2006 Lexus RX 400h

For 2006, Lexus brings us the hybrid-powered RX 400h—h for hybrid. Power is provided by a 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine and aided by not one, not two, but three electric engines. So we wondered: Is this a vehicle that can capture the heart of SUV-loving America, or will it just be the next "in" thing for the committed and dedicated few?


If you want to be recognized for living on the edge, it's probably not going to happen. The exterior changes from the RX 330 are minor, which is not at all a bad thing, as it is a contemporary and handsome design. On the 400h, the front grille and bumper with fog lights are different, while at the other end, LED taillights gather some attention. Most noticeable are a handsome set of titanium-look, 18-inch alloy wheels (RX 330s roll on 17-inch alloys) that fill out the wheel wells nicely. That and a 400h badge on the rear are about the only giveaways.


Where you will notice a difference is in the driving and at the pump. If you are expecting miserly fuel economy at the expense of performance, the RX is an eye-opener. Fuel-efficiency is impressive with a 33 city/28 highway mpg for the front-wheel-drive model, while the part-time, all-wheel-drive version like our tester puts in a stellar 31/27.


For comparison, fuel economy of the 400h is 67 percent better than the 330 at highway speeds—and the 330 was already one of the best in its class. In fact, the 400's combined EPA number of 29 mpg is better than the EPA average for compact sedans. And when you consider a V8-powered 4WD Grand Cherokee racks up only 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, you get an idea of how impressive this is.

Interior

Comparing it against V8 competitors is really where the 400h belongs, with instantaneous acceleration available at the touch of the gas pedal. Lexus says that the 400h will hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, certainly up to snuff with the V8 crowd, and a good second or so faster than the V6-powered 330.