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2010 Lexus RX 450h Safety Review

February 24, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Structural reinforcements to improve crashworthiness
Edmunds

Visibility to the rear corners is slightly impeded by the roof pillars
ConsumerGuide

Standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags
Cars.com

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h hasn't yet completed the full round of crash tests, but that alone isn't enough to keep this perennial safety standout from earning high marks in the safety category. The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is packed with active and passive safety features, as well as a few nifty visibility-enhancing devices that will prove invaluable.

As of this writing, no U.S. crash tests have yet been conducted on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, but previous versions of the RX Lexus lineup have fared quite well. There's little reason to believe that the story will be any different for the Lexus RX 450h, especially considering that Edmunds reports "structural reinforcements to improve crashworthiness."

In terms of safety features, there's little more you could ask for than what comes on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h. Cars.com reports that "standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front and outboard rear seats, front and rear side curtain airbags, knee airbags for front-seat occupants, an electronic stability system and active head restraints." ConsumerGuide adds that "Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which is designed to tighten the seatbelts and ready full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision," is also available on the Lexus RX 450h, while "Hill-start assist is a new standard feature." One other noteworthy safety feature, according to reviewers at Motor Trend, is the new set of headlamps "that automatically switch from high to low beams when a camera in the rearview mirror detects lights from vehicles ahead."

Speaking of cameras, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the RX Lexus lineup offers a few to help with driver visibility. Along with the usual backup camera, which Cars.com says is "included with the navigation system option," Cars.com states that the Lexus RX 450h is available with a "wide-view side monitoring system. Featuring a wide-angle camera mounted under the right mirror, the system can show an image on the navigation screen of the ground around the right side of the RX, to make parking easier."

Conclusion

Few vehicles on the road offer the combination of driver-awareness features and active-safety measures found on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Structural reinforcements to improve crashworthinessEdmundsVisibility to the rear corners is slightly impeded by the roof pillarsConsumerGuideStandard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbagsCars.com The 2010 Lexus RX 450h hasn't yet completed the full round of crash tests, but that alone isn't enough to keep this perennial safety standout from earning high marks in the safety category. The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is packed with active and passive safety features, as well as a few nifty visibility-enhancing devices that will prove invaluable. As of this writing, no U.S. crash tests have yet been conducted on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, but previous versions of the RX Lexus lineup have fared quite well. There's little reason to believe that the story will be any different for the Lexus RX 450h, especially considering that Edmunds reports "structural reinforcements to improve crashworthiness." In terms of safety features, there's little more you could ask for than what comes on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h. Cars.com reports that "standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front and outboard rear seats, front and rear side curtain airbags, knee airbags for front-seat occupants, an electronic stability system and active head restraints." ConsumerGuide adds that "Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which is designed to tighten the seatbelts and ready full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision," is also available on the Lexus RX 450h, while "Hill-start assist is a new standard feature." One other noteworthy safety feature, according to reviewers at Motor Trend, is the new set of headlamps "that automatically switch from high to low beams when a camera in the rearview mirror detects lights from vehicles ahead." Speaking of cameras, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the RX Lexus lineup offers a few to help with driver visibility. Along with the usual backup camera, which Cars.com says is "included with the navigation system option," Cars.com states that the Lexus RX 450h is available with a "wide-view side monitoring system. Featuring a wide-angle camera mounted under the right mirror, the system can show an image on the navigation screen of the ground around the right side of the RX, to make parking easier." ConclusionFew vehicles on the road offer the combination of driver-awareness features and active-safety measures found on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.  2010 LEXUS RX STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "Cabin feels just like the RX 350 's and offers all the same amenities" ConsumerGuide: "Navigation screen is placed conveniently high in dashboard and deeply inset" Motor Trend: "Appears conspicuously similar to the 2009 model" If ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Finding comparable vehicles to the 2010 Lexus RX 450h isn't an easy task, but two German SUVs and a downscale Toyota come closest to the Lexus' fuel economy and interior room. The Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI sports that maker's BlueTEC diesel engine and gets highway fuel economy in the mid-20s, while offering a plush and expensive five-seat cabin. The coming VW Touareg diesel is similar in mission to the Benz, minus the coveted badge and brand name; those wanting a slightly sprightlier driving feel might also like the Audi Q7, which late in the 2009 model year comes in a fuel-efficient TDI version. Toyota's own Highlander Hybrid is another alternative; it's substantially cheaper than the new Lexus hybrid, while offering a similar powertrain and additional seating for two more passengers—with blocky, unrefined looks and loose, unengaging handling.

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See the Lexus RX 450h in Other Years:

2010

Comments (5 total)

  1. By  Used trucks #2, Posted: 7/11/2009

    The interior is pretty ugly but I am sure the fit and finish and quality is top notch. The old model had a much nicer exterior (imo) as well. This
    looks even MORE jellybean than the last.

  2. By fred #3, Posted: 7/27/2009

    You read so many conflicting reviews on the RX450h. If you have never experienced a Lexus Hybrid, better to keep your mouth shut. My 2006 RX400h will be changed in Sept. for the new 450H. After 4 winters in Montreal, not one single problem, and 9.5 liters per 100KLM with the 4 wheel drive operating 75% of the time, and in below zero temperatures, one would have to have his head examined to entertain any other model other than the 450H. True, its not a sport off road vehicle, but hey, that is not what I need. Bravo Lexus/Toyota. You always do it right the first time.

  3. By Don Jessup #4, Posted: 9/6/2009

    Just picked up new 450H. Fun to drive, lots of high tech, GPS impressive, but data base is ancient. At least two years out of date. No power outlet in dash. Center console storage is like a dark cave. I was told it can use regular or premium gas. Beautiful fit and finish like every Lexus. More after I drive it a while. Paid $47,619 with upgrades.

  4. By james #5, Posted: 9/23/2009

    Hi everyone, i am planning to buy the 450H.
    does anyone know what it would cost to replace the hybrid battery and when??
    thank you

  5. By  Used rvs #6, Posted: 11/12/2009

    The RX has been the most ridicules vehicle invented since it came out.First it has no room more then a compact wagon like Jetta or Passat. A shape that if it were Aerodynamic in shape it would not need the Hybrid and get better gas mileage.

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