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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Mixed review - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By erin - April 25 - 11:53 amGreat deal of comfort smooth quite ride with fuel approx. 28 mpg. Lower mpg on highway. Largest complaint Tires wear out at a much greater rate than any car I have previously owned. Checked alignment etc. to no avail a constant issue. Also have had two batteries!
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Quiz dealer about concerns BEFORE buying - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By newowner - April 9 - 3:03 pmTraded in BMW X5 for the Lexus. Handles well; front seats less comfortable than BMW. Nice nav system. Rear blind spot not helped by camera which has distortion. When I picked up car, alesman told me "just learned" I should use premium gas - and not to expect decent mileage until at least 5,000 miles. Rear seats recline (slightly) - nice feature, but reduces already small cargo space. No light in small glove compartment and no logical place for loose change. Sound system much better than BMW. Very quiet drive and excellent acceleration. No wood makes car stark.
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hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By bcm1112 - March 1 - 3:33 amthis hybrid drives very nice, but the actual fuel mileage isnt what the sticker says prior to purchasing.
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disappointing fuel economy - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Danette - January 30 - 8:50 amIm averaging 20 mpg for city driving, NOT the 31 mpg advertised by Lexus. Im very disappointed in the fuel economy. The car is great to drive and has the Lexus luxury feel, but for $10,000 less I could have the same qualities with an RX330.
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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.
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ny new "H" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By bonnie call - May 20 - 11:00 pmThis 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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Not what I expected for gas mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Laurie - April 29 - 9:16 pmI 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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Problem not addressed - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By drives1 - December 26 - 5:40 pmI have one of the very first RX40hs off the line. I waited a year an a half on a waiting list to ensure I got the first one to arrive. Unfortunately, I think I have a lemon. The car pulls to one side and after a year and a half and 25,000 miles it cannot be fixed. Tires were bald at 15,000 miles, and the dealer replaced all four gratis (which was nice of them). The dealer has been good. But Lexus corporate has pretty much ignored me and does not call when they say they will, if at all. I am extremely disappointed. Lexus customer care does not care, it seems. All they do is send surveys, but it seems they never read them.
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Love the car, disappointed in mpg. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Atul - August 24 - 4:03 amThis is a great car and I love it, but I am disappointed about its fuel efficiency. There is clearly a problem with the EPA mileage rating, which is supposed to be 31 city & 27 highway. I am getting 21 city & 27 highway. The airconditioner broke down during the first 1,000 miles and they had to replace the condensor. It took one week for the part to arrive!
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Great SUV, lousy NAV system, bluetooth - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Steve - June 28 - 12:10 amWe love our RX 400h. We have put just over 5000 miles on it in 4 months and find it to be a joy to drive - as long as you know where you are going. It accelerates strongly and returns excellent gas mileage for a car of its size (we are averaging better than 24 mpg on a mix of city/hwy driving). The CVT takes a little getting used to but functions well. The handling could be more precise but is better than our Acura MDX. Unfortunately, the NAV system is completely counter intuitive and is almost guaranteed to get you lost or direct you to the longest route. Also, the bluetooth is not compatible with many phones including our verizon RAZR (common phone - unacceptable!).
