2008 Lexus RX 400h Review
Price Range: $5,995 - $9,495





+57
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.
For sale near Melrose Park, IL
8 listings
- $5,995good price$928 below market
- 200,205 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Go Autos (11 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Power Liftgate/Trunk
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Skokie, IL
The 2008 Lexus RX 400h Base AWD 4dr SUV with a 3.3L V6 engine offered a comprehensive set of features focused on luxury, technology, and safety. Power...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (26 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTJHW31U182854965
Stock: GA-854965
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-23-2025 - $9,495fair price$410 below market
- 121,998 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Go Autos (11 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Power Liftgate/Trunk
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Skokie, IL
The 1st Owner 2008 Lexus RX 400h Base AWD 4dr SUV 3.3L V6 is a hybrid luxury SUV that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for improved fue...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (26 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTJHW31U582068621
Stock: GA-068621
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-11-2025
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.

2026 Lexus RZ First Drive Review: Finally Worth Considering

The 2025 Lexus ES 350 Is Slow, Old and Brilliant

Off-Road Buyers Guide: Which Hardcore SUV Is Right for You?

The 2026 Lexus ES Is Like No Lexus You've Seen Before
Compare 2008 Lexus RX 400h trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$220/mo for RX 400h Base
RX 400h Base
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
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
$355/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.69x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
13.6%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Lexus RX 400h Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great Hybrid SUV
5 out of 5 starsKarin, 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!
Love Hate Relationship
3.5 out of 5 starsG 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.
Wonderful Car
5 out of 5 starsslo-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!
I bought it used...
5 out of 5 starsLarry 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 | $220/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38.3 cu.ft. |
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
4.3 average Rating out of 12 reviews. |
Starting at $49,000 |
3.3 average Rating out of 72 reviews. |
Starting at $47,400 |
4.5 average Rating out of 10 reviews. |
Starting at $49,125 |
Related Used 2008 Lexus RX 400h info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mitsubishi Mirage 2021 Review
- Audi SQ5 Sportback 2021 Review
- Jeep Gladiator 2020 Review
- Ford Ranger 2020 Review
- Genesis GV80 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Honda Fit Car
- I3 BMW
- Lexus NX 300H Awd
- Used Acura ILX 2013
- Used Acura ILX 2015
- Used Acura ILX 2016
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura Integra 2014
- Used Acura Integra 2019
- Used Acura Integra 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2025 Discovery Sport
- 2024 GLC Coupe
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Bentley Flying Spur
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander News
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan News
- Mercedes-Benz CLE 2025
- 2024 Porsche 911
- 2026 Audi S6 e-tron News
- New Audi S6 e-tron
Research other models of
- Lexus ES 2024
- Lexus RZ 2024
- 2024 Lexus LS
- 2025 LC
- Lexus NX 2025
- 2024 Lexus TX
- 2024 Lexus NX
- New Lexus RC
- Lexus LX 570 2025
- 2025 LX
Other models
- Used Toyota Fj-Cruiser in Carmel, IN 2014
- New Infiniti QX80 for Sale in Texarkana, AR
- Used Maserati Grecale in Monroeville, PA 2025
- Used Infiniti G20 in Royal Oak, MI 2002
- New Toyota Corolla-Cross for Sale in Greenwich, CT
- Used Hyundai Elantra-Hybrid in Brighton, MI 2025
- Used Porsche 718-Boxster in Riverhead, NY 2025
- New GMC Terrain for Sale in Lake Zurich, IL
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-Hybrid in Franklin, OH 2022
- Used Aston-Martin DBX707 in Torrance, CA 2024