2006 Lexus RX 400h Review
2006 Lexus RX 400h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seamless combination of luxury amenities and hybrid technology, 268 hp with a combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg, swift acceleration, plush ride quality, elegant interior.
Cons
- Big price tag, more engine noise than RX 330, no third-row seat option.
What’s new
Lexus introduces the first luxury-brand hybrid vehicle, the 2006 Lexus RX 400h SUV.
Edmunds says
More power and increased fuel economy make the 2006 Lexus RX 400h an appealing option for those who want to preserve the environment from the comfort of a leather-wrapped cabin.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$154/mo for RX 400h Base
RX 400h Base
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Lexus is leading the way in the luxury hybrid market with the introduction of the 2006 Lexus RX 400h. Based on the ultrapopular Lexus RX 330 SUV, the RX 400h offers traditional Lexus luxury combined with improved fuel economy and eco-friendly utility. Available in either front- or all-wheel drive, the SULEV-rated Lexus RX 400h uses a new hybrid system that combines the efforts of a 3.3-liter V6 engine with three electric motor-generators, scoring an EPA rating of 33 city/28 highway. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission, the Lexus hybrid SUV boasts an impressive 268 hp. That's 38 more horsepower than the RX 330. With a 0-60-mph time of just 7.2 seconds, the RX 400h's quick acceleration belies its frugal fuel consumption. Typically, the RX 400h gets underway with electric power until the computer deems it necessary for the engine to fire up. This makes for quiet takeoffs, but it also highlights other noises that can be intrusive.
To ensure a serene driving experience, Lexus added an acoustic glass windshield and a quieter radiator cooling fan. The battery pack, which is the heart of the hybrid system, is housed under the Lexus 400h's rear seat. With 30 modules comprised of eight cells per module its total peak power is 80-percent stronger than the Toyota Prius'. Another new piece of technology introduced in the RX 400h is an all-encompassing vehicle stability control system Lexus calls Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM). Instead of reacting to an already occurring driving situation, VDIM is designed to anticipate vehicle instability in every direction while making corrections.
On the road, the Lexus RX 400h waltzes up steep highway grades as if it was taking a stroll through the suburbs. It feels considerably faster than the RX 330, a vehicle it outweighs by 300 pounds. Additionally, the 400h hybrid has tighter suspension tuning than its Toyota Highlander Hybrid cousin, and this, along with its 18-inch tires, makes for a more engaging drive without compromising the plush ride Lexus buyers expect. The 2006 Lexus RX 400h may command an $11,000 premium over a base RX but it comes loaded with nearly every possible feature.
The standard equipment list includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, stability and traction control, second-row seats that slide and recline, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power rear hatch. Options on the RX 330 that have been made standard on the RX 400h include leather interior trim, a roof rack with rails, a one-touch open/close moonroof, a DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, a six-disc CD changer, xenon headlamps that swivel when you turn and 18-inch alloy wheels. Put all of this stuff on a regular gasoline-powered RX and the premium for the Lexus hybrid is about $3,000. Factor in a tax credit and the money you'll save on gas, and there's plenty to be said for driving the first hybrid luxury SUV.
Performance & mpg
In either front- or all-wheel drive, the Lexus RX 400h uses a new hybrid system that combines the standard 3.3-liter V6 engine with three electric motor generators. Mated to a continuously variable transmission, the 400h boasts 268 hp and a 33 city/28 highway fuel economy rating.
Safety
The RX 400h features standard front, side, head, and even driver knee airbags. Standard stability and traction control systems are fully integrated with the hybrid drivetrain, allowing them to anticipate a potential loss of control and react immediately. In NHTSA crash tests, the RX 330 resulted in a five-star rating (out of five) for all but the front passenger, which received a four-star rating.
Driving
Although it's a hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h drives a lot like the RX 330, an SUV we've always liked. Its electric motor may not sound like a V8, but its pull off the line is just about as strong. Ride quality is plush on the highway, and although the hybrid version's extra weight is apparent in turns, the RX 400h remains surefooted. Our only complaint is that engine noise can be intrusive, as the hybrid system gives the V6 more leeway to shoot up to redline under hard acceleration.
Interior
Inside the Lexus RX 400h, three round, chrome-rimmed gauges house the vital information, while the 7-inch navigation touchscreen displays the gas-electric power distribution, just like in the Toyota Prius. Aluminum trim gives the cabin a high-tech ambience. In back, a 40/20/40-split rear seat slides and reclines for maximum passenger comfort. The RX 400h offers 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space as well as a standard power-operated liftgate.
