2008 Lexus RX 400h Review
2008 Lexus RX 400h Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+74
Used RX 400h for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Efficient hybrid technology, quick acceleration, smooth ride, luxurious interior.
Cons
- Pricey, brake pedal feel difficult to judge, no third-row seat.
What’s new
The 2008 Lexus RX 400h luxury SUV features minor interior and exterior trim revisions.
Edmunds says
Though expensive, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h delivers impressive fuel economy and utility plus all the power, amenities and flawless build quality consumers have come to expect from Lexus.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 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 $4.54 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$221/mo for RX 400h Base
RX 400h Base
vs
$216/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
When it debuted two years ago, the Lexus RX 400h marked the beginning of a new paradigm by introducing more efficient hybrid technology to the popular but highly consumptive luxury SUV segment. While more affordable hybrid utilities from Toyota and Ford have been around for several years and other larger upscale SUVs from Chrysler and GM are now joining the hybrid parade, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h remains the lone "green" entry in the midsize luxury utility class.
Using full-hybrid technology, the RX 400h's gasoline/electric powertrain can operate in gas-engine-only, electric-only or combination modes depending on conditions. The system combines a V6 engine with an electric motor-generator to drive the front wheels and stores its energy in a nickel metal hydride battery pack that fits inconspicuously under the vehicle's rear seat. (All-wheel-drive models feature an additional electric motor to drive the rear wheels.) These components work together seamlessly to generate up to 268 horsepower and 0-60-mph sprints in fewer than 8 seconds. During light acceleration or when coasting, the 400h saves fuel by running solely on battery power. It all adds up to acceleration similar to that of some V8-powered rivals while achieving the best fuel economy in the midsize luxury SUV class.
Of course, none of this comes cheap. A typically equipped 400h will cost close to $50,000, about $4,000 more than a similar RX 350. Even with gas above $3 a gallon, it will take many miles and years of driving to recoup the cost. And from a pure "save the planet" standpoint, buying a Prius still makes much more sense. That said, this is still one very likable vehicle. Quick, fuel efficient and luxurious, the RX 400h comes with a set of attributes that just about any luxury SUV buyer will find appealing.
Performance & mpg
The Lexus RX 400h hybrid combines a 3.3-liter gasoline V6 engine with electric motor-generators to power vehicle systems and the driving wheels. Front-wheel-drive models use two motor-generators -- one acting as a starter and the other providing motive force -- while the all-wheel-drive version adds a third electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Producing up to 268 horsepower and working through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT), Lexus claims the front-drive RX 400h can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and an even quicker 7.3 seconds for all-wheel-drive models. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, same as the RX 350.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is superior to that achieved by gas-only V6 or V8 competitors. Rated at 27 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, the front-drive RX 400h is also as efficient (or more so) than many smaller four-cylinder sport utilities.
Safety
Standard RX 400h safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side airbags, a driver knee airbag and rollover-sensing front and rear head curtain side airbags. Antilock brakes, stability control and traction control are also included. Adaptive cruise control is available as an option, as is a rear back-up camera that's included with the optional navigation system. In government crash tests, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h scored a perfect five stars in frontal- and side-impact testing.
Driving
The 2008 Lexus RX 400h drives a lot like its gas-powered RX 350 sibling, delivering both a smooth ride and reasonably tight handling despite its extra weight (which is noticeable when changing directions at higher speeds). That smooth ride comes thanks to soft suspension tuning, which makes the RX feel a little too spongy for those who appreciate a more spirited driving experience. However, the electric motor at least offers peppy acceleration and quiet operation under normal driving conditions -- the 400h is capable of approaching 30 mph in electric mode alone, which is of great fuel-saving benefit in stop-and-go traffic. Under maximum acceleration, though, a substantial amount of engine noise is apparent as the hybrid system forces the relatively small V6 to work harder and rev all the way up to redline. One other downside is that many drivers find the RX 400h's brakes grabby and difficult to modulate.
Interior
The Lexus RX 400h is as sleek inside as it is outside, seating five in a streamlined and high-tech interior that boasts aluminum or wood trim, bright-ringed gauges and a high-resolution touchscreen that displays the hybrid powertrain's gas-electric power distribution. The 40/20/40-split rear seat folds, slides and reclines to optimize passenger comfort and cargo-carrying versatility. A standard power liftgate opens up to reveal more than 38 cubic feet of luggage space and approximately 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo room with the rear seats folded, both competitive numbers for its class. A third-row seat, a feature often found in this vehicle segment, isn't available.
