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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Unimpressive mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By EJ - November 4 - 9:43 amMoving from my third LX 470 Lexus to the Hybrid RX400h took a bit of adjustment. This hybrid has an impressive pick up, very quiet ride and quieter when idling (had to honk to people in front several times). Mileage is not as good as claimed, under average driving conditions in the city 22 mpg, highway around 21 mpg. A little pricey but so is everything with a LEXUS logo. Comes with almost every option except three that you can order as extras. Surprisingly satellite radio is not one of them, I had to get it installed professionally off lexus and it worked out great!!.
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MPG Not What it should be - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By crw - August 18 - 12:50 pmI love this car. It is a great size, comfort and fit. It drives tight and I feel safe in all driving conditions BUT the gas milage is not where it should be. On medium length drives (15-25 miles) in slowish city traffic I get the best mpg but that tops out at 28 mpg when I use a middle grade gas, its around 24 when I use a low octane gas. It has a big engine and can move quickly when it needs to but it does not get the 30-35 mpg it promised. All in all Ill keep it untill the gas mileage, comfort and quality of another car can beat it.
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Fuel Disappointment - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By E J - August 14 - 9:03 amWhile we truly love this vehicle, we are more than upset with the mileage we get. It should be getting 31 mpg in the city; if we can get 22-23, we are doing good. Salesman said when car was broken in, we could expect even more. We now have more than 11,000 miles on it, and it has only gotten worse. It has been checked and rechecked to see if a problem exists... none does. We purchased this vehicle in good faith and feel Lexus has let us down. Calls to corporate Lexus have left us with no further satisfaction. Had we been aware of this situation, I dont believe we would have spent the extra money for it.
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Great Car, Disappointing Mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Robert - June 18 - 12:40 pmThe vehicle is a delight to drive -- great acceleration, quiet, comfortable, reliable and more. The only two negatives are mileage much lower than advertised and I wish the body style was different than the RX 330.
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New car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By stanton bizzell - April 8 - 2:26 pmGreat driving vehicle, with fantastic gas mileage. Seating could be softer and more comfortable. Otherwise love it!
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Fuel Economy - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By mer - January 21 - 5:20 pmPicked up my RX 400h about 3 weeks ago and I am very pleased. Overall gas mileage is 27 mpg for the first 844 miles. My usage is about 50% highway and 50% in town driving. Lowest mileage was 25.8 and highest was 29.7. The car is extremely quiet and comfortable. Build quality is excellent and the interior design very good. It has exceeded my expectations.
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Very disappointed - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Roger Mager - November 20 - 9:13 pmAfter 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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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By J. Jones - October 23 - 1:00 pmThe 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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Lexus RX400H - A True Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
By scottmason1 - September 3 - 12:50 pmMy 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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After 7,200 miles, the good and the bad - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By ghager - June 28 - 1:00 amMileage is disappointing; I get 22-24. Nice looking wheels, but watch out at the curb - too easy to ding. Visibility a problem front and rear. Bluetooth sub-par; friends complain they can barely hear me. GPS interface very user unfriendly at first. A matter of taste, but the exterior is odd looking. Voice command is flukey; I crack up my niece by telling it to do something and getting a bizarre response. I dont feel confident throwing it around corners. All this said, I like it - good, quiet, solid ride. Acceleration quite strong when needed. Dont think Ill get another, though.
