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About the
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid
 

Lexus offers the RX 400h hybrid.

It shares it's drive train with the Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV. That is, a 3.3 liter V6 combined with two electric motors. Horsepower is rated at 268 HP. Zero to 60 times are less than eight seconds.

 So the emphasis is more on performance than environmental responsibility. But, since it's a hybrid, it will still be cleaner than a lot of comparable vehicles. The 400h qualifies as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle).

EPA-estimated mileage ratings are 28 city/30 highway. I spoke to one 400h owner who seemed a little disappointed to be getting only about 23 or 24 MPG. Interestingly, she owned a Prius before the Lexus hybrid.

The RX 400h is priced at around $43,000. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $34,200, and shares the same engine.

Car and Driver tested the RX 400h and found it to have the longest 70-0 braking distances in the test. The Lexus seems to try to be the best of all worlds. That is, all the looks, luxury, performance and prestige associated with previous Lexus SUV's, the outstanding reliability that Toyota/Lexus vehicles are known for, and then throw in superior SUV fuel economy and low emissions. It's almost an impossible order, and one that may not make sense to even try to accomplish at this stage of automotive development. The vehicle may just be too heavy at 4,365 pounds and too overpowered to achieve what people expect from it.

As hybrids are a new technology, manufacturers are starting to develop a drive train and use it in more than one vehicle. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is lighter, would make more sense, and is really more in line with what hybrids are all about:

responsible living

reducing the impact on the Earth

Please click here to learn more about the Highlander.

original document Dec.2004, modified May 2009