Overview & Reviews

Starting in 2006, those wishing to fly their "green" flag in the lap of luxury had a willing ally in which to strut their stuff. With its advanced gasoline-electric drivetrain, the Lexus RX 400h SUV married the luxury and utility of Lexus' RX midsize crossover vehicle with the improved fuel economy and performance of a hybrid.

Available in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions, the Lexus RX 400h used a hybrid powertrain system that combined a gasoline-fueled V6 engine with a battery pack and electric motor generators. Similar to the hybrid setups on other Toyota products, the 400h could seamlessly accelerate on battery power alone during light acceleration. It also boasted a generous 286 horsepower overall, giving it impressive performance along with superior fuel economy ratings.

The Lexus RX 400h crossover was the first true luxury hybrid SUV, and it came packaged with all the normal RX traits like premium interior amenities and a smooth ride. But potential used-SUV buyers simply wishing to go green might also want to check out other, less extravagant hybrids if price is a consideration.

Most Recent Lexus RX 400h

The Lexus RX 400h midsize luxury SUV was produced from 2006-'09 essentially unchanged. It came in a single trim level with standard cloth seats, 10-way power front seats, dual-zone climate control, second-row sliding/reclining seats and a six-disc CD player. Popular options included leather trim, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a moonroof, a navigation system with a back-up camera and 18-inch wheels. An audio package with a Mark Levinson DVD audio system was also available.

Under the sheet metal, the 400h's hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and high-torque, electric-drive motor-generators. Driving through a continuously variable transmission, the 400h produced 268 hp and boasted a 0-60-mph time of less than 8 seconds for standard and all-wheel-drive models. Standard safety features were plentiful, and included front, side curtain and driver-knee airbags, as well as stability and traction control and a rollover sensor.

Inside there was a streamlined, modern cabin with aluminum accents, bright-ringed gauges and a touchscreen detailing the hybrid's gas-electric power generation split. A sliding and reclining split rear seat optimized passenger comfort, and a power liftgate provided access to nearly 85 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. A third-row seat was not available.

Once underway, the Lexus RX 400h drove much like its traditional gas-powered sibling, and although the electric motors didn't provide the same lusty soundtrack of a performance car, acceleration was certainly spirited. The 400h's ride was soft and compliant, yet the handling was also generally tight and precise, a surprise given the hybrid's 300 extra pounds of curb weight. But you could definitely feel that extra weight in faster corners and quick transitions. Our editors also noticed that a good deal of engine noise entered the cabin under hard acceleration, as the hybrid system forced the V6 to regularly spin right up to redline.

User Reviews:

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  Lexus 400H - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By bonnie - May 30 - 1:46 pm

  Fun to drive, very comfortable, quality throughout, my experience with Toyota products has been excellent. The 400 H has great pickup and I do not notice any engine noise? It is very quiet.

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  Easy, reliable and handy sport SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jukka - May 4 - 4:20 pm

  Very nice to drive and economical too. When accelerating strong the steering wheel has too much "feelings" like front wheel dive car. Very handy to fold the rear seats. In winter inside gets warm quicker thän normal engine. Fine car and not a one problem during the first year.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dick - April 23 - 1:53 am

  I just got my 400h..It is awesome. The performance is wondeful. Fast off the start and kind on the fuel. 27.3 mpg on my first tank. It seems funny at first when the engine shuts down at a stop light, but no loss when it turns green. The integration of the powertain and the smooth ride are wonderful. Lexus has hit this one out of the park....I love it......

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  My Lexus RX 400 - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Salim - April 7 - 1:36 pm

  This is my 2ed Lexus RX. I have had this vehicle for more than 5 years and I give it an over all rating of 8 on a 1-10 scale. Just a few days ago, the cruise control just quit and I am told that the stick on the steering column is broke; $400 to replace. I am on my third set of tires and I do not speed or burn rubber. Other than that the car has been very reliable and still looks almost brand new ( It is always garaged, however).

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  Love my new lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By 2006 rx400h review - April 5 - 7:46 pm

  I just traded in my 2000 RX 300 and have been waiting for 5 months. The wait was well deserved, every aspect of the 400h has improved. The gas milage Ive been experiencing has been consistent with other owners about 24 mpg in the city, I havent thouroughly tested it on the hwy. yet but expect the same results. The gas milage s actually very good given the weight and size of the 400h i wasnt disappointed because I had realistic expectations.

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  A techies dream car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By valrio - April 1 - 12:26 am

  I love most everything about this car. I say most because every car has its flaws. I live in Los Angeles and there are small hills that I travel daily which I think contributes to the lousy gas mileage that Ive been getting. I have about 1500 miles on the car and average 19 MPG in the city. I do mostly city driving thats why I purchased the car. Ive taken it to the dealership and they tested it and said their testing equipment indicates that I average 24 MPG in the city. How can they determine that by having the car for 2 hours. I fill it up and do the math...gallons vs miles driven and it always comes out 19 MPG in the city and I am not a lead footer. That is my biggest complaint

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  What savings on gas? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody Kaplan - March 1 - 6:16 am

  After owning 99 RX300, 2002 RX300 and waiting almost 2 years from time order was placed for Rx400h I trurly expected better gas mileage. Wife has been driving 04 Prius past year and is getting 48mpg. My expectation was set very high for my 06 RX. Second week of ownership we took off to Denver from Palm Desert, CA. On open highway with Air on always, going up and down hills with full load in car, driving as if egg was under gas pedal, we could only squeeze 24.7 mpg over all. Once back home in P.D I have been driving in city 100% of time. Can not get more then 21mpg while Pruis gets 48mpg with same gas from Costco. Lexus claims 28mpg highway, 31 city or so the sticker said.

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  Best Car Buying Decision for us - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robert - February 28 - 1:13 pm

  We drive this car on bumper to bumper traffic daily about 30 miles round trip. We are averaging about 28 MPG on it. It has been a real pleasure to drive. We currently have 5000 miles on it and use it almost exclusively anytime we need to go anywhere. Has good pep and the gearless transmission is very smooth. Lexus provided the first 2 maintenance free. I looked at the book however nothing needs maintenance other than the traditional engine. The batteries are warranted for 9 years.

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  Lexus RX 400h 2008 - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Syed Warsi - February 26 - 12:46 am

  On the road it is a master. Complete grip on the road. Very quiet except for small tire noise. Variable transmission system does not gives a smooth takeoff from stop.

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  MPG overrated - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dave Clifford - February 18 - 9:36 am

  If you expect the 27-31 mpg this vehicle claims, you better not run the AC. Actual mileage for the first 500 miles=23.6 mpg. This may be OK for the rest of the country, but in SW Florida where you run the AC all the time, I recommend the regular RX330.