overall is ok. I'm not in favor of the fact that the tailights look ike the Mazda CX-9's. I think could do without the ES grille. The interior's too swoopy, but it'll do for now. The gauges and the nav look good though. And the shift levers position is a bit interesting in some way, sort of.
I can't believe it. Is that the best Lexus could come up with for the flagship small sport-ute? Why would someone pay alot more for this RX now that Toyota offers the Venza. Same powertrain and same old RX. Originality at it's finest. I expected better from the car company with all of the money. Can't you guys do anything new.
This will be another great Lexus! We have an '02 with 118k trouble free miles and will be trading on this one soon. No one can build a car like Lexus does. I don't miss our MB's one bit. American car companies could never build anything this good.
realy really nice, the dash just needs to be more sophisticated it looks to metallic n a possible third row would be good, but wow lexas n toyota yall are awesome...
You also have to take into account the fact that these pics show the car in a very unflattering way. Basically no car can pull off that brown exterior color. The interior is terrible though, it does not look classy, like a lexus should.
A hodge-podge of swoops and curves in the interior...absolutely horrendous proportions on the exterior...consumers blinded by the "L" on the front only to be duped into buying a fancier and fuglier Toyota Venza.
RX bred with CX-9 and Venza?
Interior - pretty nice. I love the super slitty air vents. Very nicely done, really.
Exterior - horrifying. Like the old model only uglier. Wheelbase too short, looks top heavy, blunt front end, bland. Nasty. The Venza has much nicer proportions, on the exterior.
Was expecting Lexus was going to change the RX more radically to distinguish it from its legacy which will be picked up in the Toyota Venza.
I actually approve of the new exterior look. Don't necessarily like it better than the 330/350 style but it's still nice. The Mazda CX-9 similar rear end is an improvement over the old design. I think the CX-9 is a slightly better looking crossover than the RX in any of its manifestations.
The interior, meh. I think the current 330/350 design is superior in design to the new model's. The older model's boldly symmetrical design with its metal, over-large controls and smart labeling said "class" without the gaudiness seen on too many competiting vehicles. The new look appears more generic. I'll have to have a closer look before making a final assessment.
Adding five more horsepower? That's an extra 2% over the previous year's engine. Perhaps the torque figures will be more impressive. The RX doesn't need extra power but an extra gear in the transmission is certainly welcome.
Most important though for prospective buyers will be if Lexus has maintained or improved the vehicle's reliability, ride and comfort that for which the RX has always been noted. My RX 350 has been a gem in those regards and I expect many more years will pass before I am tempted into any new vehicle, RX or not.
Dave
I was expecting more...but as they say, greater the expectation, greater the disappointment.
Lexus did a horrible job on the redesign.
Front looks like a camry ( cheap look ).
Rear is definitely a CX-9 look
Interior looks like cheap Saturn/Pontiac.
What happened? Is the hurting economy hurting design skills too?
The car does not look like a Lexus. It belongs in the Toyota group IMO.
I hate to say this..but the current RX is much better looking than the new one.
Two thumbs down!
I do not like interior wooden applique
prefer alum
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