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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Long term REview 2006 Lexus RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By kimcanada - February 13 - 12:02 amLong term results report. I had my invertor replaced september 3, 2010. So far it has been bullet proof. Toyota fixed this $10,000 repair for free. Basically it is a faulty invertor , recall # 87559 June 29, 2011. This was at 64,000 miles and I am now at 96,000 miles with everything working well. I had to do the timing belt, tensioners, water pump , as part of the recommended 90,000 mile maintenance. I also had to do a radiator and front control arm bushings so this was a major bill. I did switch tires to Yokohama Paradas so the car rides very well but thye are not the longest lasting tires. Gotta figure if there is a cheaper way than a lexus dealer. But in thinking of doing all this work I decided this is a overall very reliable car and worth doing as the car rides well, looks good, and is nice to drive. I figure the Prius s I have seen used as cabs are going over 300,000 miles so there is some precedent for long term ownership. Yes I would buy one again ( and I guess by fixing it I am planning another 90,000 miles , I hope ! )
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If you can afford it.... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By cltaylor12 - February 8 - 4:33 pmThe style of the Lexus 400h Hybrid is excellent (the same as the RX330). If you can afford it, it is worth the purchase. Otherwise, if you need more room for children and cargo, go with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both use the same technology. Also, be sure to get the navigation system; it is $2,000 but worth having.
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actual mpg - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By danettem - January 26 - 8:26 amIve been driving my RX 400h for six weeks/2200 miles. I am averaging 22 mpg, NOT the 31 mpg Lexus is advertising. The car drives beautifully and has plenty of power, but it is not getting the fuel economy I hoped from a hybrid. If you want to encourage hybrid technology and not sacrifice luxury, its a great car. If youre truly interested in saving gas, this isnt the car for you.
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Love my Lexi! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Michele in CT - January 26 - 12:06 amI am truly enjoying my RX400h! I am still in the "learning phase" as there are so many advanced features- its virtually a computer on wheels! I am also learning a different driving style. Regular cars perform best by keeping a steady foot on the gas pedal. The 400h requires you to "flutter" your foot and learn to coast, when possible. By doing this, Ive actually gotten it up to just a little over 28mpg locally! Not bad for an SUV!! One thing that I dont like about it is where the rear tail lights are located. The bumper is made to be impact resistant, yet the light blows out. Ive had to replace it after someone backed into me. Overall, Im delighted with the RX400!
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Disappointed that we arent even getting 20mpg - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By Love Lexus - November 21 - 11:43 pmIm not sure yet on how this Lexus will do with reliability but I do love Lexus. I never write these things but I am very disappointed that we arent even getting 20mpg. The dealership told me this vehicle was never designed to get good mpg, just cleaner emissions and slightly more horsepower over the 330. I would still buy an rx or gx but not the hybrid. I paid extra thinking I would save on gas and am very disappointed.
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Love Hate Relationship - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
By G Henry - November 6 - 5:46 amI have had my RXh for 4 months and I love it, and I hate it. It is comfortable, safe, easy to drive, quiet, stunning Levinson audio system and more but mine has problems with the regeneration. My regeneration worked perfect until the battery pack showed fully charged. Ever since then the regen works about 60% of the time. Two dealers have looked at it and found nothing. Now I have video proof I will take in this week to see how they will ignore my issue. If you get 19-22 mpg in the city your regen is also not working well. When it is working and you drive responsibly you will get 27 in the city. The RXh is wonderful and smooth and safe, but I bought a hybrid and expect it to work.
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Not worthy for the money you paid! - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
By Jacobs - October 30 - 12:56 amDriving this car is fun and comfort. Operating the functions are most difficult certain times. No voice activated dialing. Cannot dial phone numbers on the move. No override function.
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love it, but it does have faults - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By rx400howner - August 8 - 7:08 pmThis has been the best car Ive ever owned, however, I have never gotten more than 21 MPG. Beyond that, there are no cup holders for those in the back seats, which I never thought of until it became an issue. The navigation system takes too long to start & the update ($500) I paid for after a few years didnt include any noticeable improvements. In my 6th year, as well as this, my 7th year of ownership, I have experienced a new issue with the door to the gas cap sticking, with an annoying wait while gas visibly escapes to relieve pressure in order for the door to open. The dealer tells me this is normal, but it is new to me in all of these years. Its a fun car to drive but with flaws.
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Good but not great - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
By GNewman - May 14 - 4:26 pmMy gas mileage so far has been about 23 to 25 miles per gallon, but despite the claims, I really didnt expect much more. The car rides nicely but I do have a rattle in the back. The standard sound system is poor - much worse than in my 1998 Volvo. Get the upgraded sound system if you can. Also, I like the old wood trim better than the brushed chrome, which I think looks a bit cheap. Overall, the car is comfortable and rides well.
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Disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
By VA Beach - April 23 - 3:53 amPurchased this vehicle because it is a hybrid--low emissions and better in-town gas mileage than our MB E320. We do most of our driving around town. We are very disappointed in the city gas mileage which is 21 to 22 mpg. Not the 26 mpg we expected. The dealer and Lexus blows our complaints off. We live in a coastal area meaning the closest we come to a mountain is a bridge. Our city driving meets Lexus statement for the 26 mpg. However, we do get 26 mpg on the interstate. Go figure. Otherwise, we very much like the vehicle.
