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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 301.00-
This is my one true love - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By nate - October 9 - 10:43 amWow that is all I have to say about this suv. This is my second suv from Lexus. My first was a 2004 Lexus RX 330 I loved it from the minute I sat down. I just upgraded to the 400h in july and I have already noticed a change in how much I spend on gas. Also I have noticed how much more power it has. The 330 only had 229 hp but the 400h has 268 hp and wow its not much but it seems to have more get up and go. Im only 23 but this 400h was so worth the money. I dont think I could down grade to anything else. Its a great car if you have the money to spend.
-
Best Car Ever! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By ChrisW8595 - October 5 - 7:53 pmBiggest change in automotive technology Ive ever experienced in 46 years of driving! The last change I remember close to this was the Olds Toronado with Front wheel drive. This is a bigger step, more luxurious, more responsive, smoother ride, more intelligently built, and a beautiful car inside and out. Tailgate goes up and down electrically, great rear end camera out the back on dashboard display in reverse gear, best GPS, best audio. I came to this from a BMW 540i six speed stick which I used to feel was the best car Ive owned. Now the BMW is second best. I am already in line to buy the sedan model GS450h which comes out next May. All car manufacturers have to be scrambling to keep up!
-
Nice Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Happy with the RX - October 4 - 5:20 amWe have owned the 2006 RX-400h AWD for 4 yrs. We have been very happy with the car. No mechanical problems or breakdowns, much better mileage, about 26 mpg, than our 1999 RX-300 AWD, 18 mpg. Recent safety inspection shows almost no brake wear due to regenerative braking system. Original Michelin Tires have lasted for 54,000+ miles. There are some rattles developing over the years, but nothing serious. Power Steering linkage was replaced by dealership, under warranty repair and at their own recommendation.
-
The Current Logical Choice - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
By sawjai - September 10 - 12:53 amLexus has always been cushy rides, but definitely not on the sporty side of the equation especially since our everyday vehicles are a C230 and G35. The steering is a little vague steering into curves. Acceleration is good at all speeds, but youll need to get used to the way the engine buzzes from the CVT. Gas mileage has averaged 27 mpg w/cruise control active even around 70 mph on the freeway. On a recent road trip on very hilly terrain we still averaged over 27 mpg, light on the gas. Brakes are a little difficult to modulate because of the regenerative system. We preferred the ML styling and driving dynamics to the RX, but so far find that the RX400h is a very nice ride indeed.
-
Another great Lexus product - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By steve - August 20 - 5:23 pmThis SUV has delivered on all counts. Excellent build quality, equipped almost the same as an LS430 and getting 27 MPG (manually calculated) combined fuel economy - 40:60 city and hwy. City MPG about 2 MPG better than hwy. Our 2002 RX300 averaged 18.1 MPG lifetime with the same driving habits so the hybrid has improved our fuel economy by 50%. Its an all around excellent vehicle.
-
Lexus hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By george iv - August 15 - 11:06 amThe reliability of toyota products in a top of the line luxury suv. Drives smoothly, quietly but has also thought of everything that you need. Im actually blown away with the performance and fun of having this car.
-
Hybrid lives up to expectation - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Patricia - August 11 - 9:00 pmSo Ive only has it for 10 days...but it has lived up to every expectation I had for it...including the mileage. I am averaging 28+ all around, and most of it has been highway. I have been more cognizant of my driving; no quick starts, etc. I think thats the key...Easy does it, and youll save. Im looking forward to many years with this vehicle. So far, I love it!!!!
-
Lexus Rx400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By M Butterfield - August 7 - 7:13 pmLove the ride!!! Getting twice the gas mileage than my old SUV - only having to fill up every other week. Easy handling, great get-up-and-go, very comfortable and extremely quiet! Im thrilled with my new hybrid and Im doing my part to help the environment!
-
Feel Totally Let Down - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By 1212say1212 - August 6 - 10:40 pmWe were thrilled with this car when we first got it. A great, comfortable family car for long journeys and a greener option for the city. We knew the fuel economy wasnt going to be great but the fact that you knew you werent going to be churning out fumes in slow moving traffic was the main winning point. (I walk a lot in town and hate going past slow moving traffic with my kids - it stinks). After a few months the car would not start. And ever since, weve had serious starting issues. New batteries didnt last and the problem persists. Internet searches show many others with the same problem. Lexus shockingly unhelpful.
-
Not Up to Lexus Standards - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By TJ - August 2 - 1:36 amContinued problems with intermediate braking and steering. The dealership and factory have said pulsating braking and difficult steering are acceptable due to nature of electric regenerative engine. Driving performance of car not up to Lexus standards. Would not recommend purchasing expensive hybrid that does not deliver performance or mileage as advertised.
