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 RX 400 H - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Tony Teo - May 24 - 10:33 pmThe fuel economy was better in the city type driving. On highways, the gas mileage was disappointing.(The regular ones were better). The engine was noisier when pushed. It is excellent on gas mileage when driven gently i suburb type driving when driven at average speed of 35 to 40 mph. The a/c was just sufficiently cool but could be better on hot days.
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Not perfect yet - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By april - February 2 - 9:16 amThis is a great car but I have four things that if changed would make it perfect! First, when entering I have to duck (I am 56") my head a little and it bothers my neck sometimes. Second, the second row seats dont fold flat and I have bulldogs that like to be level. Third, the back window is so slanted that the sun beats down and melts my groceries and overheats my dogs. And finally, I HATE the console with the push button open close system. My dogs step on it and fall in the console all the time. I would much prefer a large console with a padded hinged lift top. That would eliminate the fold down arm rests which I find a nuisance.
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sad - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
By jfinley - January 21 - 6:16 pmIt is unfortunate that the new Lexus gets nothing near the promised gas mileage. you will be lucky to get 17/22 with the hybrid. I wonder if the non-hybrid gets worse gas mileage? Also, the battery and engine make a lot of noise. The CVT is awkward at best, and not a luxury item. Kinda of like calling a dude ranch luxury hotel. It still a ranch and smells like a ranch no matter how nice the beds. I am not even going to mention my unhappiness with the lockout function on the nav and blue tooth. If I could do over, I would save 15 grand and buy the 350 or the Acura RDX. I feel like such a sucker for buying the "hybrid."
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RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Bobcatmountainman - October 18 - 7:13 pmVehicle feels safe, comfortable and fast for an SUV. Holds the road well. Gets good mileage. Great for passing other vehicles. Love all the featuers such as side dimming mirrors, turning headlights, bright headlights, memory seats, tilting side mirror when backing up, rear camera.
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Great ride, EPA took me for ride on MPG - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Jonathan Cahill - September 23 - 9:33 pmA very clean, sharp, user friendly interior loaded with amenities. The exterior looks like RX 330 with larger, sharper wheels, and more angled lights. Hybrid ride is smoother, quieter, greater acceleration than 333rx. When you think hybrid, however, you think great MPG, think again. My wife predominately drives car, uses only premium, drives 90% city, never had a speeding ticket in her life, yet we have never reached 24 mpg on any tankful. Rather, via hand measurement we are at 22.9mpg, 23.6 according to the car computer after 5k miles of driving. Lexus tested car, say its fine & EPA test is outdated, and hybrid battery designed for performance,not MPG,you decide for 50k whats important
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Great ride; cheap paint - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Texmom - July 7 - 7:43 pmIm at 68000 miles on my RX 400h and have been very happy with the cars overall drive. It has NEVER broken down or needed repairs. The interior finishes (especially the silver/aluminum finishes) scratch VERY easily, as does the exterior paint. Ive replaced the tires twice - you have to get the kind that are rated for the extra weight of the car. I love the Nav system, and the one button push to close the rear door.
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My Lexus RX 400 - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Salim - April 7 - 1:36 pmThis is my 2ed Lexus RX. I have had this vehicle for more than 5 years and I give it an over all rating of 8 on a 1-10 scale. Just a few days ago, the cruise control just quit and I am told that the stick on the steering column is broke; $400 to replace. I am on my third set of tires and I do not speed or burn rubber. Other than that the car has been very reliable and still looks almost brand new ( It is always garaged, however).
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A techies dream car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By valrio - April 1 - 12:26 amI love most everything about this car. I say most because every car has its flaws. I live in Los Angeles and there are small hills that I travel daily which I think contributes to the lousy gas mileage that Ive been getting. I have about 1500 miles on the car and average 19 MPG in the city. I do mostly city driving thats why I purchased the car. Ive taken it to the dealership and they tested it and said their testing equipment indicates that I average 24 MPG in the city. How can they determine that by having the car for 2 hours. I fill it up and do the math...gallons vs miles driven and it always comes out 19 MPG in the city and I am not a lead footer. That is my biggest complaint
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What savings on gas? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Woody Kaplan - March 1 - 6:16 amAfter owning 99 RX300, 2002 RX300 and waiting almost 2 years from time order was placed for Rx400h I trurly expected better gas mileage. Wife has been driving 04 Prius past year and is getting 48mpg. My expectation was set very high for my 06 RX. Second week of ownership we took off to Denver from Palm Desert, CA. On open highway with Air on always, going up and down hills with full load in car, driving as if egg was under gas pedal, we could only squeeze 24.7 mpg over all. Once back home in P.D I have been driving in city 100% of time. Can not get more then 21mpg while Pruis gets 48mpg with same gas from Costco. Lexus claims 28mpg highway, 31 city or so the sticker said.
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Bad Miles per Gallon - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Mark Perez - December 13 - 4:30 amHighway only going the speed limit gave me 23 MPG. No good...Has great power in the engine...should not be called a "Hybrid".
