2010 Lexus RX 450h

Lexus has introduced the next generation of its trend-setting RX luxury utility vehicle for 2010, the hybrid RX 450h SUV.

The 2010 Lexus RX450h, which reaches Lexus showrooms in April 2009, gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 27 mph highway (26 mpg for the AWD), which is an 8-12 percent improvement of the old RX400h. All this while producing 295 total system horsepower, which is 27 more than the current generation RX400h.

With each iteration, and now generation, of its Hybrid Drive system, Lexus continues to push forward its hybrid technology to increase efficiency and performance of its vehicles. Now, nearly four years after the debut of the RX 400h, the world's first hybrid-powered luxury vehicle, the new Lexus RX 450h brings a broad range of improvements designed raise the bar in the luxury sport utility class once again.

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations.



A full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a mode that combines the power of both. Extended electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions helps reduce fuel consumption. Under certain circumstances, a new driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances using only the electric motors.

The RX 450h will achieve Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered vehicles.

With the Atkinson cycle, the gasoline engine’s intake valves are closed late to delay beginning of compression, resulting in a higher expansion ratio. That reduces intake and exhaust energy losses for more efficient combustion and improved fuel economy. The gas engine alone produces 245 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, up from 208 in the previous RX 400h; torque is 234 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm as compared to 212 at 4,400 rpm from the previous RX 400h’s 3.3-liter V6. The Atkinson cycle also reduces exhaust temperature. A new cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces it further still, helping economy by eliminating the fuel enrichment otherwise needed to help prevent catalyst overheating under high loads.



A 288V DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack fits neatly under the rear seat and is more compact and lighter than in the previous model. A boost converter efficiently raises voltage to 650V DC, and an inverter changes this to 650V AC for the front-mounted 123-kW electric motor-generator. The boost converter and inverter are enclosed in the power-control unit, which also houses the condenser. The new power-control unit is 17.6 lbs. lighter than the previous unit and about 40 percent smaller. Losses have been reduced by more than 10 percent, enhancing fuel economy.

The RX 450h front-wheel-drive model’s hybrid powertrain employs two motor-generators: MG1, the engine-driven generator, is a starter and can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed; MG2 is the front-drive motor. Power from the gas engine and MG2 is distributed to the drive wheels via a planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission. MG1 controls the output speed of the transaxle through the planetary gear set, without clutches or a viscous coupling. MG2 delivers similar maximum torque as in the previous model, but over a wider range for better response and smoother performance. When the RX 450h is coasting or braking, the electric motors function as generators, capturing energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into electricity to recharge the batteries.



The all-wheel-drive RX 450h adds a third, rear-mounted motor-generator (MGR) to drive the rear wheels, eliminating the need for power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft from the front. The hybrid system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

A new two-step flywheel damper absorbs small torque fluctuations and also the minor vibration produced when the gasoline engine starts and stops. A SNOW mode slows accelerator-pedal response to help reduce the possibility of wheel spin.

Multi-Mode, a feature adapted to the vehicle’s electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, allows the driver to control engine braking for enhanced maneuverability on rough or winding roads. The AI-SHIFT feature, adopted on a hybrid for the first time, selects and holds the optimal range when driving downhill or on inclines, providing a smoother driving experience.



The power-steering pump, water pump and air-conditioning compressor are driven electrically rather than by the engine, reducing parasitic losses.

To enhance fuel economy, a new exhaust heat-recovery system circulates engine coolant through a unit installed in the exhaust pipe behind the catalytic converter. This new feature reduces engine warm-up time, allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods, improving both fuel economy and emissions.

The 2010 RX models introduce the new Intelligent AFS, which for the first time on a Lexus is being used for high beams of the HID headlamp equipped models, and for the low beams of the LED equipped RX 450h models. When entering a corner, AFS estimates where the vehicle will be in three seconds, based on the vehicle speed and the angle of the tires, and adjusts the lateral aim of the headlamps. AFS can be switched off by the driver if desired. AFS also includes an auto-leveling function.



Using a camera mounted on the inner rear view mirror, a new available automatic high beam system switches between high and low beams in response to oncoming vehicles and those traveling in front, or when other ambient sources are detected, helping reduce driver inconvenience.

The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is highly possible. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.

All 2010 RX models are equipped with a power tilt and telescopic steering column. To ease entry and exit, the seat automatically slides two inches rearward and the steering wheel tilts upward and slides forward when the engine (or hybrid system) is switched off. Upon pushing the “ON” switch, the seat and steering wheel return to positions pre-set by the driver using the three-position memory system.

The newly designed, standard 10-way power front seats are shaped to accommodate arm movement when operating the available Remote Touch, while also holding the occupants in place. Both the driver and passenger seats also feature power lumbar adjustment. Also newly available on the RX is a ventilation function for the front seats to help improve comfort on hot and humid days. The shape and texture of the armrests and switches offer an ideal combination of tactile feel and functionality.

The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel features integrated audio controls and a unique cross-section that is designed to provide a more natural grip than a conventional round-section wheel. A leather and wood trimmed wheel is also available for added luxury.

Three seat materials include standard fabric, optional smooth leather or even softer semi-aniline leather. In addition to light gray and black, Parchment is now available as an interior color. The RX 450h also exclusively offers a black and light gray interior with striking black accents. Standard wood trim comes in Brown Walnut matched to Parchment, or Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple matched to gray and black.

The center console box provides enough space to comfortably store CDs/DVDs or the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Even with the owner’s manual, the console box still offers more than 0.75- cu. ft. of storage capacity. The three-part (40/20/40) rear seats can be slid and reclined, and can be folded down using the one-touch levers mounted in the luggage compartment. Compact rear-seat headrests help improve the driver’s visibility. The new double-wishbone rear suspension, due to its compact packaging, yields a larger luggage compartment; the width between the suspension towers is increased by nearly six inches.

The new climate-control system offers quicker cooling and warming and is also quieter. A new high-efficiency compressor detects refrigerant flow in order to optimize engine control and fuel economy. The new system can cool the cabin to about two degrees lower and warm it by about five degrees higher than in the previous RX. An available smog sensor is designed to detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions and automatically switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A new electric compressor on the RX 450h includes a humidity sensor to help optimize air-conditioner operation, helping to enhance fuel economy.

The new Lexus RX models accommodate a variety of music sources, providing auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth® Audio wireless connectivity and standard XM® satellite radio capability (requires subscription), which is also joined by XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather. Standard voice recognition and Bluetooth technology allow phone calls to be made and received while driving. When an iPod is attached via the USB port, information such names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the available navigation or audio screen. The large center console storage box easily accommodates a variety of electronic devices while keeping wires out of sight.

The RX continues the tradition of offering the Lexus Premium Audio system as standard equipment, in this case a powerful nine-speaker system with a six-disc changer. Creative placement and angling of the speakers perfectly cross-channels sound to the occupant on the opposite side of the vehicle to transform the cabin into a clear, crisp acoustic environment. A 12-speaker system comes with the optional navigation or rear seat entertainment systems and includes two-rear-door tweeters and a compact, L-shaped subwoofer in the rear-luggage compartment.

2010 Lexus RX 450h SPECIFICATIONS