2006 Lexus RX 400h models
Available in a single trim level with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Lexus RX 400h is visually a dead ringer for its gasoline-powered RX 330 twin. The standard equipment list includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, stability and traction control, second-row seats that slide and recline, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power rear hatch. Also included are amenities like leather upholstery, a roof rack with rails, a one-touch open/close moonroof, a DVD navigation system with rear backup camera that shows what's behind you, a six-disc CD changer, xenon headlamps that swivel when you turn and 18-inch alloy wheels. Only three items are optional on the RX 400h: a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, heated front seats and a Mark Levinson audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Lexus RX 400h.
5 star(79%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
245 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
400,000 Miles and still running smooth
c4neo, 08/25/2010
2006 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
403,069 Miles (YES you read it right 400k+)and still feels smooth/reliable/ No major issues. This is my Second Toyota/Lexus vehicle. I bought this vehicle brand new (8 miles) five years ago and use it as my primary work vehicle (commute from Chicago to Atlanta) every week. I maintained it very good, (regular service, oil change, tries everything) but still my cost of maintenance was far … less compared to any other vehicles like BMW/Mercedes (I owned both earlier and had ton of issues) I changed tires 8 times till date (every 50k miles). I am planning to trade in for 2012 RX450h (yes, I will make of my current vehicle till its hit 500,000 miles - Half million, I am very confident it will g
5 out of 5 stars
Good value as a used vehicle
Rob, 07/01/2018
2006 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I took the plunge with an old Lexus. I joined the ever increasing group of SUV owners and purchased a 2006 RX400h with 148,000 miles for under $7,000.- So far, I'm impressed with the ride quality, the noise isolation, the seating position. How many vehicles can you find with AWD, navigation, bluetooth, leather, moonroof,power rear hatch, heated seats, hybrid power, for under $7,000? If … you're going to take the gamble on a vehicle without warranty & high mileage, Toyota, Honda, are probably the best bets. I don't drive this vehicle like a sports car so I'm not concerned about going fast in corners. it has plenty of power, good stopping ability, good gas mileage. The paint is high quality and is holding up as well as the interior. The armrests are a little thin and I made two repairs. Lots of parts are available on EBAY, oem or reproductions. Some parts are expensive but you can also buy many parts or service your vehicle at Toyota dealers, since they are very similar to the Toyota Highlander. I have a good mechanic. It would have been nice if Toyota made these cars run on regular gas instead of premium, other than that, I just hope my hybrid battery lasts awhile longer! After two years and 20,000 miles, for a total of 170,0000 miles, still going strong, with normal maintenance, no breakdowns, a/c is cold, paint and leather still in good shape. Would absolutely buy another, but I would like to get the next generation, the 450H, but they're not as good a bargain as the 400H, yet! My only complaint is that my dash has developed cracks. Toyota had a recall but my cars' cracks didn't show up until the recall had already expired! I contacted customer service and they wouldn't make any concessions, not even a discount on a new dash, which is also expensive to install. I've been hearing other problems with Toyota products, like premature excessive oil use in several of their models. Even Toyota is no longer what it use to be! That said, they are still exceptional values and the styling is still current! Now sixteen years old and other than the cracked dash, car is holding up well, the design isn't dated, highly recommended, more valuable than when I purchased it!
4 out of 5 stars
Best reliability of the three vehicles I've owned
cjopil, 01/27/2012
2006 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I've purchased a Ford Taurus and a GM Alero brand new and both vehicles had $2-$3k issues just after 3 years of ownership.
I bought a 2006 RX400H used in 2009 (from dealership, it was leased).
Initial problem was the battery in the CPU; I don't believe the dealership changed it out and I couldn't start the vehicle if it sat for longer than 24 hours.
Since then, no problem - just regular … maintenance.
Put one new set of tires on it, avg MPG is 27 (being very conscious to "coast." Best savings: my husband sat in 3 hours of traffic to drive 45 miles due to a snowstorm and used less than 2 gallons of gas.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Long term REview 2006 Lexus RX400h
kimcanada, 12/18/2012
2006 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Long term results report. I had my invertor replaced september 3, 2010. So far it has been bullet proof. Toyota fixed this $10,000 repair for free. Basically it is a faulty invertor , recall # 87559
June 29, 2011. This was at 64,000 miles and I am now at 96,000 miles with everything working well. I had to do the timing belt, tensioners, water pump , as part of the recommended 90,000 mile … maintenance. I also had to do a radiator and front control arm bushings so this was a major bill. I did switch tires to Yokohama Parada's so the car rides very well but thye are not the longest lasting tires. Gotta figure if there is a cheaper way than a lexus dealer. But in thinking of doing all this work I decided this is a overall very reliable car and worth doing as the car rides well, looks good,
and is nice to drive. I figure the Prius 's I have seen used as cabs are going over 300,000 miles so there is some precedent for long term ownership. Yes I would buy one again ( and I guess by fixing it I am planning another 90,000 miles , I hope ! )
2006 RX 400h Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,660 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $154/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RX 400h include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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