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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  Nice Car, But Where is the Fuel Economy? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Andy - November 2 - 8:46 am

  Concerned about Americas dependence on foreign oil, I searched long and hard for a hybrid. I cannot fit in a Prius (really, I cant), and the best vehicle I found was the Lexus RX 400h. All around, it is the best vehicle I found. It is comfortable, with all the features I need (and the ones I dont need, I like). It is a delight to drive. However, the fuel economy leaves something to be desired. A big reason is because I drive a lot of short segments, and I reach my goal about the time the vehicle warms up. Still, I wish Lexus had redirected a few of the horsepower into fuel economy, or at least given us the choice.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Soxcyclone - October 10 - 2:53 am

  The long wait for the RX400h has been more than worth it. I have only been driving it for just a few days, but all I can say is wow, what a vehicle! The power and acceleration is incredible for an SUV with a V6. It is also very quiet (sometimes totally silent), and comfortable. I would say though that the most surprising finding to this point is that I believe (from testing so far) the EPA estimate of 31 mpg (city driving) probably can be beaten if one is careful with the accelerator. I am saying pleasant surprise since I had been hearing from message boards, etc, that it will not attain EPA estimates. Wrong! The highway mileage so far has averaged at about 27 mpg. Lexus has a new big hit.

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  My new "H" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Judy - September 17 - 7:03 pm

  The new hybrid handles very well. So far the gas mileage is not close to what had been promised, but I have been told it will improve after 2,000 miles. I was told, and the manual says, that it uses Regular gasoline. The dealer, the shop manager have all said to only use Premium or the car will not run as well as I would like. The front seats are narrow and stiff. Do I like it? Yes. It is great to drive, the upgraded sound system is wonderful and it is detailed very well. Would I buy it again...time will tell but at this time I am not sure.

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  The Hybrid has finally arrived - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sam Bawi - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I drove a Prius for a year and I loved it but it was a little cramped for me . I liked the technology so much that I put a down payment on a Lexus 400h last year and finally got my car last week. I have driven it more than 200 miles and what pleasure. It is quiet, comfortable and powerful and I am enjoying every minute of the drive. The gear noise that some experts had pointed to in early reviews is not evident. And the luxury and the feel is so good it made my Prius look like the starter car it was meant to be. I am averaging 26 MPG with hard driving it. I see no reason for any one to drive any SUV but the Lexus 400h.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Amy Smith - August 23 - 6:13 pm

  I was determined to buy a hybrid this year -- one that would last until the market would be open wider in terms of alternative fuels. I currently get about 30 mpg, and this is almost 2-1/2 times my previous vehicle. LOVE IT -- superb. Bravo Toyota.

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  Sold car 3 weeks after purchase - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dr. Dave - July 31 - 11:26 pm

  Three weeks after purchase, I traded the car and took a financial loss because of significant safety issues. When in reverse at night, it is difficult to see whats behind and below because the window is over 4 high, the window has dark tinting, and rear camera does not show anything in the dark. In reverse, the car runs on the battery and someone behind cannot hear the car coming and the driver cannot see anyone. Its an accident waiting to happen. Next, there is only one low gear which doesnt hold back the car like normal low gears. I dont like being forced to brake on snowy/icy roads. Good gas mileage requires constant monitoring and is almost same as RX330 on freeway, as Lexus admits.

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  Amazing Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By denman - July 16 - 4:06 am

  After 1000 miles I am enormously impressed by the ride, comfort, acceleration, and hybrid performance. It is a technologic tour de force on the part of Toyota Lexus. The milage is 40% better than the Passat 4 motion that I traded for this vehicle. While high in cost, it may not be so bad if gas stays at 3.30 per gallon for 87 octane. Averaging 27.5 over last 870 miles--a mix of highway, mountain driving, and short city trips.

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  Great Expectations - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By doc - July 15 - 6:20 am

  I waited 20 months after researching most all of the major automotive periodicals and was misled. Lexus has delivered a dud. I was told that my fuel cosumption would be in the range of 38 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the hyway. Then about 4 mo.s before delivery they changed 32 in town and 29 on the hyway with an average of 30+. When I returned the vehicle to be examined because of the mileage situation the dealership told me to wait till the vehicle has 10k miles and it should get better. Well at 5k my overall average is a disappointing 24 mpg. Plus a week after purchase the wind screen fractured with out being struck by anything and was not repaired until I threatened legal action. Bad buy!

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  RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jennifer Fenster - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  This is a really great car, I would recommend it to everyone, it is comfortable, sporty, fast, (when you need it) quiet, (so quiet I have forgotten to turn the engine off a couple of times). Definitely not a car for anyone who wants to save money on gas, the MPG is not great for a hybrid. I average around 24 MPG with mostly city driving. I bought a hybrid to help save the planet and to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and I waited for an SUV style hybrid that was big enough to make it practical for my lifestyle. I am very happy with it except for the lousy gas mileage.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By hybrid - June 22 - 4:13 pm

  Smooth, soft, powerful. You will never hear or feel the transmission change gears. We have been getting great city mileage.