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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  Exquisite !!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By AEC - October 24 - 11:13 pm

  I bought this beauty for less than a month as yet, but this car rides like best luxurious sedans. The hybrid system is seamless and excitingly responsive. At a stop, you cant feel the engine. The only drawback is the fuel consumption. So far the average has been only about 24-25 mpg. and this is an average on both city and highway. Still this is unheard of in a luxury SUV. Sometimes the voice activated nav system works. Overall this car is amazing in all its features.

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  This RX 400h is great! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Gene Knight - October 4 - 12:03 am

  I really like the vehicle, its got a really smooth ride, and very quiet running, in both gas and electric modes. I traded in my 2003 RX 330, and the 400h gets about 5 mpg better fuel economy than my 330. There is a lot more passing power in this RX 400h than the 330 had, it sort of lagged at times but the 400h has instant power.

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  Consider RX 350 before purchase - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark Stern - September 30 - 3:23 am

  I got a RX 400h for the performance - at the time the 330 had 45 less HP, now with the 350 it has 2 Hp more. Dont think youre saving the planet with this car, it gets slightly better gas milage. BUT there are trade offs. For one the engine noise is so un-Lexus like, two, the transmission and brakes are different from normal cars. I WOULD HIGHLY SUGGEST- drive both 400h and 350 back to back, then if youre not convinced the 400 is still 5 Grand more. For 2007 350 has new NAV system and XM radio, bluetooth phone also avlb with out nav. I made a mistake and am thinking of trading in.

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  RX 400h Pleasure to Drive - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By PAPleased - September 23 - 2:36 am

  I have owned a Lexus RX 400h for only a couple of weeks, but I have become very attached to it. From the silent start to the screen display of my GPS/mileage/fuel consumption, this car is a blast to drive. It has great performance and the hybrid technology is impressive. I still have not had to fill the tank. I plan to replace our other car with one of these or its cousin, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I am very pleased with my vehicle and I have never had a problem with anything built by Toyota/Lexus.

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  Great car - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Rx - September 3 - 7:33 am

  The 400h has great acceleration. It is a well built car and very comfortable. Average gas mileage is 28 MPG, therefore consistent with other reviews. The navigation system is the worst part of the package. Acura has an excellent navigation system.

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  Have luxury and save gas at as well - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jay - August 27 - 9:10 am

  I have had my RX 400h for nearly 3 weeks and I have fallen completely in love with it. I have driven just over 1,000 miles and I am still on the original tank of gas I got when I drove it away. The operation is seamless. What fun to be able to drive in luxury and save gas at the same time.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Luke - August 26 - 5:33 am

  We like the SV, but we expected more MPG than 22. The car drives nice and handles nice and of course Toyota quality is everywhere. Just hate the gas mileage for the price we paid.

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  My Lemon - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Steve - August 24 - 10:40 pm

  My RX400H only gets 20 MPG City. Going over wider speed bumps with a small amount of loft it sounds as if the engine is dropping out of the car with a loud bang. It has mild steady vibration at times that can be felt in the steering wheel & seat arm rest. Instrumentation is a joke. The cruise control is on its own lever & moves with the steering wheel making it impossible to get to it when turning the steering wheel.

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  Not the mileage that was promised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lee Jennings - August 21 - 1:20 pm

  Although the 400h is very comfortable and fun to drive it, is not as promised as far as the mileage is concerned. Im getting 21 miles a gallon and I do mostly city driving. I use my car for work thats why I got a hybrid to save money. Unless they correct this I would not recommend if your goal is to save on gas.

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  Going Green - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By VA - July 24 - 11:46 am

  We enjoy driving our new RX 400h. However, we have not experienced the gas mileage we expected. We are averaging 22 mpg in the city and 26.5 on the highway. This is backward for a hybrid. This is after putting 2300 miles on the vehicle. We hope this gets addressed better by the service folks than we did by the sales folks.