Picture Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX450h | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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And for a guy like me being coddled while also getting to play with the new gizmos and gadgets in a tester, well it makes my thoughts of racing and fast cars disappear along with the warm weather… well, almost. This week’s tester, The Lexus RX 450h, tries to do it all; it’s a hybrid, a mid-sized luxury SUV and it has quite a few gizmos to keep you - and the kids - entertained.
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The “base” model RX 450h starts at $58,900 a hefty sum, but to some not so much considering the amount of technology you get along with the prestigious Lexus badge. Of course at that price you still get most of the bells and whistles you would expect in a luxury SUV such as a 3.5-litre V6 engine that is assisted by electric motors driving both the front and rear wheels of the AWD drive system. Also standard are all the safety devices you would expect in a Lexus: stability control, ABS, hill start assist, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and enough air-bags to cushion you in almost any accident (side, front, knee, curtain).
Then the list of standard luxury features begins: dual-zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 9-speaker audio system, power heated leather seating, backup camera, 18″ aluminium wheels, rain sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive front lighting system - the list seems to never end. That was just the standard model, the RX 450h is available in two additional trim options. For $3,400 more you can add the touring package which adds a 12-speaker audio system, voice activated navigation, 19″ wheels and wood trim steering wheel.
But it doesn’t end there. My tester is equipped with the ultra premium package which comes in at a whopping ultra premium price of $12,500. It adds a 15-speaker Mark Levinson stereo (incase 12-speakers are not enough for you), everything in the touring package of course, dual rear screens so your rear seat passengers can keep entertained, heads up display, premium leather, LED headlamps, radar cruise control, and a side camera package.
So there you have it — this week I’m immersed in gadgets — unfortunately it doesn’t seem as though this Lexus can park itself, but I can probably manage just fine.
2010 Lexus RX 450h
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $71,469
For more information on Lexus and the RX 450h visit Lexus Canada
October 20, 2009, 10:30:23 pm $72k
Honestly.
October 20, 2009, 10:31:29 pm Spendy for sure.........
I'd buy a used RX400h myself.....
October 20, 2009, 10:59:55 pm You'll never get payback! I could buy a Fit and put gas in it for life. I could buy a Yaris and drive to the moon and back. Etc.
October 21, 2009, 02:00:55 am
I don't think that the type of person who buys these crossovers are looking for a monetary payback. They're more interested in the "green" statement they make. If they enjoy the vehicle, that's great, but that little blue h is not a very good way to be economical.
October 21, 2009, 02:28:16 am Pssst. Sarcasm
October 21, 2009, 06:05:41 am Crazy pricing!......US 450h's start in the mid forties and top out around 55K full load. Unlike some other Canadian car companies who have adjusted prices, it looks like Lexus is still putting the screws to consumers! I think I'd be shopping stateside for a demo or service loaner that had been RDR'ed and that the dealer was allowed to sell to a Canadian.
October 21, 2009, 03:53:08 pm I'm not sure about the 450h but I know the RX350 are built in Cambridge. Like Acura with the MDX, the Canadian premium was $12,000 over the US MRSP, and that for a SUV built in Aliston. Both offer a million reasons why this remains the same, but it would be the one reason I would not consider either vehicle, green or not.
October 21, 2009, 09:40:08 pm At least cars on this side of the border retain their resale value a lot better due to the higher costs of new.
October 22, 2009, 04:09:00 pm "engine so quiet you don't know it's running?" - not my kind of car then.....
October 23, 2009, 01:00:39 pm This car obviously doesn't attract much interest
I would take the Porsche Cayenne instead.
October 23, 2009, 01:12:37 pm The next few weeks will be more interesting
October 23, 2009, 01:42:17 pm
October 25, 2009, 10:35:23 pm SUV Lexus Hybrids Hiss-Off the Londoners b/c they can get around paying Congestion Charge.
I have to say I like the style. But The Hybrids are just green washing really IMO.
October 26, 2009, 05:50:55 am
I have to say that the whole RX line really does nothing for me. I like the looks,(and in fact went down to Maine two years ago pretty convinced I'd be buying an RX350). It only took a short test drive to change my mind. I found it to have a very "soft" ride and to be quite isolated from the road. Also, the lack of centre console between the seats and having the shifter on the dash seemed very "minivan" to me.
October 26, 2009, 08:10:56 am the lack of centre console between the seats and having the shifter on the dash seemed very "minivan" to me.
That been change
SO what are the difference between a Venza and RX series?
Just the tech things?
October 26, 2009, 09:21:38 am Although I have a new love in the BMW 5 GT, the RX still gets it right IMO. When it comes down to it, despite the lack of some soul, I'd be hard pressed to choose any of the Euro competition or SRX over the RX. They've stuck to the original formula without upsizing it, and am glad to see if paying dividends for Lexus. It offers great size and reasonable visibility, comfort and quiet, classy style, technology, quality throughout, AWD, and the h option. The packages are pricey, but the more basic RX is relatively affordable. For most people, would think it near perfection.
October 26, 2009, 10:16:04 am I'd love to see you test the regular one and see how it compares.
November 01, 2009, 07:17:53 pm What about a comparison between Lexus RX Hybrid and BMW X5 new diesel? Same price, about same annual price for fuel... which one will you choose?
November 01, 2009, 07:25:38 pm
What, you have a rip-roaring performance exhaust on your Highlander?
November 01, 2009, 07:32:22 pm
If you like driving the X5 if you like boring the Lexus.
November 01, 2009, 07:46:30 pm The X5 in a walk. A driver's SAV (SUV, cuv, whatever)...