Vehicle Overview The RX 400h luxury SUV is the hybrid sibling of the RX 350. A hybrid-electric drivetrain yields EPA-estimated gas mileage in the mid-20s, which represents a respectable gain over the RX 350’s 20-mpg combined rating. There’s room for five passengers in both RX models, and competitors include the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Lincoln MKX.
The RX 400h earns a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) rating.
New for 2009 There are no significant changes for the RX 400h.
Exterior The SUV’s overall appearance differs only modestly from the regular RX 350. Styling revisions include round fog lamps and an additional opening on the front bumper for cooling powertrain components. The RX 400h is an inch longer than the RX 350.
17-inch wheels
Available 18-inch wheels
Power rear hatch
Interior The RX 400h’s five-passenger interior space is similar to the RX 350’s. Rather than the usual tachometer, the dashboard contains an illuminated battery-power meter. The steering wheel is home to controls for the hybrid system’s monitor and the stereo. The backseat has been raised 0.7 inches to accommodate the battery pack underneath. Thirty battery modules are split into three groups, each with a dedicated cooling fan.
10-way power front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Wood or metallic trim is available
Available voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera
Available rear-seat entertainment system with 9-inch screen
Mark Levinson audio system available when navigation system is added
Under the Hood The full hybrid system can operate in gas or electric mode only, or in a combination of both. Lexus says the gas engine starts at a lower power level, which makes the transition between power sources harder to discern. Like the RX 350, the RX 400h can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
208-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 plus electric motor generates 268 hp total
Continuously variable automatic transmission
Front- or all-wheel drive
All-wheel-drive models feature a separate electric motor attached to the rear drive wheels that automatically engages to provide four-wheel power
Safety Safety features include:
Antilock brakes that incorporate electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
Side curtain airbags
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Driver’s knee airbag
Available Adaptive Front Lighting System that swivels the headlights in the direction steered to better illuminate curves in the road
Available adaptive cruise control can slow the vehicle automatically if it gets too close to the vehicle in front of it at highway speeds
