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Article Comments - 2010 Lexus RX 350 First Drive

18 messages,  Last post on Nov 12, 2009 at 7:02 PM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 350, SUV

2010 Lexus RX 350 First Drive - First Impressions: Lexus builds us a slightly more refined, slightly higher-tech version of the most popular luxury SUV of the last decade. (more)

Messages Page 2 of 2

#9 of 18 No interest in this topic by soonercat

Feb 09, 2009 (2:31 pm)

Is it me or does the forthcoming 2010 RX have no interest?
I think direct injection would have been quite nice from their GS 350 etc.

#10 of 18 Re: No interest in this topic [soonercat] by la4mead

Feb 09, 2009 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: soonercat (Feb 09, 2009 2:31 pm)
I plan on going to the local preview event tomorrow night, hoping to be impressed but I'm not expecting a big wow factor.
 
It looks like the same formula as before. Bigger, lazier, and more sedate which don't really inspire me much. Let's hope I'm wrong. I'm prepared (not expecting) to be impressed by a better handling, lower, well-built vehicle that's extremely efficient, agile and fun that includes lots of intuitive features in the price. But that's not what I've heard so far. The specs and pics of the new RX make me yawn. And for those who place a value on styling, I'd have to say the Venza has edgier, cleaner, and crisper lines. Either one seems like the size is getting just too big and clumsy, though.

#11 of 18 Re: No interest in this topic [soonercat] by wwest

Feb 10, 2009 (3:49 pm)

Replying to: soonercat (Feb 09, 2009 2:31 pm)
Actually DFI would have been even nicer on the new 187HP I4 in the new Venza and 2009 Highlander. DFI on that engine would have put in the "class" needed to power the RXh and even, or especially so, with DFI and Atkinson, the RXh.

#12 of 18 Re: No interest in this topic [wwest] by soonercat

Feb 11, 2009 (10:54 am)

Replying to: wwest (Feb 10, 2009 3:49 pm)
You are so right. Why spend $50,000 on the new RX hybrid when DFI on the I-4 would yield almost the same economy, nice power on regular gas and about $20,000 less bucks. LIke getting free lifetime fuel.

#13 of 18 2010 RX 350 Test Drive by Gyrlwolf

Feb 11, 2009 (10:53 pm)

Test drove the RX 350 AWD 2010 today at a dealer in Southern, NJ. Totally different feel than the 2009. I was like WOW! I'm short and in the previous model when I raised the seat all the way up, the arm rest on the right hand side was lower than my seat so it felt weird. Not so with the 2010 model. Center console is at the perfect height so felt very comfortable. The seats felt more like bucket seats that held your body perfectly like in a Acura MDX. No lean when I hit curves at high speeds and the silence was amazing. Absolutely no wind noise even on the highway! And the ease of the navigation system both verbally and with the mouse was a pleasant surprise. Oh yeah and push button start feature was cool. New model also features air conditioned seats, which will be nice in the summer on hot days. New easy release lever in cargo area easily lowered rear seats in seconds. All in all a good experience. Sticker price a little high right now though. RX 350 AWD was $47,600 with nav and $44,500 without nav. Both models look nice. No books to take home currently though and the guy didn't have any idea what the lease specials were like. Said I was only the 3rd person to test drive demo as they only had 5 in stock. Big Lexus open house on Feb 21st to let everyone test drive more and by then he states they should have books since they we're due to get the SUV in originally until 13-16 Feb. Sorry for being so long, just tried to give all info I had and my experience.

#14 of 18 Re: Too Fat [la4mead] by roblaw

Feb 18, 2009 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: la4mead (Jan 09, 2009 3:00 pm)
I agree. I have a 2007 RX350 and the size and weight are just right. Very good acceleration for a luxury SUV (handling, not so much). Interestingly the specs are now available through Lexus and the curb weight listed on the Lexus site is 4340, about 170 pounds less than listed by Edumds for an AWD model. The Canadian site lists 4510 pounds. I wonder what the difference is. A 250 lb. weight gain is not bad but it is better than what I have seen.

#15 of 18 2010 RX350 ADW driving in snow? by jacks2

Nov 10, 2009 (11:10 am)

Has anyone had an opportunity to drive their 2010RX in snow in areas where chains or 4WD are required?
 
Thanks

#16 of 18 Re: 2010 RX350 ADW driving in snow? [jacks2] by wwest

Nov 12, 2009 (11:32 am)

Replying to: jacks2 (Nov 10, 2009 11:10 am)
The new 2010 RX350 F/awd is system is without doubt a substantial improvement over the previous "one-wheel" F/awd system, awd mode "enforced" only via Traction Control's virtualization of center LSD (and rear..??).
 
That being said I would advise ANYONE with the expectation of encountering wintertime adverse roadbed conditions take the following measures.
 
A) Follow, RELIGIOUSLY FOLLOW, the manufacturer's advice regarding, against, having higher traction at the front vs the rear. NEVER install wintertime specialty tires or ANY traction enhancing device, studs, chains, etc, on the front absent equivalent, or even better, traction capability at the rear. Unless you are mentally prepared to drive the vehicle DEAD SLOW, sub-5MPH, NEVER install traction enhancment devices on the front without first installing a set on the rear.
 
B) Add rear wheel spacers thick enough that tire chains can be fitted. Otherwise the clearance between the rear tire's sidewall and suspension will be too tight for safe use of rear tire chains.
 
C) Buy a set of tire chains that can be readily and easily installed on the rear wheels in case of needed.
 
D) Keep in mind that even though it says this is a F/awd vehicle the TC system MUST be factory tuned to activate QUICKLY and FIRMLY, in order to reduce the potential for loss of directional control. Even in manually selected F/awd mode 50% of the torque is routed to the front wheels. Spend some time learning to "feather" the throttle right up to the point of loss of traction and not beyond.
 
E) Keep in mind why the Venza, with the exact same F/awd system, does not give the driver the ability to manually select F/awd mode. Most drivers cannot be trusted to make judicious make use of this function and Toyota does not wish to be providing needless warranty repairs.

#17 of 18 driving in snow by jacks2

Nov 12, 2009 (2:03 pm)

wwest
 
Thanks for the response however I'm not I sure understand it.
I had a 2007 RX AWD that I drove in the snow and on icy roads without any difficulty.
I now have a 2010 RX AWD, is this vehicle less safe to drive as it comes from the factory?
 
Thanks

#18 of 18 Re: driving in snow [jacks2] by wwest

Nov 12, 2009 (7:02 pm)

Replying to: jacks2 (Nov 12, 2009 2:03 pm)
There is no FWD or F/awd (front drive torque biasing and/or primarily FWD with part-time or "rubber bandish" rear wheel drive engagement) that should be considered safe in adverse roadbed conditions absent specific knowledge and expereince with/of FWD shortcomings in those conditions.

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