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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  50,000 and 3 sets of tires later - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By thebratz - January 22 - 12:23 pm

  My car is a service nightmare. Every time I bring it in they tell me I need new tires. Maintenance tells me this is standard on this model. It wont start some days and Lexus is not able to tell me what the problem is. I have never made it out the door without paying over $1,000 in repairs. It is a nice car and fun to drive but not worth the headaches of needing to be somewhere and not being able to get it started. Lexus does not seem to understand its own hybrid technology yet when problems occur.

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  Lexus 400h experience - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Bob Carpenter - January 7 - 7:06 pm

  Very quiet vehicle. Supprising mid range acceleration. Handles very well for SUV. We have been averaging just a little over 26mpg on regular unleaded. 90% of our driving is in town. Super tight turning radius, parks like a small car. As we live in the Chicago area we have found this vehicle performs very well in ice and snow conditions.

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  Loving it - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By trey - December 18 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased a used 400h this past weekend and love it. Very smooth riding, the hybrid technology is great. I drove to the dealer in a lincoln aviator getting 14 mpg, on the way home in the city 30 on the highway 28.6 mpg. It feels good inside, just to the point and runs well. Very happy with the choice and getting a preowned with low mileage saved a ton on the cost. Get the navigation, well worth it.

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  Love this Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Joyce - December 13 - 7:16 pm

  This is my first Lexus. I have had a Caddy DeVille, Acura, and Honda Accord in a previous life. This SUV seating is so comfortable and the navigation system is a joy. Its fun to drive and handles very well. My husband loves the 400H also. We are getting over 25 mph combined fuel and hybrid and we just got the car earlier this month. We expect improved mileage as we break her in.

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  Bad Miles per Gallon - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark Perez - December 13 - 4:30 am

  Highway only going the speed limit gave me 23 MPG. No good...Has great power in the engine...should not be called a "Hybrid".

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  Economy or performance? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By richard - December 9 - 9:30 am

  I have had my Rx 400h for a little less than a month now. It is quiet, smooth, and full of neat little extras like the nav system. It is definately a much faster car than either my old RX 300 or a new RX 330. Comparison to a V8 is accurate. Right now, my biggest issue is whether or not it will deliver on its promised fuel economy. While highway mileage is about what you might expect (26-27 mpg), in city has been disappointing so far (22-23). Lexus has checked the car out and says that it is working properly. They also ask us to give it through the break-in period before we assess the fuel economy. I would be interested in the experience of any other 400h owners regarding fuel economy.

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  Way to Save on Gasoline - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jane Vogel - November 26 - 11:20 pm

  I live on Kauai and gas is super expensive. Ive learned to coast while driving my lexus using the electric engine efficiently. Ive gone 200 miles and hardly used any fuel. This car is a dream in comfort and a real fuel saver... it pays in the long run for economy... go get your own !!!

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  YOU GO LEXUS!!!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By TDJ - November 25 - 9:33 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for a little under 3 months and I must say, I LOVE IT!!! It was everything I was looking for and some... More bells and whistles than you could ever think of. Needless to say, I purchased the 400h, and am very satisfied with the TOTAL vehicle!!

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  Hybrid luxury - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kaperino - November 16 - 8:46 pm

  My leap to this model is a dream. Still in the clouds and expecting to come down soon..

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  Lexus Quality at its best - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By foxy_ maverick - November 12 - 6:16 pm

  After driving a Range Rover for five years decided for a change. Wow the Lexus was great compared to it. I had a lot of electronic problems with the Range Rover which was a reliability issue. From what I have heard Lexus is a very reliable make. Fingers crossed!