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2008 Lexus RX 400h Bottom Line

December 11, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

In putting together this comprehensive review of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, TheCarConnection.com’s car experts included information from a variety of reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com editors added their observations and firsthand experience with the RX 400h.

Likes:

  • Perky performance from the hybrid powertrain
  • Very frugal for stop-and-go driving
  • Good ride quality
  • Extensive safety features

Dislikes:

  • Highway fuel economy is unimpressive
  • Almost indistinguishable from the regular RX 350

Buying Tips:


2008 Lexus RX 400h models purchased new by September 30, 2007, still qualify for a $550 federal tax credit.

The RX 400h is a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the RX 350 crossover vehicle. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h receives a few minor updates this year, including a new front grille, chrome door handles, a new finish for its 18-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler.

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and the latest version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which includes two separate electric motor/generators. In the all-wheel-drive version, there's one each at the front and rear axles, working through a continuously variable automatic transmission. It's a so-called full-hybrid system, meaning that it can operate solely on its electric motors for limited distances at low speed, such as when crawling along in gridlock traffic. The electric motor system is the only power source for the rear wheels, with the sophisticated hybrid management system allowing smooth power delivery even on slippery surfaces.

Combined, the two power sources generate the equivalent of 268 horsepower. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h can reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, tow up to 3,500 pounds, and achieve up to 27 mpg city/24 mpg highway (for front-drive models).

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h doesn't handle quite as well as the standard RX 350, due to its heavier weight--it has an all-electric power steering system--but it rides about as well, and the hybrid system feels much more settled on the highway; it's easier to maintain a steady speed than in the Toyota Prius. The overall driving experience is nearly as refined as that of the standard RX 350--though a full-throttle pass yields a little more noise due to the CVT.

A very attractive interior design, with rich materials and very comfortable seating for five, distinguishes the RX from more plainly styled rivals. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h also comes as well equipped as most luxury vehicles, but the options list is especially lengthy and interesting. A DVD navigation system, laser-guided cruise control, heated seats, adaptive front lighting, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system are optional.

The 2008 Lexus RX 400h has done very well in most crash tests, with straight five-star results in the federal tests for frontal and side impact, and top Good results from the IIHS, though the insurance group gave the RX a Poor rating for rear impact. Lexus's sophisticated VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), a more sophisticated form of electronic stability control, is standard on the RX 400h, along with anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee bag.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Highlander Hybrid is closely related mechanically to the 2008 Lexus RX 400h; it has a boxier body style that makes its interior a bit roomier, though it's not as plush, as comfortable, or as quiet as the RX. There are now several other hybrid sport-utility models to choose from. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and its mechanically identical sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid, also have a full-hybrid system and get impressive fuel economy of up to 34 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. That's significantly better than the RX 400h and Highlander, but they're notably smaller; they also lack the luxury comforts and high-tech features of the RX 400h. The Saturn Vue Hybrid is a "mild" hybrid, meaning that the electric motor system only assists the engine to help improve fuel economy, but it gets 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. If some measure of towing or off-roading is in order, you might also consider the M-Class diesel, which has tremendous torque and overall performance that matches the V-6 version of the M-Class, but with a rating of 24 mpg highway.

The Bottom Line:

With the carbon footprint of a small car and all the comforts and technologies of a luxury SUV, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a green family’s dream.

