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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  Moving into the future - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By ad - September 18 - 3:50 pm

  Fun to drive, elegant, dont forget to brake, or at least put it in "b" if you want to get some help stopping.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400h AWD - September 5 - 1:16 am

  I have a 2006 RX400h AWD with 53,000 miles on it. I do 80% of my driving in the Seattle Bellevue area and 20% on interstates (mostly between Seattle and Portland). Depending on the season, I get 22-25 mpg in combined city and highway driving and 28-31 mpg on the Interstate. I consistently get 30-31 mpg between Seattle and Portland. This is my 3rd RX and am waiting to see the 2009/10 model. I havent had any major problems and service at the manufactures recommend intervals.

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  A signficant achievement for Lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By JPANCO - September 2 - 4:53 pm

  As an engineer, I was very curious to see how the 400h would perform. Although the basic concepts of hybrid operation SOUND good, putting into practice while providing a pleasurable driving experience is something else. I am pleased beyond my expectations how Lexus pulled it off. You can barely detect the transitions between gas and electric power. Buyers should have realistic expectations, however. For highway driving, dont expect a radical improvement over a gas engine, because the 400h cruises under gas power. Also, the engine runs constantly for the first few minuets to warm up the catalytic converter. The real economy occurs for around-town driving after warmup.

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  Can recommend - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kushan - August 20 - 4:58 pm

  Good place to buy cars

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  Drives like a sports car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Marek - July 25 - 5:36 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost a year. The best future is stability control, which helps you in the snow and on the wet roads. I feel very safe in this car. Acceleration is outstanding: driving on the highway on V6 only, when in need, electric motors kick in and give you that extra boost. It feels like a turbo, but without all the mechanics and fuel penalty of the regular car. I get 23-24 MPG driving in NJ.

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  More comfortable than a Mercedes - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tg - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  RX 400hs technology is light years ahead from other cars on the market today. The hybrid powertrain does not only save you gas and helps the environment; it makes the habitacle significantly more silent than even a high-end car such as a Mercedes sedan. Power is impressive and compares with a V8. When purchasing the car, the dealer connected my cell phone to the cars bluetooth system in 30 seconds: this feature is priceless! I pick up incoming phone by depressing a button on the steering wheel, voice comes out of the cars stereo system, and the mic is integrated in the car - I never have to pick up the phone. Despite its price, this car is worth every penny.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400 - July 14 - 8:36 am

  This vehicle is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Perfect size for active sports oriented people who need an SUV but drive alone with occasional passengers. Gas savings is a plus but the real perk is the V8 power with 4 cylinder mileage. Lots of personal storage space and excellent ergonomics. Nav and stereo system are great. This car will retrain you on how to drive properly. I came from a BMW 550 sedan and GX 470 and didnt realize how wasteful I was on the pedal. Highly recommend this vehicle. Great for long distance travel with small family. Best commuter car I have owned. Engine stops from 0-30 mph so no wasting gas but AC keeps running cold as ice.

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  Amazing Vehicle. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By dwc20 - July 12 - 7:31 am

  This Vehicle is the Best suv to own hands down. For those of you who own one or have driven one, you know what Im talking about. Awesome look, feel, ride, and reliablility. I will never consider owning anything other then lexus for those reasons listed above. The thing moves! Very very fast like a v8, but with 4cyl. effieciency. Gas mileage is great! 26-29 overall. For a vehicle weighing in at 5000 pounds and AWD, you would be crazy not to think that it was fuel efficient. If there were a negative review on this vehicle it would have to be from another car manufacturer because they just cant handle quality like this. Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you!

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  Great Car - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dan - June 13 - 10:56 am

  I test drove the Acura MDX and went with the Lexus, and have been extremely happy. I am getting about 25-27 mpg depending on how aggressively I drive, which is pretty good compared to other SUVs. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, and the car has an extra kick when you need to pass up a hill, even with a full car. No real gripes at all.

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  A classier hybrid for distinctive taste - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Luvmy400h - May 27 - 8:40 pm

  The Lexus RX 400h is a dream to drive. The power is unbelievable. It is very comfortable. Easy ingress and egress. I drive it off road for 2 miles to reach my home. It is a very smooth drive on the dirt road. Flies up the canyons of Utah. Corners exceptionally well. Im averaging about 26 mpg, which is a substantial increase from my gas guzzling SUV. Im a heavy foot. A light foot will have even better mileage. Im sold on the hybrid technology as well as the Lexus brand.