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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  Very disappointed - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Roger Mager - November 20 - 9:13 pm

  After owning 2 Hybrid Toyotas (PRIUS 02 and 04) I am quite disappointed with the "REAL" MPG vs. Toyota/Lexus estimated MPG. Even on a "good" day driving metro Phoenix, Az; by good I mean no need for air conditioner the best we get is 24- 25 MPG. Summertime takes it down to 21 mpg. Frankly, I didnt need to spend 52K to get a few more miles to the gallon than what a regular RX 330 gets. This IS my first Lexus, but will probably be my ONLY Lexus. Yes, its a nice vehicle, but the disappointing mileage have madeit "in my view" a poor discretionary use of my $$

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By NXS - November 1 - 10:30 am

  Bought one for my wife in June to replace her gas guzzling Land Cruiser which was a fantastic vehicle but not for a housewife running around town, was averaging 12.8 per gallon. The Hybrid is averaging 27.3 overall. Fun to drive. Could not help but laugh at a previous readers review suggesting wood in the interior and steering wheel. THIS IS A HYBRID VEHICLE BUILT TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT, NOT CUT MORE TREES DOWN!!!!!

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  Best thing out there now - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By leonard sahn - October 26 - 5:00 am

  I Upgraded from Rx 330. This car-based SUV is quieter and feels more solid than the last one.(The hybrid weighs much more due to the batteries, yet handles better.) Interior is unbelievably comfortable, with perfect seat height and angle for those with back problems. Entry and exit are perfectly thought out. Mark Levinson sound system and Navigation with rear back up camera add greatly to the enjoyment and utility. Actual overall gas mileage is about 25-26 mpg-- not bad for a 4500+ lb vehicle. Hybrid engine is silent at start up and at idle, yet extremely powerful with a great " snarl" at rapid acceleration. Best car Ive had so far ( and Ive had them ALL). And it feels good to use less gas

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  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By J. Jones - October 23 - 1:00 pm

  The 400h is a great accelerator. Unfortunately, we feel deceived on the MPG. Getting approx. 21. Not the 28-35 promised. Also, driving during heavy rain...hydroplaning about 90% of the time! Unexpected and scary. The tires are a bummer. Had 3 very expensive flats in 3 weeks. Live in the country, need a whole lot more from my tires. Overall, this vehicle has awesome potential. With a few tweeks,(some, major), theyd have something unbeatable.

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  Great car, just beware mileage & legroom - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By David S - October 11 - 12:50 pm

  This is a beautifully made car, well designed, & drives very smoothly due the the CVT (continuously variable transmission). The quality is excellent inside & out. Only 2 critiques: 1) Getting lower gas mileage than expected, abt 20 mpg in city driving. Our commute may be too short (10 mi 1 way) to get enough regenerative braking to fully charge the hybrid batteries, so we depend mostly on the gas engine, not the electric. In fairness, it only has 1600 miles on it, & others have said mileage improves after about 2000. 2) Rear seats need more legroom for tall folks. We are short, but if taller folks are in front seat, they will eat up rear legroom. That said, we still love this car!

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  Excellent car to own - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By John - October 10 - 11:06 pm

  Very smooth car. Powerful yet fuel efficient. Details play to all your senses. Great car to own.

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  Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By BobTaylor - September 29 - 12:46 pm

  A pleasure to drive. A luxury SUV in every sense, but with the fuel economy of the most miserly of small cars. The interior appointments and audio system are superb.

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  Love that Lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jp - September 20 - 8:03 am

  Have owned just about every luxury brand there is and for my driving, Lexus is the best. Smooth, soft,and speedy is the rule. The 400h performance far exceeds the 330 RX. The gas mileage is about 1/3 better than the non hybrid.

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  Lexus RX400H - A True Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By scottmason1 - September 3 - 12:50 pm

  My Lexus 400H is a great car overall, as my ratings have shown. Its a hybrid of course so it has a very smooth engine that does not roar but still makes sound if you accelerate fast. It is very quiet at low speeds and has great features. My particular RX400H has heated leather seats, navigation system and a 6 disk CD player with automatic everything. So, in a few words- it is luxurious. Everything about it is very smooth.

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  Clost to perfect car - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By stevemiller4lv - July 15 - 11:43 am

  My 2007 RX 400h has 76,000 trouble free miles. Two aux. batteries, two sets of tires, one factory recall handled in an hour by dealer. Otherwise, no problems. I change the oil every 10,000 miles, get an avg. of 25 MPG on regular. I plan to keep this vehicle until a plug in version with lithium battery is offered.