Lexus RX improves on predecessors and is more fun

— -- The latest version of Lexus' popular RX crossover SUV resembles its forebears but is quite different and more desirable.

As before, the 2010 comes with a choice of powertrains. The RX 350 is a conventional gasoline model that has 5 more horsepower and a six-speed automatic instead of the five-speed in the '09. The RX 450h is the gas-electric hybrid version. It uses a bigger V-6 than before and keeps the gear-style, continuously variable automatic transmission that is smoothly satisfying in contrast to belt-drive CVTs that some automakers favor.

The 2010 hybrid replaces the 2008 RX 400h. There was no '09-model RX hybrid, Lexus says.

The latest RX is an inch longer and a couple of inches wider than before, small dimensions that make a big difference to the eye. The new one looks sleeker, less lumpy.

That appeal is overwhelming inside. There, you're treated to handsome and unusually comfortable leather (an option) seating and bold but restrained styling, especially on the instrument panel. Truly a machine you could buy for its interior. But RX still has just two rows of seats, although it's big enough for a third and is based on the Toyota Highlander, which has three.

Test models were well-furnished, all-wheel-drive versions of the gasoline 350 (sticker price $48,061) and the 450h ($52,303).

The optional navigation system no longer uses touch-screen controls. You command it via a console-mounted control that's a cross between a joystick and a computer mouse.

Lexus says that the navi/control screen is farther forward. That's easier for the driver to read at a glance without refocusing eyes from the road, but too far to reach for touch-screen controls.

As in many German models, the joystick/mouse solution means you have to make several moves to do things that ought to require one.

Other gripes, mainly minor:

•Power tailgate operation. No power-lift mode if you operate it with the button on the gate itself. You have to hoist it manually, and that means fighting the built-in resistance of the electric motor that normally powers the gate up or down. To get the power operation, you can push a button on the remote-control key fob or the dashboard, but not by using the logical approach of operating the handle on the gate itself.

•Manual-shift mode. Downshifts were soft, not the crisp gear changes preferred when you take control of the transmission.

•Hybrid whine. A little, typical of electric drive.

•Fuel economy. Not so good. Gasoline, midteens in the burbs, though driven gently enough to keep the green "eco" attaboy light on much of the time. Hybrid, mid-20s.

The hybrid drivetrain now is powerful enough that it tempts you to drive briskly, eroding mileage. It has 295 horsepower vs. 275 hp in the gasoline model. And the difference feels greater because the hybrid's instant-torque electric drive yanks the vehicle up to speed with a pleasing suddenness even before the gasoline engine kicks in.

Shudders and shimmies, the curse of hybrid powertrains, are all but gone. You can feel something — you're not quite sure what — if you're paying strict attention when the gasoline engine starts.

Suspensions in both testers provided good cornering with minimal lean in enthusiastic off-ramp attacks and other sporting but not extreme maneuvers. Some lux-lovers might find the ride bumpy. But overall it's a decent ride-handling blend.

The gasoline version's all-wheel drive has been changed. Used to send power to all wheels always. Now it's like most crossover SUV systems: front drive until you need the rears, which can get up to 50% of the power. Weighs less, uses less fuel.

The hybrid's AWD is unchanged. An electric motor in back drives the rear wheels as needed.

Both systems worked fine in the test, which wasn't much of a challenge because there weren't bad roads or bad weather.

The RX has a rich list of tech and lux features and options, all appropriate in the high-dollar market. But most appealing is what's missing. The testers were laudably free of the lethargic persona of predecessors. This RX isn't simply fancy, it's a lot of fun, especially the hybrid.

About the 2010 Lexus RX

•What? Re-do of the midsize, four-door, crossover SUV that's slightly longer, wider and a lot heavier than the previous version, but more fuel-efficient. Available in front-wheel drive (fwd) or all-wheel drive (awd), with gasoline engine (RX350) or as a gasoline-electric hybrid (RX450h).

•When? 350 on sale since February; 450h since June.

•Where? Made in Japan.

•How much? 350 starts at $38,125 (fwd) and $39,525 (awd), including shipping. 450h is $42,535 (fwd), $44,125 (awd).

•How many?Lexus forecasts 84,000 a year, 20% of them hybrids.

•How fancy? Hey, it's a Lexus.

•How powerful? 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 rated 275 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, 257 pounds-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission (gasoline) or continuously variable planetary-gear auto transmission. Both have manual shift modes.

Lexus rates hybrid's total gasoline-electric power at 295 hp, gives no combined torque figure. 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine in hybrid: 245 hp, 234 lbs.-ft. Electric motor for fwd: 167 hp. Rear motor for awd: 68 hp.

•How big? About an inch shorter, narrower than Toyota Highlander on which it's based. RX is 187.8 inches long, 74.2 in. wide, 66.3 in. tall (without roof rack) on 107.9-in. wheelbase. Weighs 4,178 lbs. (fwd) or 4,343 lbs. (awd). Tows 3,500 lbs.

Passenger space, 100.9 cubic feet (350) or 99.7 cu. ft. (450h); cargo: 40 cu. ft. behind rear seats, 80.3 cu. ft rear seats folded.

Turning circle diameter: 40 ft. curb-to-curb.

•How thirsty? 350 is rated 18 miles per gallon in town, 25 on the highway, 21 in combined driving (fwd); 18/24/20 (awd).

Trip computer in awd 350 test vehicle showed 19.9 mpg (5.03 gallons per 100 miles) in mixed suburban, highway driving, 14 mpg in gentle suburban driving with "eco" fuel-economy light illuminated often.

450h is rated 32/28/30 (fwd), 30/28/29 (awd).

Trip computer in awd 450h tester showed 23.7 mpg (4.22 gal./100 mi.) in mix of suburban, highway.

Burn premium, holds 19.2 gallons (350) or 17.2 gal. (450h).

•Overall:Class act, now with personality.