Test Drive: 2010 Lexus RX 350

2010 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

The centre console box has a nifty lid that drops to the rear when the latch is released, and there’s enough space inside to store CDs and lots more. The RX also comes with a smart smog sensor that can detect harmful particles entering the vehicle and will automatically switch between fresh air and the recirculation mode.

Rear passengers also get both recline and slide adjustments on a three-part split 40/20/40 seat. Behind these rear seats there’s also a big (1,133-litre) cargo area that doubles in size when the rear seats are folded down. In addition to more space there’s also more width between the suspension towers, an increase of about 15 cm.

Ten airbags are standard, and these include full-length side curtain airbags and dual front knee bags. Electronic stability-control and traction-control systems are also standard.

Swift, silent and secure, the RX 350 performs like, well, a Lexus. While its suspension is tuned more toward “relaxing ride” than “edgy performer,” there’s still enough crispness to its handling to make any time at the wheel an enjoyable one.

2010 Lexus RX 350. Click image to enlarge

Faster than the previous generation, this RX can hustle from zero to 100 km/h in less than eight seconds. The new six-speed transmission comes with an impressive “Sport” mode, in addition to a manual-shift mode. The “S” change in attitude, from mild to mean, is immediate and intense.

A new multi-media interface control system in RX is the easiest to use and most intuitive I’ve come across to date. A computer mouse-style joy stick moves a cursor on the screen and has a select button plus a handy scroll wheel. A “haptic” feedback feature also pulls the cursor onto screen icons and you can feel it “click” into place.

The Lexus navigation system is also particularly good. Its large colour-coded display screen is easy to understand and, when driving on a freeway, the image automatically splits and one side gives upcoming exits, with the exit number and the distance to it.

Another interesting technology in my test RX was its heads-up display. It projects road speed, audio and navigation info on to the windshield directly in front to the driver. First used on fighter planes (and then by GM), it allows you to watch the road and see important information at the same time.

The Lexus RX 350 offers better handling, improved acceleration, better fuel economy and a roomier cabin – and it’s now built in Canada.

Pricing: 2010 Lexus RX 350 Base price: $46,900 Options: None A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,895 Price as tested: $48,895 Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives Specifications Specifications: 2010 Lexus RX Competitors 2010 Audi Q5 2010 BMW X3 Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2010 Infiniti FX 35 2010 Land Rover LR2 2010 Lincoln MKX Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Crash test results National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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3. Bring it on! 2010 Lexus RX 350, Part 3
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5. Lexus to debut 2010 RX at LA auto show