2008 LAAS: 2010 Lexus RX 350 & RX 400h

SEE MORE 2008 LAAS COVERAGE:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/losangeles/2008/index.html?tid=ed...

The big story about the 2010 Lexus RX 350 is that there's nothing big about it. Due to its wider track, it's slightly broader across the shoulders than the 2009 RX 350, but otherwise it has the same overall footprint. Its 107.9-inch wheelbase is only an inch longer than before, but there's still no third-row seat. RX owners, we're told, still don't want one.

"Keeping the right size was something we heard a lot of, because we certainly studied whether we wanted to add a third row," Ben Mitchell, an RX product planner, told us. "The majority of RX owners prioritize space in back, room for luggage."

To that end, the 2010 RX 350 has a more compact double-wishbone rear suspension, and after inspecting the cargo bay, we can attest that it intrudes less than the previous strut arrangement.

The previous RX's 3.5-liter V6 carries over but makes 275 horsepower this year (an increase of 5), and last year's five-speed automatic gives way to Toyota's six-speed unit with a manual-shift mode. The RX 350 gained some weight in the redesign (same basic platform architecture but more luxury gadgets), but we're told 0-60 times won't be affected much.

Electric power steering assist is new this year, but based on our recent experience with the Toyota Venza, we don't think this is a bad thing for the RX. "Owners asked for a little bit tighter response in the steering," said Mitchell, and we think we've delivered that without compromising comfort."

Probably the biggest change on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 is that it no longer has a touchscreen-style navigation system. Really. You now have to use a console controller called Remote Touch. We're told you can adjust the controller's sensitivity much like a computer mouse. To ease the transition, Lexus has a couple hands-on tutorials set up in the convention center that you can play with if you go to the show.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 goes on sale in February 2009.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

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• 400h
• 2008
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[dmontego522]

Ssangyong Motors called, they want their ugly piece of crap back!

[loneknight97]

stop being a hater! why the hell do u bother to watch if ur just stating its horrible

[rivengle]

@valtrus the is and gs are getting redesigned for the 2012 production year. hopefully, it brings a better styling direction.

[wowhornby]

love this car

[nerfguy1000]

my mom has that car!!!!!

[s17hockey3]

how could you think that i think its awsome

[GaySingleMulatto]

You might need a espresso high colonic.

[ediyakobov]

I love this car

Thankxx Alot

[valtrus]

The new Lexus RX for 2010 is a terrible design. Unfortunately, Lexus teased it's supporters with the concept RX, the Lf-xh, at the Tokyo auto show, subsequently to introduce this lemon. The interior may be OK, but the exterior is wanting. Whomever at Lexus designed this unattractive vehicle should receive a severe cut in pay, if not outright dismissal. Hopefully, a new redesign of the RX is forthcoming in the near future.

[LettegusZR1]

I dont know why people say it looks like the Mazda CX from the back. I'd say it looks like the first RX350 tail lights like 2000 models.. But still its nice that this one uses that BMW style front display

[ChaosRunes]

Why Do they promote cars 2 years before they accually happen?

its like 2 months into 2009, they promote 2010 cars.

[KPKonliner]

more , please