Of course, I like to rock it all, but I was specifically looking for a hot hand me down and decided that a used Lexus RX 350 was just the ticket I needed to ride. A quick cyber search led me to the 2010 model year, thanks to a few strategic revisions on the SUV.
After checking it out, I determined that you needn’t limit yourself to new in order to join the luxury line’s “Pursuit of Perfection.” Follow me…I’ll give you the goods in the 2010 Lexus RX 350…
The 2010 Lexus RX 350 – Ooh La La!
Now, for those of us who know the Lexus brand, we understand that it is a cautious automotive outfit when it comes to releasing completely redesigned vehicles overnight. So, not surprisingly, the revisions on the 2010 RX are slight, committed to the winning work of its predecessors. Still able to accommodate five passengers in ultimate comfort, the 2010 RX 350 remains a luxuriously-equipped, plush ride.
New details unique to the 2010 model year include a somewhat wider body, larger wheels, which now measure 18-inches, up from 17, larger brakes, additional airbags, now totaling ten, keyless ignition, a new six-speed automatic transmission, along with a newly available Remote Touch navigation system controlled by a mouse. This system is incredibly user-friendly with the mouse situated on the center console, where it is easily accessible and intuitive to operate.
Given this new equipment, it follows that the new RX 350 is heavier than its predecessor by at least 400 pounds; however, this does not impact its performance whatsoever. In fact, it actually feels zippier and more responsive, thanks no doubt to its revised suspension and enhanced steering.
Outfitted with a double-wishbone suspension in the back, the handling feels stronger, and the cargo space extends a bit further.
The Basic Build of the 2010 Lexus RX 350
A hallmark of the midsize luxury crossover SUV segment, the 2010 RX 350 has room for five passengers and is rich with standard features that really raise the benchmark for “standard” equipment across the board.
Starting with the keyless entry and ignition, an interior trimmed with wood throughout, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker stereo, sliding and reclining second-row seats, ten-way power seats up front, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Of course, luxury comes with choices and those exist in the form of packages, each one aimed at enhancing performance, comfort, or high-end options.
With the Sport package, you can expect to drive the RX 350 with a special sport-tuned suspension, the Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, and 19-inch wheels.
Go for the Premium package and enjoy a sunroof, driver seat memory settings, leather seating, power rear liftgate, automatic-dimming rearview mirror, and iPod integration.
If you want even more from here, take the Premium package and enhance it with the Comfort package, which gives you bi-xenon adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and creature comforts like heated and ventilated front seats.
Or, the Luxury package, which affords you even more luxurious leather seating, complemented by a leather and wood steering wheel, retractable exterior mirrors, a side-monitoring system, front seat cushions that are able to extend, and 19-inch wheels.
Find your way with the Navigation package, which also builds off the necessary Premium package, and offers real-time traffic via the hard-drive navigation system, as well as Bluetooth capability improved speakers and a backup camera.
Extra bells and whistles exist courtesy of the high-end Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system, head-up display, park assist technology, a Pre-Collision safety system which tightens seatbelts and preps the brakes ahead of an accident, and a dual-screen back seat DVD player.
Start Your Engine in the 2010 Lexus RX 350
Equipped with a single engine option, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 takes to the road courtesy of a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 275 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque, operated by a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations are available, and they each make the zero to sixty mph sprint in 7.5 seconds.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, expect estimates of 18 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined mpg from the front-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive returns 17 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined mpg.
With the right equipment, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 is able to tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
Safety Measures in the 2010 Lexus RX 350
As I mentioned earlier, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 comes with a minimum of ten airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags, dual front knee bags, as well as front and rear-seat side airbags.
Stability and traction control technology comes standard, as do antilock brakes with a brake assist feature.
The Inside Track in the 2010 Lexus RX 350
Let’s not forget that this is considered the Lexus brand’s entry-level SUV, but with its exceptional build and refinement, it feels far more high end than one would equate with entry-level anything. By utilizing the back seat’s sliding and reclining functionality, passengers should have no trouble getting comfy and cozy, even on long rides or road trips.
Speaking of road trips, if you do intend to venture somewhere soon, say for the holidays, the 40/20/40 split allows you to configure comfort for your passengers, but also make room for whatever cargo you intend to take with you.
For larger loads, you’ll be grateful for the 40 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, which stretches to double that after you fold the back seats down.
Behind the Wheel of the 2010 Lexus RX 350
Driving this luxury SUV is probably what you would expect, having read all about it. The ride is quiet, the cabin hushed and peaceful. The V6 delivers assertive acceleration and the suspension gives you a real secure sense of confidence as you maneuver the road. And with the Mark Levinson stereo, considered one of the best on the market, tuning in to tune out and enjoy the ride is practically guaranteed.
Interior colors come in black, light gray, or parchment, a neutral shade. The exterior color wheel revolves around Black Sapphire Pearl, Cerulean Blue Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Matador Red Mica, Obsidian, Smoky Granite Mica, Starfire Pearl, Truffle Mica, and Tungsten Pearl.
The Numbers Driving the 2010 Lexus RX 350
When it was first released, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 was priced to start at the MSRP of $37,625 and ranged upwards of $39,000. Fortunately, for used car shoppers like yours truly, you can now find used or certified pre-owned versions of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 between $25,706 – $26,886. That reads like a bargain to me when you consider that the features essential to the 2010 Lexus RX 350 reflect current trends and driver preferences.
Even though five years, (well at this point, we’re actually coming up on six), seems almost like an eternity in the ever-evolving automotive industry, the specs on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 really do feel quite current.
And, it’s a proven award-winner. According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 ranked number two in 2010 for the luxury midsize SUV segment and has since nabbed the second spot again for used luxury midsize SUVs under $30,000. Like I said – it’s a steal!
Getting back to the numbers for a minute, the 2010 Lexus RX 350 actually won for the best luxury midsize crossover for the money, according to the same U.S. News & World Report.
If you want to drive luxury at a fraction of the cost, check out the 2010 Lexus RX 350. Get out there and pursue some perfection at a price that can’t be missed.
