The 2010 RX 450h, which starts at $42,535 for the front-drive model and $44,125 for the all-wheel drive flavor, features the Lexus version of Toyota's hybrid drive system, called Lexus Hybrid Drive, along with a host of other improvements and an updated exterior.
In the RX 450h a 3.5L V-6 Atkinson-cycle engine is paired with updated, lighter electric motors and a smaller power-control unit. The changes net the RX 450h an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city / 28 highway for the front-driver and 30 city / 28 highway for the AWD variant, a 16% improvement over the outgoing RX 400h. And those numbers look even better when you consider the total horsepower for the 450h is now rated at 295 hp -- 27 more ponies than the first-gen RX hybrid.
The RX 450h will be delivered to Lexus dealers starting mid-summer. All prices include destination. Stay tuned to TT Online for our first drive stories on both vehicles.