RX400 Hybrid without Sacrifice

Author's Rating:

Pros: Fun to drive, fuel economy, powerful, handling, safety, comfort

Cons: None - it does what it is supposed to do

The Bottom Line: 
I would recommend this vehicle for anyone that needs an SUV, has a budget for a Lexus, and wants fuel economy without giving up the pleasure of driving.

Author's Review
Update: I've had my hybrid for nearly three years (June 2008,) and nearing 30,000 miles.

Living near Los Angles, there are too many times that I am bumper to bumper, crawling along just a tad bit slower than a turtle. I'm on battery power since I am below 25 MPH, and it is amazing to watch the MPG increase. My ventilation is on interior recirculation, and listening to classical music on the Mark Levinson audio system. The DVD navigation system indicates that I have five miles until turnoff, thus I should begin looking for convenient means to cross traffic. In the pre-Lexus days, I would be rushed to move over after seeing the first exit sign. What's wrong with this picture? I'm actually not minding the traffic.

What amazes me is the cornering stability. It has less roll than my Lexus SC430 that was traded in for the RX. Secondly, the acceleration is unexpected considering a 3.3-liter engine and four electric propulsion motors. The total horsepower (HP) is 270, but feels as strong as my Lexus SC430 (now reduced to 288 HP). Putting numbers to this, 7.3 seconds to 60 MPH instead of 5.8 seconds for the Lexus SC430, and 7.9 seconds for the Porsche Cayenne (290 HP automatic transmission). In comparison, the fuel performance: RX400h (26/24), SC430 (16/23,) and Cayenne (14/20) using 2008 EPA ratings.

Navigation, mentioned earlier, covers all of the major cities. When I take a trip, I punch in the hotel address, and that is where I end up. However, if this hotel is in a city that is not covered, then I get close but not always on target. The system will show those areas that are not covered although I rarely use this feature.

Another feature that I appreciate is the rear backup camera. My biggest fear is not seeing directly behind, such as children. The view is displayed on the navigation screen. This also seems to work well at night.

Technology of this sort is difficult to understand. There is an electronic transition between electric and gas that is seamless. Rapid acceleration at any starting speed will engage the gas engine. Yet slow acceleration up to 25 MPH is by electric motors. On the highway, operation is with the gas engine but acceleration includes the electric motors. Braking, as reviewed by another, is different than a conventional vehicle. The electric motors become energy producing generators to charge the battery. After three years, this operation continues flawlessly.

Another cool feature of this technology is what powers the air conditioning, the power steering, and brakes when the gas engine is not operating. Electricity. Here are a couple situations when this is a benefit: I stopped to get gas in Phoenix, AZ, during the summer (110F, 43C). Since the engine was off, I filled up the tank while the air continued to operate. Another example, driving up the California Grapevine, very long grade across a mountain pass, I see cars alongside the highway with radiators boiling over. Some auto enthusiasts recommend slowing down and turning off the air. Not with this vehicle, full speed ahead. Going down the rather long hill, the engine switches off and battery recharges. How cool is that?

Technology risk. We see many more vehicles coming out with hybrids. The technology used in this vehicle has been around since the late 90's in Japan, then came to the USA with the Toyota Prius. Not old technology, but proven. The warranty stands behind this with a 100,000-mile (8 year) on the battery and 50,000 miles on the powertrain. More important than a warranty is the Lexus reputation as being a dependable manufacturer.

The ride is excellent with very little wind noise. I believe that is in part due to the 18-inch wheel diameter, and the comfortable ergonomic driver's seat (with heat and lumbar). The climate control is automatic with dual controls. That is, the passenger to the right has his or her controls.

Gas mileage: 2008 EPA is 26 City/24 Highway MPG. I could do better, but average 26 MPG across the board. Yes, the city driving can be better because the engine operates only when the vehicle is moving and when the propulsion battery needs charging.

Size and space. Actually, this is the reason why I traded in my SC430. This is a five-seater (five sets of seat belts) and 38 cubic feet of cargo space or about 85 cubic feet with the rear seats locked flat down.

Safety features. Driving in the Los Angles area, having an air recirculation choice was a plus, not being forced to breath bus, truck, and auto exhaust during congested travel. However, I also appreciate the periphery of air bags that will deploy in those needed times. Lexus also has running lights that are always on when driving. There is also electronic stabilization as well as all wheel drive; 2008 has a front-wheel drive version. The seat belts are about as comfortable as can be, but will automatically cinch tight in an accident.

Would I buy this vehicle again? I would. Over the last three years, the integrity, comfort, and operation of this vehicle has remained unchanged.