MPG-o-Matic Lexus RX400h Review Summary: The RX400h is a luxury five seat sport utility that competes with the Acura RDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, and Mercedes R-Class (among others) . While that’s a crowded field, the RX400h’s hybrid drive train sets the luxurious Lexus apart from its most worthy competitors.
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The RX400h is one of the greenest SUVs on the market today.
The EPA gas mileage estimates for the all-wheel-drive 2008 Lexus RX400h are 26 city / 24 highway miles per gallon (MPG). In a week of driving, we found those estimates to be a touch low, as we achieved a combined average of 27.4 over 300 miles of driving in weather that ranged from forty through sixty degrees.ﾠ
Set aside whatever preconceptions you might have about hybrids.ﾠ
The RX400h is fitted with a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a Lexus Hybrid Drive system with front and rear electric motors. The drive train is rated at 268 horsepower, in total.ﾠ
It may be fuel-efficient, and a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle at that, but there’s no denying that this 4,365 pound SUV gets up and goes.ﾠ
Stomp on the gas pedal and the RX400h will accelerate from zero to sixty in 7.3 seconds.ﾠ
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a cavalcade of creature comforts, with nearly everything you’re looking for, with the possible exception of an iPod jack.ﾠ
Our test RX400h was kitted out with genuine wood interior trim, leather seating, memory power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, heated front bucket seats with memory, cool blue illuminated entries, memory mirrors, and an array of cubbies.ﾠ
The navigation system provides a handy backup camera and an energy monitor to provide real-time feedback on the RX400h’s fuel efficiency. With just a bit of effort, family and friends will marvel over your gas saving prowess.ﾠ
Families will love the wide, roomy. and flexible interiorﾠ
A split fold down rear seat with center pass through accommodates skis and snowboards, while the automatic rear entry hatch eases loading chores.ﾠ
The RX400h is well-suited to the sport minded, as long as you don’t plan to drive off the beaten path or over the sand dunes to your favorite beach.
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Make no mistakes about it. This is not the SUV you want to take four wheeling. disclaimers in the marketing collateral clearly state that “The RX 400h is not designed to be driven off-road.”
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This family room on four wheels easily handles the everyday adventures of shopping, sports, and an active social schedule.
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RXs have found a home in many a garage. With the 400h hybrid, Lexus has extended the appeal of their popular five-seat SUV to upwardly mobile moms that think green.
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7 comments ↓
[...] Gray: The Lexus 400h hybrid is a lovely vehicle … like a living room on wheels … and it’s [...]
I am very disappointed with its gas milage! I just bought a 2007 Lexus RX 400h with 52,000 miles and drove it for 40 miles (highway and local mixed). It gave me only 23 MPG!!! Maybe I bought a lemon? I will check with a Lexus dealer to see what they will tell me. Any suggestions?
Wayne –
To get the best mileage from the LX400h, you’ll need to adapt your driving style to take advantage of the hybrid synergy drive system.
I’d reckon that you’re driving with a heavy foot.
Turn on the fancy LCD display. Keep an eye on when the system is using pure electric power and optimize your driving style to maximize glide time…with your foot off the throttle whenever possible.
Dear mpg-o-editor:
I disagree with you. I found many other people complaining about their low mpg with their RX400h.
I guess Lexus hybrid system is still inmature as some vehicles do achieve high mpg as claimed. Advise to future buyers: always test its mpg sufficiently to see if the vehicle can achieve the claimed mpg before buying it!! My understanding is that there may be many lemons out there and Lexus will not be responsible for these low mpg lemons.
Wayne –
If you disagree with the FACT that getting the BEST mileage from a hybrid requires a CHANGE in driving style, with all due respect, we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
I spent a week test driving the RX400h in real world conditions, as I have with most of the other hybrids currently on the market. I had no problem hitting the official estimates.
It’s largely a question of driver training.
One other thing to keep in mind …
Generally speaking, hybrid systems require that the conventional engine be warmed up to facilitate the transition to electric power. This can significantly effect mileage when taking short trips in cooler climates.
mpg-o-editor:
You win! After I changed my driving to mimic a real old man’s real slow acceleration and stopping, the MPG increased dramatically to over 27 MPG! Thanks for your advise!
Wayne –
Heh. It’s what you do *after* you’ve accelerated to speed that makes the biggest difference. I love to stomp on the pedal when necessary.
Once you hit your target speed (or a tad above), take your foot off the pedal. When you reapply pressure to the throttle, use the lightest touch possible to maintain speed.
By keeping an eye on the current consumption MPG numbers on the LCD display, you will learn to modulate your right foot at all speeds.
At lower speeds, try to provoke the hybrid drive train into electric mode whenever possible. The goal is to glide when you can …
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