In putting together this comprehensive review of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, TheCarConnection.com’s car experts included information from a variety of reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com editors added their observations and firsthand experience with the RX 400h. Likes:Perky performance from the hybrid powertrainVery frugal for stop-and-go drivingGood ride qualityExtensive safety featuresDislikes:Highway fuel economy is unimpressiveAlmost indistinguishable from the regular RX 350Buying Tips: 2008 Lexus RX 400h models purchased new by September 30, 2007, still qualify for a $550 federal tax credit. The RX 400h is a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the RX 350 crossover vehicle. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h receives a few minor updates this year, including a new front grille, chrome door handles, a new finish for its 18-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h is powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and the latest version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which includes two separate electric motor/generators. In the all-wheel-drive version, there's one each at the front and rear axles, working through a continuously variable automatic transmission. It's a so-called full-hybrid system, meaning that it can operate solely on its electric motors for limited distances at low speed, such as when crawling along in gridlock traffic. The electric motor system is the only power source for the rear wheels, with the sophisticated hybrid management system allowing smooth power delivery even on slippery surfaces. Combined, the two power sources generate the equivalent of 268 horsepower. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h can reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, tow up to 3,500 pounds, and achieve up to 27 mpg city/24 mpg highway (for front-drive models). The 2008 Lexus RX 400h doesn't handle quite as well as the standard RX 350, due to its heavier weight--it has an all-electric power steering system--but it rides about as well, and the hybrid system feels much more settled on the highway; it's easier to maintain a steady speed than in the Toyota Prius. The overall driving experience is nearly as refined as that of the standard RX 350--though a full-throttle pass yields a little more noise due to the CVT. A very attractive interior design, with rich materials and very comfortable seating for five, distinguishes the RX from more plainly styled rivals. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h also comes as well equipped as most luxury vehicles, but the options list is especially lengthy and interesting. A DVD navigation system, laser-guided cruise control, heated seats, adaptive front lighting, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system are optional. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h has done very well in most crash tests, with straight five-star results in the federal tests for frontal and side impact, and top Good results from the IIHS, though the insurance group gave the RX a Poor rating for rear impact. Lexus's sophisticated VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), a more sophisticated form of electronic stability control, is standard on the RX 400h, along with anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee bag. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, also consider:Mercury Mariner HybridMercedes-Benz ML320 CDISaturn Vue HybridToyota Highlander HybridReason Why:The Highlander Hybrid is closely related mechanically to the 2008 Lexus RX 400h; it has a boxier body style that makes its interior a bit roomier, though it's not as plush, as comfortable, or as quiet as the RX. There are now several other hybrid sport-utility models to choose from. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and its mechanically identical sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid, also have a full-hybrid system and get impressive fuel economy of up to 34 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. That's significantly better than the RX 400h and Highlander, but they're notably smaller; they also lack the luxury comforts and high-tech features of the RX 400h. The Saturn Vue Hybrid is a "mild" hybrid, meaning that the electric motor system only assists the engine to help improve fuel economy, but it gets 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. If some measure of towing or off-roading is in order, you might also consider the M-Class diesel, which has tremendous torque and overall performance that matches the V-6 version of the M-Class, but with a rating of 24 mpg highway. The Bottom Line:With the carbon footprint of a small car and all the comforts and technologies of a luxury SUV, the 2008 Lexus RX 400h is a green family’s dream. In putting together this comprehensive review of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h, TheCarConnection.com’s car experts included information from a variety of reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com editors added their observations and firsthand experience with the RX 400h. Likes: - Perky performance ...

Other Choices:

The Highlander Hybrid is closely related mechanically to the 2008 Lexus RX 400h; it has a boxier body style that makes its interior a bit roomier, though it's not as plush, as comfortable, or as quiet as the RX. There are now several other hybrid sport-utility models to choose from. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and its mechanically identical sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid, also have a full-hybrid system and get impressive fuel economy of up to 34 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. That's significantly better than the RX 400h and Highlander, but they're notably smaller; they also lack the luxury comforts and high-tech features of the RX 400h. The Saturn Vue Hybrid is a "mild" hybrid, meaning that the electric motor system only assists the engine to help improve fuel economy, but it gets 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. If some measure of towing or off-roading is in order, you might also consider the M-Class diesel, which has tremendous torque and overall performance that matches the V-6 version of the M-Class, but with a rating of 24 mpg highway.

Next Steps:

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See the Lexus RX 400h in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006

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