Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a lavish crossover SUV traded by Lexus from 1998. In RX lineup comprises of hybrid-powered and multiple V6 models like the RX 450h, RX 400h, RX 350, RX 330, and RX 300 in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive versions.

First Generation (1998-2003)

The first generation Lexus RX was debuted in 1997 at the Chicago Auto Show. This version had combined features of a sedan, wagon, and SUV. In December 1997, the SUV concept was seen for the first time on this version. The 1st generation was designed with

• the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 engine to render 304 Nm (224 ft-lbs) of torque and 219 hp (163 kW) JIS (161 kW) of power and
• the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4-cylinder engine that could produce the 191 Nm (140 ft-lbs) of torque and 139 hp (104 kW) JIS (102 kW) of power.

Both engines were designed with all-wheel drive patterns and all models used an automatic transmission.

Changes in 2000 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX was unchanged until 2000 and later year it got the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine that replaced the previous 2.2 L 5S-FE engine, and delivered

• 221 Nm (163 ft-lbs) of torque and
• 159 hp (119 kW) JIS (117 kW) of power.

The new engine was provided with either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Second generation (2004-2009)

The 2nd generation Lexus RX was introduced in Asian and European markets during 2003, and in Japan it continued to be sold as the RX 300. Coming to mechanical specifications, the engine was similar to the 3.0 L V6 Harrier with only all-wheel drive mechanism. For the Middle Eastern and North American markets, the second generation was traded under the label RX 330.

Third generation (2009-present)

The third generation model was revealed at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007, in form of the LF-Xh concept. Later in 2009, the modified 3rd generation was RX launched at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show as the hybrid RX 450h and traditional RX 350.

2010 Lexus RX

The 2010 RX 350 includes a muscular 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine that can produce 275 hp (205 kW). The engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission along with a sequential shift.

The key standard features include –

• keyless start and entry system,
• SmartAccess,
• electrochromic heated side mirrors,
• Bluetooth,
• UV minimizing exterior glass,
• power 10-way passenger and driver seats,
• power telescoping or tilt steering wheel,
• a power rear hatch, and
• reclining/sliding rear seats.

The multi-function display of instrument cluster utilizes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display with an alternative thin film transistor (TFT-LCD) display.

Optional Features

The additional features in the 2010 Lexus RX include

• ventilated and heated front seats,
• 19-inch wheels,
• power front seat cushion enhancer,
• semi-aniline and perforated leather seats,
• power folding side view mirrors,
• a new hard disk drive HDD-based navigation system, and
• a smog sensor for the HVAC system.

The 3rd generation RX includes VoiceBox Technologies informal speech voice recognition system in the U.S, while 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES), and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) are also offered as optional features.