What Is It?

2005 Lexus RX 400h

What's Special About It?

Despite its unaltered appearance, the RX 400h offers significant advances in both technology and performance over the current RX 330. At the heart of its changes is a second-generation version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system that's able to deliver a combined 270 horsepower between its electric motors and 3.3-liter V6. Toyota claims that not only does the hybrid drivetrain significantly reduce emissions, it also greatly improves the vehicle's overall acceleration performance and pushes its range to over 600 miles on a single tank.

Another major advancement being introduced in this vehicle is a new stability control system dubbed Vehicle Dynamic Management, or VDM. Essentially a more sophisticated version of the previous Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), VDM is able to anticipate a loss of control and use both throttle and brake corrections to regain stability, according to Toyota. It's designed to be less obtrusive than VSC and will come standard on all RX 400h models. Additional changes to the RX 400h include a slightly revised front fascia, LED taillights and metallic interior trim intended to emphasize the vehicle's high-tech nature.

What's Edmunds' Take?

With its combination of luxury and performance, the RX 400h will change the public's perception of what a hybrid vehicle can be. Given that the RX 330 is already the best-selling model in the Lexus lineup, the RX 400h will likely be a sellout from Day One. Set to go on sale late next year, Lexus looks to have once again set a standard in the luxury market that will have its competitors playing catch up. — Ed Hellwig