2010 Lexus RX

The RX 450h, with its unique front grille and bumper and blue-tinted badges and headlamp and taillamp covers, replaces the previous 3.3-liter V-6 with an Atkinson-cycle (shorter compression stroke) 3.5-liter that puts out 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet. FWD hybrids utilize a 167-horsepower electric motor while AWD versions supplement that with a 68-horse electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Either way, combined system power is rated at 295 horses. Estimated combined fuel economy, at 27 mpg for FWD and 28 for AWD, denotes a significant surge compared with the RX 400h's 25 mpg, and is a testament to the 450h's innovative exhaust-heat recovery system (reduces engine and coolant warmup time, enabling engine to shut off earlier and more frequently) and exhaust-gas recirculation system, which lowers engine pumping losses.

In addition to implementing the aforementioned rear control arms, Lexus engineers retuned the front struts for improved feel and even went so far as to offer an optional Sport Package that includes stiffer springs and 19-inch wheels. Sans the sport pack, all RXs come standard with 18-inch alloys. The electric power steering has been retuned as well and delivers commendable feedback and linearity. Further, the brakes are larger front and rear and the front calipers switch from a single-piston to a dual-piston design-a useful upgrade considering the RX has gained roughly 500 pounds. Naturally, we get the usual array of Lexus security nets, including VSC, EBD, and VDIM (standard on 450h), but there are some fresh safety tools, to boot, namely Hill-Start Assist Control, active front headrests, rear-seat side airbags (10 airbags total), LED headlamps (available on 450h), and headlamps that automatically switch from high to low beams when a camera in the rearview mirror detects lights from vehicles ahead.

While it's unlikely the neighbors will be able to detect that the 2010 RX is all-new or that it's crammed with about as much tech as the International Space Station, don't worry -- once behind the wheel, you'll easily discern that the new model is the most impressive RX yet.