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 Hybrid SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Ann - July 6 - 3:03 pm

  I love Lexus vehicles and when I heard they were building an SUV I put money down to get one of the first. I love it but only have 1000 miles on it so far. At this point my mileage avg. approx 22 mpg in the city and hwy. I have done a combination of driving. It has gotten better as I have driven it. But I havent seen it reach the 30 mpg yet. Other than that, I still have all the luxury and power I need. It gets better mileage than the 05 GS 430 I was driving that got 16 mpg, plus I have more space. I do love dealing with Lexus, they make it very easy to do business with them. So far, my family has purchased 9 different Lexuses.

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  Very good car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By safedriver - May 28 - 3:56 am

  This is a great car, while not as much fun to drive as my old X5 it is actually faster and literally does the same miles on 1 tank of regular that the beemer did on 2 tanks of premium! Everything works like it should and now with 3000 mile on it I havent had a single problem. I bought it because I need an SUV at 64" and in MA and wanted one that was green (mileage was secondary concern), this cars emissions are 15-20% of what the beemers were! It is low end luxury and I dont like the exterior styling, a litle too flash and not enough quiet class like the BMW/Audi/Merc group but I can live with that for the low emissions, the great mileage, the relaibility, & the much cheaper cost. HR

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  Best ride/drive - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tom - May 22 - 12:06 pm

  The new 440h is great. The especially quiet - and quick - ride is the best. Comfortable on long ride (450 mile trip over weekend - mostly highway - 27.0 mpg aver.). yes - expensive - bells and whistles not all that necessary - but the car is 100%.

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  ny new "H" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By bonnie call - May 20 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 3rd lexus. Going from my RX 300 to the 400h was a natural move. I am disappointed in the mileage and the fit of the driver seat. I also am having a bad time with the big blind spots on both sides rear. Compared to all of my other SUVs ( I have had many), I feel like I am looking through a tunnel when using the rear window. I do not trust the mirrors and when you try to turn around to look, you only see the interior post. There is no place to put my purse! There is no place to put coins or my phone! Except for those issues, the car drives beautifuly and I love the "greeness" of it. The aluminum interior is very attractive and green and I love the nav system.

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  Let Those Gas Prices Rise - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By andy2xus - May 4 - 6:10 am

  At 3300 miles were averaging 29-30MPG in 50/50 mixed driving w/very rare AC.The temps been 70 - 80, low humidity. Our driving style is reflected in the change in MPG - mine is about 1MPG higher than my Y-chromosome mate. For us it truly makes a difference in fuel efficiency. Although I dont drive like a little old lady, I tend to coast and anticipate much more than my husband. It makes driving like a video game. I try to see if I can adjust the mileage back up after he drives it (even though he has his own vehicle). Love the stealth mode in the city, love our dealer, love the reputation of Lexus. Great vehicle.

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  Another Perfect Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Low CO2 - May 1 - 8:26 am

  I researched and test drove the following: Acura RDX, MDX, BMW X3, X5, the Lexus blows them all away. As a former 4Runner owner, I again am more than satisfied with the typical perfection in Japanese build quality. The complaints I have heard on the 400h I have yet to experience, i.e., the jerking sensation when shifting from electric to gas.

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  Not what I expected for gas mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Laurie - April 29 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to get lower gas mileage and enjoy Bluetooth phone tech. I am disappointed with both. I get 24.2 mpg and interupted phone service. I paid $10,000 too much for this vehicle.

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  Lexus Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tom - April 1 - 4:20 pm

  Just got the car this month. The mileage is a little less than advertised, but its a fun car to drive with pop when you need it.

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  approaching perfection - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dick Capello - March 13 - 8:56 pm

  The RX400h continues Lexus tradition of producing quality, innovative and reliable automobiles. I have owned one since April 25th, 2005 and still have my 1995 SC300. It has performed perfectly for 10 years. The RX400h has met all the claims made for it and is filled with the small amenities that characterize the line. The informative displays on the Nav screen and speedometer are teaching me a new way to drive... trying to keep the gas engine OFF! The on/off cycles of the engine are virtually unnoticable.

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  Love this Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By KellyT - March 7 - 8:16 pm

  I was hesitant to buy any SUV; I typically am much more environmentally conservative. However, after years of not being able to get equipment and kids in vehicles, I relented. The Lexus Hybrid is a pleasure to drive. It takes curves well and handles well in high volume traffic. I feel secure behind the wheel. I have the back-up mirror which I love and I feel secure in it with my kids in car seats. I am also an executive though..and it doesnt feel just like a mommy car.