Full disclosure: Lexus wanted us to test drive their new RX so badly, they flew me down to Georgia, put me up for a night in a fancy oceanside hotel, and fed me high class food.

As I said, I hate crossovers. Hate them with the anger of a thousand soaking wet cats trapped in a dog pound. I do not understand the need for such vehicles when perfectly good station wagons, minivans, or truck-framed SUV are as capable or more in most respects — I do however understand their customer's motivations. As much as I revile the crossover as a segment, the crossover-buyer is looking for a littler more form than function. Capitalism demands the supply of a product the consumer demands, and there is nothing wrong with crossover buyers. We just don't see eye-to-eye.

The Lexus RX invented the luxury crossover market and maintains leadership today. Sweeping changes are not the Toyota Way — their success comes from measured, incremental changes, carefully orchestrated with the customer in mind. The new RX starts from all the things its previous customers liked about it, refining them to make a car they'll most assuredly like even more.

Exterior upgrades reflect evolutionary changes with an eye to the L-Finesse design language, with crisply updated nose-end reminiscent of the IS350, standalone LED tail lights, bigger rear glass for better visibility, and a now-standard rear spoiler hiding the top-mounted rear wiper which might be challenging to change out if you're a DIY'er, but such filthy work is beneath a Lexus owner anyway. The profile is updated with smoother door panels and a crisp character line ahead of the rear wheel and chrome trim down low and around the windows. Lexus added quarter windows ahead of the doors to improve forward visibility but they're only useful if you're turning while trying to spot Georgia's numerous raccoons.

The mechanical news with the RX 350 is the addition of a six speed transmission, a new double wishbone rear suspension replacing the McPherson, and a simplified AWD system with an electromagnetically-actuated clutch pack in the differential managing automatic power distribution during wheel slippage. The 3.5-liter V6 gets a five HP bump to 275 HP but the new transmission means much stronger acceleration and better passing power while returning improved fuel economy. It won't be mistaken for a drag racer but repeat buyers will be happy with the improvement.

The RX 450h offers standard all-wheel-drive with the approach of a hybridized front-wheel-drive power pack and an all-electric rear-wheel-drive system. All is largely carryover, but a new power controller has bumped system voltage from 280V to 650V, resulting in better power delivery and a bit more torque out of the electric motors. Total power for the hybrid is around 295 HP with engine torque at 245 lb-ft and the e-motors providing variable torque across the range. The layout allows Lexus to create more streamlined transitions from all-electric starts to gas powered operations, and to be honest, if not for the cacophony of annoying green idiot lights splayed across the gauge cluster, you'd never know it was anything special. Well, that and the tach has been replaced with an economy gauge.

The problem with the RX is that it's as interesting sitting still as it is rolling and that's due mostly to the interior. Some of the most useful upgrades actually come in the cargo area, where the switch from McPherson struts to the lower-profile double wishbone means the wheel wells shrink and greatly improve cargo space. Also great is the addition of handles in the cargo bay which release the spring loaded seat backs and give a flat load floor without the run-around-the-car dance.

The asymmetric design of the dash and center console may cause some consternation, but in practice it's actually pretty nice. A low center pass through allows for purse storage or murse storage, which is not out of the question with this car. Rear seat legroom is generous and back seat passengers are treated as nicely as those in the front, they even get optional twin DVD players. Lexus has also launched the latest salvo in the safety dance wars; sporting a total of ten airbags surrounding front and rear seat occupants.

As of late, the term luxury has been confused with technology, but the new RX amazingly manages to be gee-whiz and user friendly. The RX offers everything buyers in the segment ask for; Bluetooth, navigation, heated and cooled seats, cameras all over the place including side-view mirror mounted units which show how close you're getting to the curb, iPod functionality...you'll want for nothing. The centerpiece though is a completely new control method called "Remote Touch Interface," which we were begged not to liken to BMW's iDrive. In fairness, we won't; RTI makes iDrive feel like it was designed multiple product cycles ago (which it was).

