Making a Better SUV

The luxury crossover that started the popular niche way back in 1998, foregoing a traditional truck chassis and replacing it with the smooth ride and deft handling of a sedan, is about to transform the genre once again.

Following up on a model year 2004 redo that saw sleeker lines, more luxurious appointments, improved handling and additional power, Lexus will now offer its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the top-selling RX, and re-designate it RX 400h.

If you havent driven a hybrid vehicle yet youve been missing out. Not that the Honda Civic Hybrid is all that engaging or anything, or the first generation Prius. These are and were commuter cars, with the sole purpose of increasing fuel economy while reducing emissions, but their

Lexus will now offer its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive system to the top-selling RX, and re-designate it the RX 400h. (Photo: Lexus)

The latest Prius has upped the ante, in both size and performance, making it a decent value proposition when compared alongside similarly equipped midsize vehicles. It is more luxuriously equipped too, with black lacquer trim and high-grade cloth upholstery, plus metallic brightwork throughout the cabin to give it

It wasnt until I drove the new RX 400h that I started to envision exactly what Toyota had in mind with its industry leading hybrid technology. (Photo: Lexus)

But it wasnt until I drove the new RX 400h that I started to envision exactly what Toyota had in mind for its industry leading hybrid technology. Combined with what is essentially a stock RX 330 V6, slightly detuned in this application, Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive adds V8-like power across the rev range. Its the ideal "have your cake and eat it too" scenario, reducing emissions and fuel consumption to boot.

Lexus

New combination lights, with LED technology to provide higher brightness at lower power over a longer lifespan, mark the changes to the rear of the RX. (Photo: Lexus)

Kona is a picturesque little city, although the black volcanic landscape that surrounds it makes

Front and rear tire fairings and underbody covers combine with sleek sheetmetal and flush-mounted glass for a 0.35 coeffiecient of drag. (Photo: Lexus)

For those thinking of staying at either popular destination, heres a word of advice. If youre taking kids, Waikoloa is ideal, as its basically Disneyland gone tropic. If you dont have kids, however, youll probably find the place a little, no a lot on the annoying side. Mauna Lani, on the

A new bumper, grille and foglamps set the 400h apart from its conventionally powered sibling. (Photo: Lexus)

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