It wasn’t too long ago that we brought you news of the Lexus RX400h, the iconic luxury brands first foray into hybrid SUVs that has been in production since 2005. Well, five years in and the automaker has redesigned the SUV and the RX400h’s newest update – the RX450h – was originally unveiled at the November L.A. Auto Show and getting more buzz at last week in Detroit.
One of the changes under the hood was an increase in power. The 2010 RX450h boasts a 3.5 liter V-6, whereas older models have only 3.3 liters. Purveyors at the auto show also noticed a significantly smaller nickel-metal hydride battery under the hood. Other than those two changes, the hybrid system has not changed much from the original RX400h, it has just been updated as technology has advanced and changed. Lexus also brought back in electric steering, a feature which many of their cars have, but that was missing in the RX400h, making steering feel light, even at top speeds. This adds to the smooth ride.
The suspension in the rear of the SUV has been widened since the RX400h, giving the car more stability, as well. Another change for the RX450h is the fuel economy. The newest version gets one mile per gallon more than its predecessor. The old model got 27 miles per gallon for the front wheel drive vehicle (26 for all wheel drive), and the newest version gets 28 and 27, respectively.
The body style and interior of the newest member in the Lexus hybrid family remains similar to what we saw in the RX400h. Sleek, smooth and sexy are the names of the game – as we are used to seeing from the prestigious automaker.
Check out this full review from a CNET blogger who was able to test drive this luxury hybrid SUV. He is also able to compare the handling and performance of the RX450h to the RX400h, which is great.
What do you think of some of the other concept and new cars being rolled out in Detroit? Share your thoughts on this new hybrid SUV and the other hot new ideas being shown off at the International Auto Show!
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