Lexus has moved to a non-touch, eight-inch screen buried high in the dash and controlled with RTI, a hybrid of force feedback joystick and computer mouse. Rolling over the software buttons provides excellent haptic feedback; selections are done with buttons under the right thumb and pinky with menu, map, and display shortcut buttons around the perimeter. Lexus claims the front passenger can use the system as well, but we'd advise against it unless you're quite intimate with the driver. You'll be caressing his or her outer thigh with every twitch of the wrist, which could be considered a pseudo-flaw or a great feature. In case you don't want to make a pass at the driver, most systems have duplicate button controls below the screen.

Driving the RX 350 and the RX 450h, you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart, ignoring the low speed silence, which is part of the hybrid experience. The new six-speed makes a big difference in power delivery off the line and in passing situations while the interior provides the coddling luxury the segment buyers are looking for. Handling is very much like any other large luxury car; it happily soaks up bumps, body roll is kept to a minimum, as is driver involvement. The Georgia State Police were omnipresent in a way which prevented at-limit testing, but honestly, there would have been no point in knowing how balanced the RX is. You won't exactly see them scooting around your next SCCA meet, but this is sort of the point. A car like the RX isn't aimed at grease-stained speed freaks, but the legions of car-as-appliance drivers.

And that's our only problem with the 2010 Lexus RX. It's a hugely competent car for people who don't care about driving. Lexus continues to distill the RX down to the ultimately perfect luxury crossover, great if you're into that kind of thing, but we are not.

November 19, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Lexus unveiled the all-new, next generation RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid at a press conference today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle that pioneered the car-based luxury utility vehicle segment when it launched in 1998, is completely redesigned and will continue to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it the best-selling luxury utility vehicle: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort.

At the heart of the new RX models are two improved powertrains. Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive's evolution is the addition of two new systems that improve its efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

Both RX models feature a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized.

The all-new RX models possess a number of Lexus-first technologies that enhance the ownership experience. An available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system has an all-new "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM® satellite-radio capability (requires subscription) is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The spacious five-passenger interior includes a new, thoughtfully constructed "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone."

The "display zone" assists the driver via an eight-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display reduces the need for excessive eye movement, and the use of high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.
The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.

The exterior of the all-new RX has a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX's profile. Stylish molding around the side windows and at the base of the doors provides low-profile strength. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels complement the exterior with a strong, sporty look, with optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels providing another styling cue. While it has increased in nearly every dimension, overall aerodynamic advancement was aided by a specially designed undertray, resulting in a segment-topping 0.32 coefficient of drag (Cd).

The RX 450h hybrid will have its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

The new RX is available with a selection of luxury and sport option packages, which include features like Lexus' exclusive Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.

The all-new RX will offer a wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation screen.

True to its heritage, the RX's active and passive safety systems continue to be among the vehicle's most impressive features. Lexus' available Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) seamlessly integrates individual systems like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Traction Control (TRAC). It operates in a smooth proactive way via throttle, steering and braking to help prevent skids while cornering before the vehicle reaches its operating limits on slippery roads or other challenging conditions.

The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) relies on millimeter-wave radar technology to recognize a possible frontal collision and primes the brake assist and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seat-belt in anticipation of the crash. An intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is available with HID low- and high-beam headlamps on both models, while the RX 450h also offers the AFS with LED low-beam and Halogen high-beam headlamps. Both anticipate the vehicle's location based on vehicle speed and steering angle, swiveling the front headlamps into the turn. An optional new automatic high-beam system detects light from oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles or ambient sources and automatically switches from high to low beams.

Passive safety features include a class-leading 10 standard airbags on the new RX, including dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags (including the Lexus exclusive twin-chamber front-passenger airbag), driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. It is also equipped with Lexus' front-seat active headrests, designed to help reduce a possible whiplash injury when in certain lower speed collisions from the rear.

The all-new 2010 RX 350 will go on sale next February, while the 2010 RX 450h will reach dealerships nationwide in the spring.