Reviews
Print this Email this diggDigg this! del.icio.us
2006 Lexus RX 400h exterior

Hybrids. They're all the rage. Perhaps the biggest trend since the invention of the SUV, few things have caught the imagination of the car-buying public as much as the combination of gasoline and electric power.


You have to give a tip of the hat to Toyota for being the leader in hybrid technology. It started with the first-generation Prius, which technically was quite interesting, but the performance was lacking. It became the darling of the green set, as well as a Hollywood celebrity. The recently introduced second-generation Prius is much more a real car, and the demand has far outstripped supply.


While the latest Prius is a stellar car, it does beg a question: Couldn't you just buy a thrifty, similar-sized, typical gasoline-engine small car? Fuel economy in most small cars is pretty darn good these days, and you also pay a nice premium over comparable cars to get a hybrid. So, outside of making a statement or just enjoying the technology, the financial and ecological reality really isn't there.

Styling
2006 Lexus RX 400h

Where does the idea of hybrids start making real sense? Big vehicles. Especially SUVs. Americans love their SUVs, but many of them are thirsty, and with the way gas prices have been going, it seems logical that a fuel-efficient—and still powerful—SUV might be the way to go.


Well, those clever folks at Toyota noticed this need and decided to take their luxury division's Lexus RX 330 up a notch to create the first luxury hybrid SUV. Actually, the RX is a pretty good choice. The original RX 300 created the "crossover" luxury vehicle, combining car-like ride and handling with sport utility benefits, when it was introduced in 1999. They introduced a larger, more powerful and goody-laden Lexus RX 330 in 2004.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008

 
Related Photos More Photos...

RX 400h highlights
Price range: $49105 - $49105
Best fuel economy: 33 city / 29 hwy, mpg
Horsepower range: 208 - 208

RX 400h prices & specs
Research Lexus models
Read Lexus blogs
View Lexus Forums

Related Articles
2006 Volvo XC90 AWD V8
2006 Land Rover LR3
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
2006 Toyota RAV4
2006 Jeep Wrangler


autoMedia Car Blog
Toyota Sells 1 Million Prius Hybrids Worldwide
Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Sin ... more...

Smart ForTwo Crash Test
The smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for bo ... more...

Sneak Peek: 2009 Ford Focus Coupe
Ford will debut the 2009 Focus coupe in an “American Idol” music video on Wednesday, revealing a modest update inspired by customer feedback, includin ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: HELP PLEASE 2001 BUICK REGAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Did anyone check the ignition switch itself? (The place where the key goes.) Are you using a replacement key? Perhaps the chip in the key is bad. Or ... more...

Re: HELP PLEASE 2001 BUICK REGAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
I'm having the exact same issue with my 2002 Buick Regal. I can't seem to get any answers from the shops I'm taking it to either. Did you ever find ou ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2008 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.