Introduction
Originally launched for the 1999 model year, the Lexus RX soon set the stage for a booming premium utility market. A redesign for 2004 gave Lexus's crossover a new look and a larger, more powerful V-6 engine, and the Lexus RX 400h hybrid model joined the regular RX for 2006. For 2010, Lexus has redesigned its midsize RX crossover SUV, including appearance revisions, stronger gasoline and hybrid powertrains, and a new 6-speed automatic transmission for the RX 350 model.

The redesigned 2010 RX 350 and newly named RX 450h made their world debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November of 2008. Sales of the 2010 RX 350 begin in February of 2009. The RX 450h will follow a couple of months later.

Design
Nearly all dimensions have increased for the new 2010 RX, and a specially-designed vehicle undertray helps yield what Lexus calls a "segment-leading" drag coefficient of 0.32, suggesting improved aerodynamics. Styling modifications include an inverted-trapezoid front-end design. Seating five occupants, the new RX features a "dual-zone cockpit." A white organic LED display promises wide-angle readability while an optional head-up display uses high-intensity LEDs for easier reading in sunlight, Lexus says.