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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  No drawbacks - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robin - August 28 - 12:06 pm

  I love this car. The only difference between the hybrid and a regular vehicle is that sometimes the quiet operation is unnerving. It takes some getting used to. Now I find when I drive someone else car, Im surprised when the engine kicks in immediately when I start it. That does not happen with my hybrid. The engine starts only when it needs to.

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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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  Excellent all around vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By dorenescar - August 14 - 7:20 am

  Our 400h has truly exceeded all of our expectations. We are getting an average of 28 mpg with mixed driving on streets and freeways (mainly streets). The road feel is extraordinary. It feels like we are floating on air, the brakes and steering are tight and efficient and its the quietest car weve ever driven. The back seat reclining is a brilliant idea for making the back feel spacious. The vehicle takes hills with ease, and seems effortless in daily driving. The only downside is the navigation system, which is cumbersome, difficult to program, and works only in an off or no movement position. Otherwise, we recommend this to anyone for an exceptional ride and drive experience.

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  RX 400h the super car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Richter - August 11 - 9:30 am

  This is our 6th Lexus and the RX 400h is better than anyof the previous ones we have owned.; Wow, is the word on it. The designers have though of everything and it is the best driving machine we have ever encountered.

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  Good Hybrid SUV - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By New Hybrid Fan - August 4 - 9:43 pm

  I love mine so far. Got before Thanksgiving and drove through the mountains. My husband was heavy on the gas pedal the whole time and still averaged just under 26mpg which is great since most cars and SUVS get 15-20mpg. On my daily business driving, I average 27-28 mpg and have gotten as high as 30 mpg. Im careful to not be heavy on the pedal or breaks and coast as much as I can. This doesnt mean I have to stay at the speed limit, you can still average 70 mph.

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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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  A perfect "10" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By gary peters - May 25 - 2:23 pm

  Wonderful, dazzling, real high tech, amazing..vehicle..quiet, shines in town, fun to drive, feels like a performance vehicle when you need to accelerate, battery operated around town and low speeds..the best SUV available today..

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  Great Investment - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By dgmarnp - May 24 - 6:46 am

  Having owned my RX400H now for over a year, I can say that is a fantastic vehicle to own and drive. I drive over 1000 miles a month and average 24-28 miles per gallon. If you dont get this type of mileage, you are not driving it the proper way. It took me over a month to get used to the subtle changes you need to make to maximize your fuel economy. It is so quiet for an SUV and very comfortable. Whether I am alone, with my grandchildren, or my parents, everyone raves about the comfort of the ride.