Everyone was all excited when the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid was released. Big Stinking deal! Well the Escalade Hybrid gets 40% better fuel economy than the regular gas powered model. No shit, the regular one get a piss poor 12 MPG in city! And the Hybrid only manages to get 20 MPG….Well folks the Lexus blows those numbers away with its 30 MPG fuel economy. The Lexus is also way cheaper, looks better, and is more practical! Chew on that Detroit. Now I’m not
knocking American Automobiles (ok….just a little) but do we really need a 5800-lb. SUV? The Lexus RX weights a whopping 1200-lbs. less. All that extra weight the Escalade Hybrid carries around sure does hinder performance and handling! Oh and did I mention the Escalade Hybrid costs almost $30k more!
The 2010 Lexus RX 450h builds on the solid foundation that the previous generation hybrid SUV was known for; an ultra luxurious presence and hybrid technology. This year the Lexus gets a cheaper price tag, better fuel economy, and most importantly more horsepower! The RX 450h also gets a double wishbone suspension and regenerative braking at all 4 wheels which accounts for better batter recharging.
It is visually similar to the RX 350 but has a few of its own design and styling. The new RX sports a unique grille, blue trimmed Lexus emblems, 19-inch rims, blue tinted head and tail lamps, and LED headlamps. Entering its second generation the new RX features the Lexus Hybrid Drive System with a 3.5 Liter V-6 engine integrated with a more efficient inverter that produces 295 horsepower (27 more hp than the current RX generation hybrid). The Lexus’s Hybrid Drive system uses an updated exhaust heat recovery system that allows the car to shut down quicker and more often thus improving the MPG by shutting down during times of idle like at a stoplight. There is also an exhaust recirculation system that uses the exhaust to help with engine pumping losses; whatever that means. Both features help to improve and maximize fuel economy. 
The RX 450h has front wheel drive or an electric part time all-wheel drive hybrid system. Although the key feature in the RX 450h’s hybrid system is the electric motor generator allowing all four wheels to achieve regenerative braking ultimately charging the hybrid battery. Of course there are all kinds of high tech accessories like NAV this and XM that, but you already know Lexus is going to give you all of these. There is a high tech sound and entertainment system too!
If you’re looking for an SUV that is environmentally conscious and as sophisticated quality feel, then the 2010 Lexus RX 450h is the car you’re looking for. Prices start a little over $40k.
