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2008 Lexus RX 400h
2008 Lexus RX 400h
Guilt-Free SUV
The Lexus RX 400h is the most fuel-efficient luxury SUV available.
Available with either front- or all-wheel drive, the RX 400h is a hybrid SUV based on the popular RX 350, a car-based crossover SUV.
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The Lexus RX 400h’s hybrid powertrain teams a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with a gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT) and two separate electric motor/generators. One motor/generator powers the rear wheels; the other acts as a primary generator and starter, and controls engine speed. The combined system produces the equivalent of 268 horsepower, with plenty of low-end torque for quick launches and highway passing situations. With all-wheel-drive, a third electric motor is included to drive the rear wheels.
At lower speeds and when an added boost is needed, electric power propels the vehicle. A battery pack recharges itself with energy recovered from engine deceleration and braking. It’s a fairly seamless system, though you’ll notice extra drivetrain noises here and there, especially when coming to a stop.
• Lexus RX 400h Vehicle Summary
The Lexus RX 400h returns an estimated 32 mpg city/27 mpg highway, which beats many compact SUVs. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, mileage is better around town, because that’s when it is most likely to use electric power. However, the RX 400h costs several thousand dollars more than the gasoline-powered RX 350, and most drivers will not recover the added cost in a typical three- or four-year ownership period.
The suspension in the RX 400h has been tuned to provide quicker and sportier handling than the RX 350. A sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system intelligently operates and coordinates the car’s variable-ratio electronic power steering, stability control, and electronic brake system, which includes antilock functionality, brake assist, and brake-force distribution.
Distinguishing features for the hybrid include a unique front grille and bumper, with integrated fog lamps, LED taillights, and a hybrid-power meter on the instrument panel in place of a tachometer. The optional navigation system also includes a graphic display that illustrates the flow of power to and from the hybrid powertrain’s various sources. Otherwise, the Lexus RX 400h is cosmetically identical to the conventionally powered RX 350.
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The interior is comfortable and well equipped overall. Ventilation, stereo, and other controls are intuitive; steering-wheel-mounted controls are included. Front side, side-curtain and driver’s-side knee-height airbags are standard, as is a power-operated rear liftgate. Convenient and ingenious storage bins are sprinkled throughout the cabin.
The RX 400h seats five. The rear seat backs can easily fold forward in two sections to expand cargo capacity. A third-row seat is not available.
There are a few recent additions, including a standard power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat and a center-console coin holder. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which maintains a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead, is optional, as is a premium Mark Levinson audio system. An upgraded version of the automaker’s voice-activated navigation system is optional. It includes a rear backup camera and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for similarly enabled cell phones. An optional, rear-seat DVD entertainment system includes a nine-inch LCD screen.
Recently, Lexus stripped the RX 400h of some features and put them in options packages to achieve a lower entry sticker price. Leather, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, roof rack, illuminated entry system and power moonroof are now part of an optional Premium Package. A Premium Plus Package adds high-intensity, adaptive headlamps, which used to be standard.
You want a comfy, capable, reliable, and luxurious SUV that not only seats five passengers but gets exceptional fuel economy and creates less pollution.
You want a more-powerful and robust SUV with true off-road capabilities; you need to tow or haul heavy loads; you need seating for seven; you don’t feel the hybrid technology is worth the added cost.
Four adults can take the RX 400h on long trips without complaint, and a fifth can squeeze in the back for shorter excursions; a low ride height for an SUV affords easy ingress and egress, while the electronically adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel ensure that a wide variety of builds can find a comfortable driving position.
Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line, Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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