more about this model
Thanks to an opulent new hybrid vehicle, the wealthy can now drive with a clear conscience. And from the comfort of a leather-wrapped cabin.
Following the commercial success of the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus is launching the first luxury SUV with hybrid power, the RX 400h.
Based on the RX 330, which is the best-selling luxury SUV on the market, the all-wheel-drive Lexus RX 400h uses a new hybrid system that combines the standard 3.3-liter V6 engine with two high-torque electric motor-generators. The benefits are the best fuel mileage in the SUV category, lower emissions and increased horsepower.
The Lexus 400h is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission vehicle and boasts 268 hp. That's 38 more horsepower than the RX 330 and according to Lexus it's a power rating more typical of a 4.0-liter V8 engine, hence the 400h moniker.
Lexus also says the 400h accelerates from 0-to-60-mph in 7.3 seconds, which is as quick as the Mercedes-Benz ML500 and quicker than the 330. We noticed the increased power immediately.
The Lexus hybrid's 400h drive system is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of the five-speed automatic in the RX 330. It works well, but the truck's entire powertrain becomes loud when climbing slight grades at low speeds, which Lexus engineers tell us is characteristic of the CVT-hybrid relationship. Otherwise, the Lexus RX 400h drives surprisingly like the RX 330, which we've always liked.
Typically, the 400h starts up under 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 could be intrusive. To ensure a serene driving experience, Lexus added an acoustic glass windshield and a quieter radiator cooling fan. It also added electric power steering and electric air conditioning, so those systems can run prior to the engine kicking in.
The battery pack, which is the heart of the hybrid system, is 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 Prius's, which has six cells per module. Plus, it's packed into a new metal case for improved heat rejection and reduced size. So it wouldn't disrupt the truck's 40/20/40-split rear-seat configuration, the pack's been split into three groups and its height has been reduced by 22 percent over the Prius's.
Another new piece of technology introduced in the 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 stabilizing corrections.
The visual differences between the 400h and the Lexus RX 330 are minimal. Its tire fairings and underbody covers are unique to maintain an optimal 0.35 coefficient of drag, which is important for fuel economy, and the truck wears a reshaped front bumper, a new grille and LED combination taillights. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are also unique to the Lexus RX 400h, which weighs 300 pounds more due to the hybrid equipment.
Inside, there's brushed aluminum trim for a high-tech feel, and an illuminated power meter that displays the current hybrid powertrain information. If you opt for the available voice-recognition navigation system, the gas-electric power distribution is not only displayed on the small meter in the gauge cluster, but also appears on the multi-information display's seven-inch touchscreen navigation display just like in the Prius. The Lexus RX 400h also picks up some of the RX 330's options as standard equipment, including high-intensity discharge headlamps and a power rear liftgate. Pricing on the RX 400h is expected to start $4,000-$5000 higher than the Lexus RX 330.
Because the RX 400h has already secured more prelaunch orders than any other Lexus in history, the company is taking extra care to accommodate its customers. In September 2004, it announced a dedicated customer communication system that corresponds directly with the wait-list customers, updating them every few months on the status of their order. This retail ordering system allows dealers to assign a customer's name to a specific vehicle prior to production, and then track it through the distribution process. It also prevents buyers from hanging out on multiple order lists, trying to score the first-available vehicle from several different dealers.
And if you're concerned about your current Lexus lease agreement expiring while you're waiting for your chance to make luxury hybrid history in your neighborhood, don't worry. Lexus will also be extending current leases by as much as 12 months to aid customers on the 400h order list. The Lexus RX 400h is expected to arrive in early spring 2005.
Is the 2006 Lexus RX 400h a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2006 RX 400h featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2006 Lexus RX 400h?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2006 RX 400h 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2006 RX 400h.
Review
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
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h
How can Edmunds help?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
What options are available on the 2006 Lexus RX 400h?
Available Lexus RX 400h 2006 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: Base
Exterior Colors: Black Onyx, Classic Silver Metallic, Neptune Blue Mica, Bamboo Pearl, Crystal White, Flint Mica, Matador Red Mica, Smoky Granite Mica, Breakwater Blue Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Millenium Silver Metallic, Savannah Metallic, Desert Sage Metallic
Interior Colors: Ivory leather, Black leather, Light Gray leather, Ivory cloth, Black cloth, Light Gray cloth
Popular Features: 3500lb Towing Capacity, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, AWD/4WD, Tire Pressure Warning, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Heated seats
Engine/Mechanics: 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
