Lexus RX 400h Review
Ironically, the RX 400h is not Lexus' most cohesive design. From head-on it resembles a baby elephant: all legs and a tiny, short body. From the side, the strangely kinked C-pillars and double quarter-windows are a self-conscious attempt to give the standard SUV box some sedan-like horizontality. The blacked-out rear roof spoiler proclaims sport, while the nanodetailed LED taillights say insect. The RX 400h’s aesthetic appeal resides in the details, like the gorgeously crafted adaptive headlights and backlit company emblems in all four doorsills. And, lest we forget, there’s the ultimate badge of honor: the little ‘h’ on the boot badge proclaiming your intention to use less fossil fuel, keep the globe cool and avoid red meat (providing there’s a suitable salad option).
The first thing you notice when you turn the RX 400h’s key is— silence. All the electrics are at attention, awaiting orders. The gasoline engine lays dormant. You select Drive, put your foot down and golf cart away-- without the slightest judder to rattle the clubs. At some point (approximately 25mph), internal combustion occurs and… you continue.
Which is what, exactly? As the official Lexus website admits, RX 400h drivers are best advised to avoid any unseemly mud plugging (“Batteries are no match for boulders”). Which still leaves the RX 400h with enough personalities to challenge Sybil’s therapist. Gas guilt? Ease up and enjoy double the mileage of virtually all your SUV driving peers. Feeling frisky? Whip all the assorted motors into one cohesive accelerative effort. Dinner at eight? Wash off the dirt and sashay in style. Boss dropping in for a meeting? Stack the rear cargo bay with business fireboxes. Surprise snowstorm? Keep on keeping on with all-wheel-drive and stability control (with snow tires ‘natch). Perfect day? Simply relax in the comfort and silence of your luxury whip. The RX 400h does it all, and does it well.
Curb Weight: 4365 lbs.
Engine: 3.3 liter V-6; three-phase AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor powered by 30 9.6-volt nickel-metal hydride batteries, front and rear
Horsepower: 268hp combined: 208 bhp @ 5600 rpm; 165 bhp @ 4500 rpm (front); 67 bhp @ 4610 rpm (rear)
Torque: 212 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm; 262 lb-ft @ 0–1500 rpm (front); 96 lb-ft @ 0–610 rpm (rear)
Drive Type: 4-wheel-drive system: part time with automatic rear electric-motor engagement
0 to 60: 6.9 secs.
1/4 Mile: 15.2 sec @ 93 mph
Price as Tested: $50,908
Top Speed: 112 mph [limited]
Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs.
MPG: 31 / 27
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