2008 Lexus RX 400h models
The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a midsize luxury SUV available in front- or all-wheel-drive versions. It comes in one trim level with standard and optional equipment levels much like the RX 350. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, a power rear liftgate, 10-way power front seats, cloth upholstery, sliding and reclining second-row seats, dual-zone climate control, multifunction steering wheel controls, heated outside mirrors and eight-speaker premium audio with an in-dash six-CD changer.
Many popular optional features are available separately or in packaged groups, such as the Premium Package which includes leather trim, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver seat memory settings and a sunroof. A Premium Plus Package offers these items plus adaptive xenon headlights. Other RX 400h options include 18-inch wheels, a fantastic 11-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a navigation system with back-up camera, a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and specialized interior wood trim.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#13 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus RX 400h from 2008-2022.$355/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.69x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).13.6%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Lexus RX 400h.
5 star(84%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Great Hybrid SUV
Karin, 01/29/2016
2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Loved this car from the minute we bought it new. Nearing 80,000 miles and no complaints! Only some paint chips on door edges.
Not buying a new one though. Don't like the new design and new screens. No more touch screens - uses a mouse! OMG! They went backwards!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Love Hate Relationship
G Henry, 10/17/2007
2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have had my RXh for 4 months and I love it, and I hate it. It is comfortable, safe, easy to drive, quiet, stunning Levinson audio system and more but mine has problems with the regeneration. My regeneration worked perfect until the battery pack showed fully charged. Ever since then the regen works about 60% of the time. Two dealers have looked at it and found nothing. Now I have … video proof I will take in this week to see how they will ignore my issue. If you get 19-22 mpg in the city your regen is also not working well. When it is working and you drive responsibly you will get 27 in the city. The RXh is wonderful and smooth and safe, but I bought a hybrid and expect it to work.
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Car
slo-jim, 11/03/2010
2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
My RX 400h has been the very best, most reliable vehicle I have owned; buying my first car in 1967. Gas mileage has been super, averaging 28.5 MPG since day one. it is solid, very comfortable, has lots of power and a joy to drive. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality, energy efficient hybrid!
5 out of 5 stars
I bought it used...
Larry Campbell, 10/15/2017
2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I purchased the car three weeks ago with 127k miles on it. It has clearly had very good care taken of it and is in excellent condition. It is hard to believe that a car can have 127k miles on it, and still look, drive, ride and feel like this one. I am very used to Toyota's hybrid system as we have had 5 Prius in the past. Yes, they are much smaller and get amazing mileage, and I … know how to squeeze every mile out of a gallon of gas with a hybrid. But I am not getting quite the mileage I was hoping for out of this RX. I am averaging in the mid 20's range. Not bad, but could be a little better. The technology, body construction, interior finishes and running gear on the car are all nothing short of amazing. It is definitely the nicest care I have ever owned. I'm hoping to drive it a a couple hundred thousand more miles.
2008 RX 400h Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $42,080 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $221/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:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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
People who viewed this also viewed
4.4 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $49,000 |
3.3 average Rating out of 60 reviews. |
Starting at $47,400 |
4.4 average Rating out of 16 reviews. |
Starting at $48,600 |
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2008 Lexus RX 400h info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Volvo XC90 2021
- Used Ford Transit Cargo Van 2018
- Used BMW M2 2021
- Used INFINITI QX 2018
- Used Chrysler 300M 2022
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- Cullinan Rolls Royce Price
- Range Rover Sport SVR V8
- 2023 Toyota BZ4X
- R8 Audi R8
- Acura RDX
- 2023 Land Rover Defender
- Jaguar XF Supercharged
- Car Infiniti QX60
Research other models of Lexus
- Used Lexus RC 300
- Lexus ES 2024
- Lexus NX 350H
- Lexus NX 250
- Lexus Is500
- Lexus RZ 450E
- 2024 Lexus LS
- 2024 Lexus RC
- 2024 Lexus LC
Research similar vehicles
- Honda Pilot
- Chevy Tahoe V6
- Car G Class
- Mercedes Gle
- Lamborghini Price Urus
- Honda HR V Honda
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Telluride
- Mazda CX5
- Ford Explorer
Other models
- Used Mclaren 570GT in Camden, SC
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer-Sportback in Beaumont, CA
- Used Toyota Echo in Camarillo, CA
- Used Mini Countryman in Mansfield, OH
- Used Nissan Frontier in Sevierville, TN
- Used GMC Sierra-1500-Classic in West Chester, OH
- Used Cadillac CTS in Long Island City, NY
- New Chevrolet Express-Cargo for Sale in Douglasville, GA
- Used Nissan NV200 in Salt Lake City, UT
- Used Dodge Srt-Viper in Bloomfield Hills, MI