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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  Lexus Evaluation - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By john iacono - December 2 - 11:16 pm

  I though I would get better gas mileage. I get around 28 M/gal only if you drive no faster than 60 mph. If you go faster the M/gal drops off the faster you go. If you cruise at 70 then you can only expect around 20 or so. In the city I have yet to get anywhere near 30 M/gal The gas mileage is really disappointing. The rest of the car is perfect. THE GPS isnt as good as some others, however it works very well. The car drives and rides beautifully.

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  Disappointed that we arent even getting 20mpg - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Love Lexus - November 21 - 11:43 pm

  Im 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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  Hopeful - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By VA Beach - November 21 - 11:16 am

  We purchased this vehicle in October, 2008. We love driving it. We are very disappointed with the gas mileage so far. There is something wrong with the regeneration. We are getting better gas mileage on the highway than in the city. We are hopeful that this will be addressed when we take it in. We were waiting until we had about 2500 miles on the vehicle.

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  Riding on the wind - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody - November 19 - 8:46 pm

  I had a Lexus RX 300. It saved my life in an accident four years ago in Florida. I had no second thought as to quality and safety when I traded in my RX 300 for my new 400h. It will take a little time to get use to turning the key and not hearing a sound like a regular gas powered RX. It will also take some time to get use to the backup camera and rear door that opens with the push of a button . Now if I can only find someone that will drive "Me" around in it so I can sit back in the rear reclining seats , and watch a dvd on the entertainment system !

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  Third RX - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By third rx - November 17 - 10:23 am

  Flawless in quality (no repair needed ever on any of three RXs Ive owned over past 9 years).

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  Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Gordy - November 12 - 4:10 pm

  Rides high in the saddle with great visibility and suspension; superlative interior and more pep than I expected. The cornering and handling are excellent. This vehicle has just about every option that one could desire in a luxury vehicle with gas mileage that is unparallelled in such a large vehicle. Price reduction and more info on tax credit for 2006 would be helpful.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By G Henry - November 6 - 5:46 am

  I 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 am

  Driving 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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  RX 400h - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By jimbo - September 25 - 9:13 pm

  Excellent overall quality. Ive had no problems with the car. Gas mileage for hybrid is less than advertised but still I average 26.4 miles per gallon in mixed city and highway travel. Ride is smooth. There are some quirky noises which I attribute to the fact that the gasoline engine is not on all of the time. Interior electronics and controls are easy to use.

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  Almost 18 months old - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By thomas - September 12 - 2:50 am

  Have had vehicle for over a year. No problems with it. Very satisfied.