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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  RX 400h Review - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tep - December 26 - 11:10 pm

  The vehicle has been 100% reliable. The longest I have driven at one time is 900 miles and it was not tiring. Fuel economy is good, around 30 mpg local driving, 32 mpg at 60 mph on highway, 26 mpg at 70 mph on highway. It is reasonably quiet on the highway with the Michelin tires. Looks like first set of tires will last 45,000 miles.

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  Happy camper in Palm Desert - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody Kaplan - December 5 - 11:50 am

  Have noticed winter gas gives better gas mileage in California. Steering seems very tight with some wheel jerking.

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  Wishing For Hybrid Mileage Advertised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lois - November 26 - 8:30 am

  Overall, I am still very impressed with this vehicle. I just wish that I could get their advertised 30-33 hybrid miles per gallon. Currently I am averaging 22.5. I have asked about this at the dealership & told that if the terrain is steep/elevated like going up mountains that this is what is affecting the mileage. Well thats what we have in CA & NV.

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  Great performance and mileage! - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By DHENRY - November 23 - 1:56 am

  Broke this car in on a trip through the mountains. At 200 miles, it averaged 25.1 MPG, 72 MPH. Town driving at average 27 to 29 MPG. Latest trip (Interstate and mountains) averaged 26.1 MPG., again at 72 MPH. Acceleration is both excellent and fun. This is our third Lexus (2nd RX) and its by far the best. If your gas mileage isnt AT LEAST as good as the EPA estimate, work on modifying your driving style. Build quality for this Japanese-built example is flawless, and dealer (Classic Lexus) is extremely hybrid knowledgeable.

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  225,000 Miles and no issues - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By RD - October 28 - 4:22 am

  Okay, so the car looks a bit boring, but well over 200,000 miles without a single maintenance issue. This car just keeps going and going. Keeping my fingers crossed on the hybrid battery, but no signs of any issues.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By ChrisW8595 - October 5 - 7:53 pm

  Biggest change in automotive technology Ive ever experienced in 46 years of driving! The last change I remember close to this was the Olds Toronado with Front wheel drive. This is a bigger step, more luxurious, more responsive, smoother ride, more intelligently built, and a beautiful car inside and out. Tailgate goes up and down electrically, great rear end camera out the back on dashboard display in reverse gear, best GPS, best audio. I came to this from a BMW 540i six speed stick which I used to feel was the best car Ive owned. Now the BMW is second best. I am already in line to buy the sedan model GS450h which comes out next May. All car manufacturers have to be scrambling to keep up!

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  Nice Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Happy with the RX - October 4 - 5:20 am

  We have owned the 2006 RX-400h AWD for 4 yrs. We have been very happy with the car. No mechanical problems or breakdowns, much better mileage, about 26 mpg, than our 1999 RX-300 AWD, 18 mpg. Recent safety inspection shows almost no brake wear due to regenerative braking system. Original Michelin Tires have lasted for 54,000+ miles. There are some rattles developing over the years, but nothing serious. Power Steering linkage was replaced by dealership, under warranty repair and at their own recommendation.

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  The Current Logical Choice - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By sawjai - September 10 - 12:53 am

  Lexus has always been cushy rides, but definitely not on the sporty side of the equation especially since our everyday vehicles are a C230 and G35. The steering is a little vague steering into curves. Acceleration is good at all speeds, but youll need to get used to the way the engine buzzes from the CVT. Gas mileage has averaged 27 mpg w/cruise control active even around 70 mph on the freeway. On a recent road trip on very hilly terrain we still averaged over 27 mpg, light on the gas. Brakes are a little difficult to modulate because of the regenerative system. We preferred the ML styling and driving dynamics to the RX, but so far find that the RX400h is a very nice ride indeed.

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  Another great Lexus product - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By steve - August 20 - 5:23 pm

  This SUV has delivered on all counts. Excellent build quality, equipped almost the same as an LS430 and getting 27 MPG (manually calculated) combined fuel economy - 40:60 city and hwy. City MPG about 2 MPG better than hwy. Our 2002 RX300 averaged 18.1 MPG lifetime with the same driving habits so the hybrid has improved our fuel economy by 50%. Its an all around excellent vehicle.

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  Lexus hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By george iv - August 15 - 11:06 am

  The reliability of toyota products in a top of the line luxury suv. Drives smoothly, quietly but has also thought of everything that you need. Im actually blown away with the performance and fun of having this car.