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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  Perfect? Close, but not completely - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Thomas Battle - May 16 - 5:16 pm

  Hoped the vehicle would be perfect (my SC 430 almost is). However, while the 400 RX is a great vehicle, it has some flaws, the main one being gas mileage is much less than expected. Got only 21.6 mpg the first 4257 miles (mix of highway and city with AC 100% of time). Note: actual calculation of mileage is about 2 mpg less than indicated on screen. (Dont say it is my driving style -- I always get no less than EPA estimated mpg on my SC 430 and other vehicles.) Dealer says others reporting the same mileage situation, but "should" improve as get more miles on vehicle. At least, uses regular gas.

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  2008 Lexus Rx400h Review - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By cduluk - May 11 - 1:36 am

  Purchased a used 2008 Rx400h AWD a few weeks ago with about 40k miles. I had a 2003 Lexus Rx300 which was nice, but I needed an upgrade. The Rx400h is definitely an upgrade as it has many nice features. The 0-60 time of ~7 sec is very good for a v6 SUV, and the acceleration is very quick. My only complaints are the lack in seat comfort and lack of advertised gas mileage. Im getting around 23mpg combined vs the 30 as advertised. Also the fact that the car doesnt have the new "smart key" feature as the rest of the 08 Lexus lineup has. But other than that, i am very satisfied!

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  A Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jerry - May 4 - 8:43 pm

  I have just over 5000 miles on this vehicle, and I love it. Quietest car Ive ever driven. You coast up to a red light and sit there in blissful silence. EPA estimates 27 highway, 31 city. My experience is that I get at least as good or better mileage on the highway, at least at speeds not over 65. Ive averaged about 28 city, and 28 or 29 highway. Not bad for an SUV. I find that I try to drive smoother and easier, to see how much I can get out of the battery before the V6 kicks in.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lev - March 27 - 8:33 am

  Love the nav, mileage, and performance. Highly recommend

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  Why not reward yourself? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sam - March 15 - 3:23 am

  Have you found your soulmate yet?You know the feeling if you did.I really got that feeling when I picked up my RX 400h just a couple days ago.The car is awesome in every way, shape or form from head to toe, side to side...its great!! Ive been in my boss Mercedes ML350, and other luxury cars, but there really is no comparison. The leather feels great, the ride is smooth, its got awesome power&pick up,and best of all a full tank will last you a while!! Maintenance is economical. The price is steep, no doubt about that, but I adopted a line from the Mercedes car ad: Love what you drive

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  Poorly Built - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By GKC - March 11 - 6:23 pm

  You should think twice before buying this vehicle. I am only 56" and when delivered, the front seats of my 400h would not go back far enough and had to be unbolted and moved, at a $500 expense to me. Also my head is against the roof with the seat all the way down.The front seat belts are too short and extensions have to be used which compromise safety. The car lunges forward, usually in park, when it switches from electric to gas engine. Gas use runs 20 mpg in town and 17 mpg on the road. It has been back to the dealer and they say there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.

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  First Impressions - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By rzurek - March 11 - 2:33 pm

  The Lexus 400h hybrid is a very luxuriously appointed SUV with peppy acceleration and a smooth comfortable ride. This is the first year of hybrid technology although it is not unproven being used in the Toyota Prisus for the past couple years and in Japan. My only disappointment is that the mileage rating is not sufficient enough to get you into the California car pool lanes.

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  Great ride in 07 RX 400h - dead battery - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By 07RX400h - March 2 - 8:56 pm

  I just picked up my 07 RX 400h on 9/11. Im still trying to get used to no engine starting when I turn the key. Very quiet and smooth ride. Fuel economy is avg. around 24-25 mpg over the first 100 miles (about 50/50 hwy/city) -- I have a little bit of a foot, but have been going pretty gentle on the pedal. I have made a couple of individual 5-10 mile trips in city with up to 32 mpg. Im happy with 25 mpg compared to my Lin. Nav at 10 mpg. Had an issue this morning with a dead ICE battery. Lexus sent out AAA who didnt know squat about hybrids, so I ended up reading the owners manual to the tow truck driver. A quick jump start and everything was fine -- I hope.

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  Superb overall car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By JJS - February 20 - 7:26 am

  Pluses: Great acceleration (noticeably quicker than my old RX 300). Superb FM sound (with the optional Marc Levinson system). Powered rear lift gate is very handy. Minuses: So-so fuel economy; again its better than my old Lexus, but this in NOT the car you want if youre looking for exceptional mileage. Im getting about 24 MPG, but I drive with a lead foot. Overall, a superb car. (Based on 3 months and about 3000 miles).

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  Just an Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By pm - February 1 - 11:20 am

  OK - I was a skeptic going into this hybrid stuff but today we turned 2,000 miles on our RX (bought the first week of June) and Im now a convert!! Were averaging right at 28 mpg with mixed driving. One concern I had was how well the a/c would be and maybe overheating. Not to worry - car spent a week in the Indian Wells/Palm Springs area in 115 heat and it did a terrific job. The nav system is excellent but it takes a little time and patience to get the hang of it. The hands free bluetooth phone tie-in is superb. One quirky thing? I have noticed a little "surging" in freeway driving when using cruise control - not sure whether or not its the car or the road yet