2010 Lexus RX 450h starts at $42,535, slightly lower than 2009 models

Lexus' new RX 450h goes on sale in mid-summer, and if you're interested in buying the hybrid "car-based luxury utility vehicle," here's what it'll cost you: The base prices, including shipping, start at $42,535 (FWD) and $44,125 (AWD). These numbers are down slightly from the 2009 models, which were $42,905 and $44,305, respectively. The second-generation RX 450h gets 32/28 highway/city mpg for the FWD version, 30/28 on AWD. These numbers are up slightly from the 2009 models, which were 27/24 and 26/24, respectively. Part of the mpg boost comes from an updated hybrid powertrain that uses a 3.5-liter V-6 Atkinson-cycle engine that produces 295 hp (up from 268 from the current version's 3.3 liter V-6). A bit more for at bit less? For people who still have $40k+ to spend on a luxury vehicle, that's good news.

[Source: Inside Line]