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 Hybrid Gas Economy Fails Badly - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Richard B. - June 3 - 10:43 pm

  I waited patiently almost 11 months to get my new Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV, knowing that the new vehicle would live up to its hybrid hype. After all, this is Lexus, and as a previous owner of several of their products, I fully expected that not only would I be driving a technological car-of-the- future, it would be comfortable, luxurious, attractive and environmentally friendly. The increased fuel economy of hybrid technology would be an added bonus. I had gotten 20 mpg with my RX300, so the expected 29+ mpg of the 400h was going to be cool. Woops, something went wrong along the way. My hybrid only gets 21 mpg. Not 25, not 30, not even close. More $$, less mpg. Whats wrong with this picture?

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  The Finest Luxury Hybrid w/ AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dave - May 28 - 3:33 am

  A wonderful ride, marvelous features that are too numerous to mention. The navigation system is a luxury that I cant see how we lived without. Seating is comfortable as one would expect. The synergy drive is fantastic. Gas mileage could be better but for the weight of the vehicle and the power it is quite acceptable, far superior to non-hybrids of this size. No need for a third seat, this isnt a suburban, larger isnt always better. More power than you need to merge and pass. Auto wipers are quite a nice treat and the headlights are probably the best I have seen.

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  NICE RIDE - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By GINA - May 1 - 5:06 am

  I love to drive my new lexus. I visit my local gas station about every three weeks. getting lost on the streets of long island is no longer possible. I love the bluetooth tech. My lexus drives like a dream, this is my first lexus.I like to get a new car every two years and will never buy any other make then lexus again..

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  Awesome Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By PeterJ - April 24 - 9:23 pm

  I just got this great SUV, and I love almost everything about it. Quiet, comfortable, has great acceleration, and almost excellent fuel economy.

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  Lexus RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By SKC - April 18 - 4:46 am

  Both of us really like this car. The only complaint is probably a common one - it does not live up to the EPA mileage estimate. Excepting the first 1000 miles, the next 550 miles averaged about 26.3 mpg, per the cars estimate and a bit less by actual miles vs amount of gas needed. Cant blame it on the way I drive because I always hit the EPA estimates on all the cars we own. Main advantage of the car is V-8 performance with regular gas and good mileage.

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  A Tour de Force - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By xdoc - February 23 - 3:10 am

  Supremely comfortable, jet fast and smooth even for a car, zero defects, easy entry and egress. Customizes to my every whim. Never in 36 years has a vehicle delivered all this for me. More? Great climate control and seats, even in back. Electric lumbar support thats truly wonderful. Auto wipers and auto dimming mirrors are unexpected delight. Etc. If you want an SUV that accelerates & rides like a fine auto, easy in & out, plus 4 wheel stability and capacity, higher driving position, this is the one. Love the hybrid quiet in town and the acceleration. RE: FUEL economy. Driven fairly aggressively with a lot of freeway driving, getting 22 mpg HWY/26 CITY.

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  Love my hybrid - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By LilXMo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this 2007 RX400h since I purchased it. Ive gotten great wear out of my tires and brakes. In fact, I still have 7/10 on brakes and will replace my original tires this month after 66,500 miles of city and highway driving. I feel safe and this vehicle is reliable. When I wear this vehicle out, Ill definitely purchase another Lexus SUV hybrid!

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  Outstanding - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By M.E. Warenik - February 19 - 2:13 am

  I have experienced total comfort and excellent MPR. This is such a quiet vehicle. A total joy to own. The hybrid experience is about knowing you are doing your small part to help the enviroment.

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  6 months on the road 400RH - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400 H fan - February 3 - 2:50 am

  I average 28 mph with about 60% highway driving compared to 17 - 18 mph with my 2001 RX 300. Moves well in highspeed traffic on the beltway and in heavy traffic.

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  Exceeds expectations - great mileage, reliability, luxury - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By alyssaszoo - January 15 - 5:40 am

  Our first hybrid and first SUV; had it 7 years (+105k miles), in both city and rural areas (dirt roads). Our 400h performs consistently well, even in blizzards and icy/snowy conditions in hilly New England winters. Super comfortable - Im 55" (and been pregnant twice with this car), hubby is 6 - we both love it. Low maintenance - our only major expenses (besides one new set of tires) have been replacing the battery and brakes. Note to new parents: larger, rear-facing car seats fit best on the passenger side to give taller drivers enough legroom (I fit; hubby doesnt). By far the best SUV Ive ever driven - and the hybrid/gas mileage factor is the icing on the cake!