2010-rx-350

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is the Lexus version of a luxury midsize crossover SUV. Foreign competitors include the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Hyundai Veracruz, BMW X3 and Mercedes Benz GLK. American luxury midsize crossovers include the Lincoln MKX and MKT.

The RX 350 has a complete external refresh for this year. While you can still see enough traces of yesteryear's RX 350 to connect the two the new version is leaner, meaner and much sharper looking. In fact, to use a human equation, it looks like it went from couch potato to fighting trim.

The new RX 350 engine is also improved. It's still a 3.5 liter gasoline V6, same as last year. But the horsepower has been raised from 270 to 275. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, which has a manual shift mode.

The only trim differences in the RX 350 are front-wheel and all-wheel drive. At 18 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway for the front-wheel drive model, with a drop of only one mile per gallon for the all-wheel drive, the RX 350 has actually improved in fuel efficiency.

Cargo volume for the RX 350 is 40 cubic feet, with a maximum payload of 1220 pounds. Not all the data is in yet on towing, but it will be rated for at least 3500 pounds maximum towing weight. Fuel economy and cargo volume are both rated better than class average, as is front legroom. Overall passenger volume and rear headroom are both less than class average.

NHTSA and IIHS numbers are not available yet for the new RX 350 and differences in this year's model make last year's numbers a less than reliable guide. The RX 350 has some good safety features including antilock brakes with electronic braking assistance, vehicle stability system and traction control, first aid kit and optional electronic parking aid.

On the other hand, some common safety features such as child safety locks and remote ignition have been left out, and limited slip differential is available only on the all-wheel drive. Locking differential is not available.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 is surprisingly competitive on price. At a $36,800 base price it's less than $2000 above the class average for midsize SUVs and almost $20,000 less than the class average for luxury SUVs. All in all, the RX 350 is likely to continue drawing an audience, and possibly even increase it, even in these lean times.