The all-new 2010 Lexus RX 450h hybrid will start at $41,660 for the front-wheel drive version and $43,250 for all-wheel drive, plus $875 for destination charges. This is a slight decrease in the price from the previous RX400h, which started at $42,080 and $43,480 for FWD and AWD, respectively.

The new RX hybrid will have an updated hybrid system with a 3.5-liter, V6 Atkinson-cycle engine producing 295 hp, which is 27 hp more than the outgoing version. Fuel economy is improved over its predecessor with Toyota claiming a 16-20 percent increase. EPA estimates are 32 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for the FWD version and 30/28/29 for the AWD.

The RX is equipped with 10 standard air bags, which include front-knee, front-side seat-mounted, side-curtain, rear-side and knee-air bags. Other safety features include standard stability control, ABS, traction control and hill assist, which helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling back on an incline. Adaptive front lighting, a pre-collision system, and dynamic cruise control are also available.

The previous RX hybrid is one of our top-rated midsized SUVs and one of our most fuel-efficient, as well.

The Lexus RX 450h will be available this summer.

—Liza Barth