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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  Best reliability of the three vehicles Ive owned - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By cjopil - August 18 - 3:24 pm

  Ive purchased a Ford Taurus and a GM Alero brand new and both vehicles had $2-$3k issues just after 3 years of ownership. I bought a 2006 RX400H used in 2009 (from dealership, it was leased). Initial problem was the battery in the CPU; I dont believe the dealership changed it out and I couldnt start the vehicle if it sat for longer than 24 hours. Since then, no problem - just regular maintenance. Put one new set of tires on it, avg MPG is 27 (being very conscious to "coast." Best savings: my husband sat in 3 hours of traffic to drive 45 miles due to a snowstorm and used less than 2 gallons of gas.

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  Just ok - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Neil - July 31 - 12:30 am

  Fuel mileage is not all that great and I had a lot of road noise in this vehicle. The rest of the vehicle was splendid. Awesome driving performance, Mark Levinson Sound, technology, etc.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By ramskifast - July 12 - 1:44 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 64K miles on it. Now I have 70K. My worse tank was 24mpg and the best was 29.25mpg. I seem to average between 25 and 27.50 with mixed driving. When I get the higher mileage its usually when most of the driving is at lower speeds as you would expect. I noticed a review of this vehicle by someone stating poor mileage. There was either something wrong with the vehicle or it was due to poor driving habits. Way too many people blast up to the light and hit the brakes. Then they hit the gas hard taking off. Dumb-de-dumb. If you use softer driving habbits you will get 26-29. You have to be thinking hybrid. Smart drivers will see the good mileage.

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  400h not suitable for winter with ice - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Laurence and Theresa - July 3 - 2:00 am

  The 400h was the first hybrid we owned and we paid a premium at the time. We would not buy a hybrid again. We live in Canada and travel every weekend to snowy conditions. The hybrid is underpowered on the rear axle since it is powered by an electric motor. In situations where the front wheels have low traction and the rear has to take the load it does not perform. We have several friends in British Columbia who Twill not take this vehicle up a driveways if there is snow and ice. Bottom line this is not a 4 wheel. It is an all wheel with insufficient torque in the rear drive train for winter conditions due to a lack of power design in the rear electric drive train. T

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  I am stumped - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By sam1941 - May 2 - 12:32 pm

  I love my Lexus RX 400h and I have already driven it 98,000 miles. But the number of service problems that have been coming up recently are very frustrating. The criuse control died, the battery died, the radiator was leaking and had to be replaced, (not a single drop of coolant on the garage door) and just yesterday the timing belt, the pullies and the water pump had to be replaced too per Lexus request. More than $2500 in less than a year. Is my beloved SUV falling apart or is this a conspiracy !!! I bought my SUV brand new in May 2005 and I feel that I am suffering through the deficiency of it being the first year model in this series.

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  BAD MPG - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark - February 25 - 8:06 am

  This SUV should not be called a Hybrid. It does not do well on MPG. Not even close to the Sticker info.

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  RX400h a mixed bag - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robert - February 1 - 2:03 am

  The navigation system is impossibly complicated - and Im a PhD Professional Engineer! It is simply illogical. The cargo space is disappointingly shallow. The screen is unreadable in bright daylight. But the performance is good and very reliable. However, as a Mercedes S-Class person, Lexus is outclassed!

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  Value question - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Carter - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is my third Lexus, but first SUV. Brought the vehicle primary for the advertised mileage of 31 mpg combined. Im getting currently after 11,000 miles about 19.4. Most driving off freeway. Very disappointing. In addition, unlike other models, it has not kept its value. MSRP has dropped over $2,000. since I purchased it in April of 05. Inquires to Lexus have not been responded to concerning the mileage problem. Hate to say it is not worth the price.

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  Goodyear tires dont do it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By riverside - October 17 - 12:36 am

  This is my second Lexus SUV - my first hybrid - and I am sorry I did not stay with the RX350. The hybrid attraction doesnt live up to expectations simply because the battery vents take up valuable floor storage space and the weight of the battery over time causes the Goodyear tires to chop making the vehicle ride extremely rough. I was just told that my second set of new tires (put on after 15,000 miles) are not wearing properly. I have a little over 30,000 miles on the car. I have written to Lexus; however, my past attempt to get them involved on this issue, took a village and eventually they deferred me to Goodyear. Goodyear refused to do anything this time.

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  HONEST review from a REAL owner!!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Vic - September 26 - 12:13 pm

  Ive owned several Lexus vehicles and this is by far a major disappointment!! With promises of great performance, comfort and fuel economy in one package, I was very enamored by the idea, but so far its been just that: EMPTY PROMISES and nothing more!! The engine is VERY NOISY even under moderate acceleration, and at full throttle it sounds like a CHAIN SAW, which is very UNCHARACTERISTIC of a Luxury vehicle, let alone a Lexus (which is supposed to be the epitome of quietness!!) Even with my "fuel saving" driving technique I have yet to see gas mileage over 23mpg!! The ride is stiff and the steering feels a bit vague. Simply not worth the 50 large I spent!! Will be trading for a GX shortly