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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  Love my 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By love2scuba - September 1 - 10:30 am

  I have about 6,700 miles on my 400h and have loved driving almost every one of them. Its great to be a vehicle that can both "get up and go" and achieve good mileage. I have averaged 26.5 MPG on mainly highway driving.

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  Simply Fantastic - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Bosky - August 12 - 2:40 pm

  The car has much more power at all ranges than I expected -- unbelievably quick. Its also incredibly quiet and holds the road really well. Great build quality and fit and finish. Ive even getting about 27 mpg in my first few hundred miles, and it apparently improves after about 5,000 miles. Its perfect.

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  love it, but it does have faults - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By rx400howner - August 8 - 7:08 pm

  This has been the best car Ive ever owned, however, I have never gotten more than 21 MPG. Beyond that, there are no cup holders for those in the back seats, which I never thought of until it became an issue. The navigation system takes too long to start & the update ($500) I paid for after a few years didnt include any noticeable improvements. In my 6th year, as well as this, my 7th year of ownership, I have experienced a new issue with the door to the gas cap sticking, with an annoying wait while gas visibly escapes to relieve pressure in order for the door to open. The dealer tells me this is normal, but it is new to me in all of these years. Its a fun car to drive but with flaws.

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  The RX 400 h lives up to the hype - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By drnsoi - August 3 - 4:20 pm

  The luxurious, quiet ride combined with effortless acceleration and speed make this SUV a joy to drive. In regular city/highway driving we are easily achieving 29 mpg overall. The only drawback is the narrow drivers cockpit legroom impeded by the center console. This console is completely unnecessary and should be eliminated or narrowed to provide better medial leg room (not every one is 56"). The RX400h handles like a sports car, and exceeds performance and quality expectations. It even out-accelerates the turbo- charged Range Rover touted as the "fastest" 0-60 SUV on the market. We had to put down a deposite and wait five months to get ours, but it was worth the wait.

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  June Hybrid review - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By LEXUS 400H - July 26 - 7:43 pm

  Have enjoyed the car immensely. Because of our hills, Im not able to get the mileage I expected, but still is about 8 - 10 mpg better than my 300RX. Lots of nice "whistles and horns" I didnt know about - and leave it to Lexus to include a bilingual valet key to tell the car checker how to start it!!!

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Rockville1 - June 6 - 1:43 pm

  I love everything about this car. And by the way, I’m 5’11” and there is plenty of leg and head room for both front & rear passengers. I have been very impressed with how quiet the vehicle is, how easy it is to drive (parking is a breeze!), and how quickly & smoothly the car accelerates! I have been averaging 29.5 since temps have risen above 60. In the winter, I was averaging 25.0. On the highway you will get your best mileage if you keep the car at 65 (or less). Mileage drops a bit once you start cruising at 70 or above. Note that this car is designed for optimal performance and not optimal fuel economy. Dont buy if your main goal is to save money on gas.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By GNewman - May 14 - 4:26 pm

  My gas mileage so far has been about 23 to 25 miles per gallon, but despite the claims, I really didnt expect much more. The car rides nicely but I do have a rattle in the back. The standard sound system is poor - much worse than in my 1998 Volvo. Get the upgraded sound system if you can. Also, I like the old wood trim better than the brushed chrome, which I think looks a bit cheap. Overall, the car is comfortable and rides well.

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  Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By allan seck - April 29 - 5:03 pm

  Great vehicle. All of the comfort and performance of a gas powered SUV with better mileage and extremely low emissions. May be a bit hard to justify extra price tag but vehicle is great.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By VA Beach - April 23 - 3:53 am

  Purchased this vehicle because it is a hybrid--low emissions and better in-town gas mileage than our MB E320. We do most of our driving around town. We are very disappointed in the city gas mileage which is 21 to 22 mpg. Not the 26 mpg we expected. The dealer and Lexus blows our complaints off. We live in a coastal area meaning the closest we come to a mountain is a bridge. Our city driving meets Lexus statement for the 26 mpg. However, we do get 26 mpg on the interstate. Go figure. Otherwise, we very much like the vehicle.

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  Yes, its green... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Marc - April 16 - 3:20 am

  The Lexus RX400h came with much hype and has lived up to all of it. Mileage in a 20 mile (one way) commute through some country roads and downtown driving has averaged 34 mpg without and 31 with air conditioning. Lest someone thinks the car is being towed, I can vouch for its passing ability on curving back roads (where legal, of course.) The battery - gas handoff is seamless in both directions, and the car is eerily quiet at low speeds. The ride is superb and its comfort for 4 to 5 people is exemplary. The NY Times panned the car, but Im still trying to figure out what the authors problem is - and its not the car!