The RX is offered in both front- and all-wheel drive, as well as a hybrid version called the RX 450h. Choosing between the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions likely won't hinge on gas mileage, as their mileage is estimated at 18/25 mpg city/highway and 18/24 mpg, respectively. The hybrid versions get an estimated 32/28 mpg with front-wheel drive and 30/28 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium gas is required for all.

The RX 350 was redesigned for 2010, and there's not a lot that's different between this year's model and last year's, but you can compare the 2011 with both the 2010 and the previous generation of the RX here to judge for yourself. The most interesting thing to me about the 2010 redesign is that Lexus made the RX slightly larger, but only by a few inches here and there. Lexus said its owners appreciated the smaller size, and the automaker listened.

The 2010 RX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. It scored the Institute's highest rating, Good, in frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests, as well as in a roof-strength test. It's predicted to have better than average reliability.