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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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By BMT - February 13 - 10:26 am

  Great car. I previously owned an 04 RX330 and although it was a very good car, 400h is even better. Great performance combined with excellent fuel economy.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Josh F. - December 5 - 2:40 pm

  I waited a long time for this car, and am happy to say it was worth the wait. With a family to lug around, I needed to upgrade to an SUV from the sedan I was driving, but didnt want a gas guzzler. This offered the perfect solution to my problem, and had the additional benefit of being a Lexus that is quite luxurious and offers superior performance.

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  Near Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Stan - December 4 - 5:43 am

  Best of both worlds in that my RX has the torque to move briskly as well as a return of decent fuel mileage when driven conservatively. And its a ULEV. Navigation is cumbersome and simplistically inflexible. Nav voice command search returns nearest X and you either take it or stop to search the database thru layers of menu options, or find it on your own. Wind noise that I didnt expect in a Lexus. CVT is smooth. Interior nicely appointed, flawlessly assembled inside and out. Smooth quiet IC engine. ICE runs efficiently at highway speeds and had no problems going over mountain passes thru Idaho and Montana. Overall, a very well put together vehicle that I am glad I jumped into.

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  RX 400h Review - Great Car - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By jimr - November 28 - 1:00 am

  Very happy with this car after 2500 miles. Fast, responsive, luxurious interior, great build quality, very comfortable. Great mileage if you learn to drive it properly. So far getting 29.5 mpg in town, 27 mpg on highway/freeways. I pulled my 2500 lb boat for 700 miles on the freeway with no problem and still got 20 mpg. Seamless transition between gas and electric. Plenty of fun gadgets.

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  Go Green in Style - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By arcee - November 24 - 2:40 pm

  Beautiful build quality, exceptional features. I am a sports car owner/driver, and I find it interesting that this car has made me change my driving habits as I strive to maximize my efficiency. If you want maximimum mpg performance this is a must, and it leads to safer driving habits on the road also. Having said that, it will get up and go if you romp on it. Typical Lexus luxury. Also, ignore recomendation for premium gas, 89 octane works just fine with no appreciable loss in performance or mpg.

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  Truly Awesome - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By dhwlaw - November 20 - 8:56 pm

  This is a great car, inside and out. Its unbelievably quick at all speeds, incredibly smooth and quiet. I love this car.

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  Novice - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dave - October 15 - 12:26 pm

  Its a great car to drive. Its comfortable and smooth to drive. The only problem I have is the mileage/gallon is not what I expected. It falls way short of what was advertised.

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  500 mi Review - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By BeachBOB - October 11 - 9:50 pm

  Well, so far this has been the most exciting car weve purchased. We added the premium package with the camera, nav, wood, leather, moon roof, then also added color matched running boards and chrome wheels. Driving is a whole new experience (especially boppin around downtown on electric only). Unbeknownst to me, my neighbor bought the same model, on the same day, and we didnt even discuss beforehand. Best purchase Ive made in a long time.

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  Lexus RX 400h Excellence - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By TJG - July 23 - 6:36 am

  While the RX 400h comes standard with Goodyear RSA tires, it is best to negotiate for Michelin Energy MXV4 S8, b/c of ride improvement, superior wear, better gas mileage by 5% or more. Michelin Energy on the RX make a big positive difference in ride quality and quietness. Dont bother with the Mark Levinson stereo; but do opt for the built-in GPS with Bluetooth and rear view camera. Acceleration at all speeds is impressive; w/a light foot, gas mileage can be 29 mpg+ in city and on a good day 27 mpg+ on the highway w/cruise control active. Expect 25 mpg+ avg. Very nice set of wheels.

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  Go fast RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Maria Ennella - July 5 - 11:33 pm

  This is my second RX series AWD. I like the reliability, comfort and style. The car is wonderful on a trip or just driving around town. The brakes are the best performance of any vehicle I have owned. I like the way they respond to the road especially in rainy Florida weather. In addition, the car has amazing pickup which is extremely important when entering some of the interstate highways that cannot be avoided. I enjoy the quiet engine of this hybrid. My next will be a Lexus.