Her and His Reviews
June 2010
2010 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Chuck Kerber, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Chuck |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP: $52,303 as Tested | MSRP: $52,303 as Tested |
| Performance | |
| Lexus Luxury abound; there is nothing like it. Truly a sleek, responsive vehicle. Acceleration and braking are both smooth and deliberate.
With a 3.5 liter, 24 valve, the V6 powerhouse engine with three electric motors and a battery system bring 295 HP to this vehicle. CVT transmission. At slower speeds, car moves on electric power. All Wheel Drive is perfect for all weather climates and assured maximum control. Front and Rear Disc brakes. |
The Lexus 450h Hybrid is smooth and quiet. Be careful, when you sit in the driver's seat, engage the ignition and wait, nothing happens. The car is on - it's just perfectly quiet... don't press the start button again and again like I did; the electric motor is on.
There's no explosion of acceleration here; it's more of a smooth transition when you apply the gas. You can feel the electric motor propel the car- it's a thing of beauty. When the combustion engine kicks in, it's quiet as well, thanks to the excellent insulation that the Lexus engineers installed. Steering is agile and responsive. This is an SUV, but takes the corners like a sedan. The ride is all luxury- perfect for long trips, and has plenty of room for luggage, and four adults. With the on-demand 4 Wheel drive, 295 horsepower and a powerful 3.5 Liter, 24 valve V6 engine, this vehicle puts the driver in complete control. Also equipped with 4 wheel power assisted front and rear disc brakes. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| This hybrid gets 30 city miles and 28 highway | 30 MPG City, 28 MPG Highway |
| The Car | |
| A short or longer ride in the 450h makes no matter - comfort is maximizes, and no matter in the front or back seat. Luxurious leather seating works for all. Driver and passenger seats get the dual temperature control - for cool days of winter or the warmth of the summer's rays. 10 way control for personalized seat preference and fit. Frankly, like my living room on wheels, I wanted for little.
Little touches too- like at night when the exterior lights go on when you engage the remote key. I felt safe approaching the vehicle even after a soir�e in the city. After shopping at my local grocery store, the auto latch & opening of the rear door made the packing much easier while saving a few inklings of time. Reclining/sliding 40/20/40 split rear seat Sliding front console helps shorter drivers like me not have to turn around quite so awkwardly to get to my tea in the morning. Simply an ez-grab. One touch easy glide moonroof Roof rails for additional luggage and towing |
The Lexus 450H is extravagant, but practical. The sumptuousness of the 10-way adjustable leather seats makes one think they're sitting in a comfortable recliner, not a vehicle. There are plenty of cup holders, and storage bins. Leg room is plenty for the rear passengers, and there are powerful vents to deliver AC or heat as well.
The main instrumentation panel is easy to read, and glows an ambient cool blue in the evening. There a new "mouse-like" controller that operates all important functions on the large nav. screen- completely new for 2010, and ingenious. If you're used to using a computer, this will be a snap to master. |
| Safety | |
| Air bags galore - Dual Advanced Front Airbags with Driver/Passenger Air Bags, Knee Airbags, Front & Rear Side Curtain Airbags and Front/Rear Seat mounted Airbags.
Rear camera back up monitor engages when vehicle is put in reverse - still look around you, this technology does not preclude effort and intention Love the 4 wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control and Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Front active headrests; adjustable headrests for all seats. Tool and Emergency Kit included and stored in trunk. Daytime Running Lamps/On-Off Auto Headlamps. The Vehicle Theft deterrent allows for 'no sharing'. And, so appreciate that blind spot alert on side mirrors so I know when car is approaching. |
Dual Advanced Front Air Bags, and Driver's and Passenger's Knee Air Bags
Front and Rear Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags 3-Point Seat Belts for all Seating Positions Energy Managing Crumple Zones, Side Door Beams 4-Wheel ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
| Technology | |
| Kick out the sound with the 9 speaker audio system with sound levelizer, in glass antenna and Bluetooth� - every sound rocks it out in this car. MP3 plug in and iPod interface
Smart Access Passive Entry System; push button start. Center console is a home office on wheels. Use the pointer to operate the audio, navigational, telephone and climate functions. Voice command easy to operate navigation system is a great tool. XM Satellite Radio for all your music, sports, traffic and talk show programming. |
Lexus 9-Speaker Premium Audio System
Automatic Sound Levelizer and In-Dash 6-CD In-Glass Antenna with FM Diversity System Bluetooth Technology XM Satellite Radio Lexus Home Link Universal Transceiver Smart Access Entry System LCD Multifunctional Display with Lexus Personalized Settings/Trip Computer/Outside Temperature Control Be-Xenon Headlamps Back-up Monitor MP3 and USB interface for I-pod Electrochromatic Power Outside Heated Mirrors |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| The interior aesthetics with stained wood and black, along with the dashboard and instrument layout, make this a plush, tasteful interior.
Unlike other SUV's, the rear window is positioned underneath the top, so the back window gets a perfect swipe each time; not a partial one. Evening ambient cobalt blue lighting really works and is easy on the eyes on evening drives. The exterior is shaped well, with nice flowing design elements from the back to the front, headlights included, of car Solid 19" oversized alloy wheels add for a sturdy ride |
The styling changes of the new RX 450h are subtle. The headlamps are a bit rounder, as are the brake lights. The rear wiper blade is now hidden beneath the sun-shade. Fit and finish on the Lexus are excellent. The interior changes are more drastic. The center console has a rectangular design to enhance ease of use, and functionality. The shifter is lower, and easier to operate than the previous model. Visibility is improved as well. |
| Warranty | |
| 48 months/50, 000 miles | 4 Year, 50,000 miles basic warranty
5 Years, 70,000 power train warranty |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| A phenom car and ride. The question remains, how many will trade up to the hybrid, more expensive model considering the RX 350 gets 22 mpg? | Lexus continues to improve upon their vehicles, especially their well-received RX series. This SUV continues to be a consumer favorite because of its functionality, reliability, and high re-sale value. |
