I was looking forward to driving our long-term 2006 Lexus 400h, because I own a V6 Toyota Highlander (non-hybrid), and wanted to see the differences. In addition to the expected bevvy of luxury features, the ride is so much better. Totally silient electric start leads to smooth engagement of the gas engine, enough power to play on the freeway, and a comfortable ride all the way. By comparison, my Highlander's transmission is a loser -- it's jerky, something the dealer said is just endemic to the Highlander, so tough noogies. (Though that's probably not true of the Highlander Hybrid.)
There's practically nothing not to like about the 400h. The backup camera, which comes with the navigation package, was a real plus when pulling out of driveways and K-turning in parking lots, and would go a long way toward preventing the backover deaths of small children. But to get the nav option, you have to order the Premium or Premium Plus package as well, which sends the price soaring way past $40K. In fact, almost every 400h option require you to buy other options.
Which is all well and good if you're saving a ton of money on gas, but in the last 300 or so miles, the average fuel economy was a lousy 19.8 mpg in mixed driving.
I also found myself wishing the car's energy/gas monitor (nav screen) was in a straight line of sight in front of me, because looking at the center stack meant shifting my sight to the right. A lot. Since hybrid drivers, as a rule, are almost always looking at their energy and gas consumption, it means a lot of time with your eyes not where they should be.
I really enjoyed the Lexus 400h, don't get me wrong, and I'd dance a little jig if I came home to find one in my driveway. But the expense of the hybrid engine, plus the options costs, and the unimpressive fuel economy, means that this car is less for practical types like me, and more for those who enjoy their spending their green as much as going green. The new 2008 EPA fuel economy rules will mean that the 400h's MPG estimates will take a nosedive; perhaps then there'll be less disappointment.
Joanne Helperin, Senior Features Editor
21,430 miles
genius163 says:
06:44 PM, 01/11/07
I routinely get 19.6-19.8 mpg in my Volvo XC90. It is about 2/3 highway and 1/3 city driving. When I have more city driving in the mix, I usually get something in the 18s.
crazyb02 says:
06:45 PM, 01/11/07
I think your MPG woes aren't completely justified. Consider this, the RX400 h is suppose to offer V8 power with the fuel economy of a V6. Most V6 engines range from 19-29 MPG city/hwy EPA ratings. If you are a true driver, then I'm pretty sure that with 268hp underfoot you would be compelled to do some spririted driving, I know I would. The difference between the marketing of the RX400h versus the Camry and Prius is that the cars promote EPA ratings while Lexus promotes performance and advanced technology for their hybrids, not EPA ratings. Lastly, the EPA ratings are estimates something to always think about.
ttummy says:
10:21 PM, 01/11/07
Most XC90s were sold with puny little 5 cyl engines (2.5T), and just barely break 10 seconds 0-60. Unless you have a more recent 4.4l V8 or the 3.2L 6 cyl, I would expect good mileage in comparison to most other SUVs.
I found the handling of the RX400h to be really terrible after driving one for several laps at the Taste of Lexus event. It felt like it was going to tip over at every corner and the VDIM was constantly blinking and beeping. I'm amazed that they would create a "performance biased" hybrid and give it crappy handling.
carlisimo says:
10:23 PM, 01/11/07
Most RXxxx drivers will get better mileage anyway. Besides taco wagons, RX drivers are the premier traffic holder-uppers.
stingray454 says:
02:01 PM, 01/12/07
My '99 diesel Suburban gets 22 MPG on the highway and 16 average mixed city/highway. This is on a 7,000 lb. truck with 4WD and all the aerodynamics of a brick wall. And it's a relatively large V-8 (6.5L) with 430 lbs. of torque. Not nearly as fast as the Lexus 400h of course, but it is a far more capable SUV, and the same engine in the RX would probably move it pretty quickly and get even better fuel economy. On top of it all, this is "old school" diesel technology with my engine designed in the 1980's by Detroit Diesel. New modern diesels deliver far more impressive performance.
Diesels are the way to go, IMO. Especially for SUV applications. The heavier the vehicle, the more diesel makes sense. SUV's shouldn't be fast anyway. Want fast? Buy a sports car.
firstwagon says:
02:20 PM, 01/12/07
My 95 Grand Cherokee (4.0 6 cyl) averages 20 mpg in the daily commute and I have gotten as high as 26 mpg on long hwy drives.
The engine has plenty of power for an SUV and you even get a real 4 wheel drive system and a good tow rating.
If I spent all that money for a high tech hybrid suv, I would expect to get better mileage then that. A lot better.
carlisimo says:
02:38 PM, 01/12/07
Well... here in CA they haven't been deemed clean enough for passenger vehicles yet. Green-ness is more about emissions than fuel economy, imo, and that's where hybrids shine (if nowhere else). Don't think I don't like diesels - they're part of my livelihood (construction) - but I've seen and smelled cities with a lot of diesel emissions (esp. in Spain) and it's not lovely. It sounds like in a year or two they'll be clean enough for CA regs, and I think that'll be great.
They're also really heavy, worse (dynamically) for cars and car-based SUVs than trucks. It affects not just handling, but ride too because they front springs have to made stiffer - I've heard that the diesel V10 Tuoareg sucks because of that.
autoboy16 says:
10:35 AM, 01/13/07
AWW maNN! Now i have to stop complaining ; }! Its odd but the rx400h already has 21xxx miles on it! Will it have a test thats as long as the prius or something?
-Cj
hondacura4 says:
11:19 AM, 01/13/07
The RX450h as well as its cheaper twin, the Toyota Highlander sell like mad in this area. Go to the mall with my wife and all the soccer moms/dads have them.
My dad just purchased a GS450h last weekend as his wifes lease was up on her Solara convertible (yuk). I drove the GS around for a few miles last Sunday was really impressed with the drivetrain althought its a bit sluggish from a standing start. After that the thing just flies. I know its a hybrid but I couldnt help getting on I75 south and mash the throttle. The car has excellent pickup at highway speeds and it just oooooozes refinement.
The transmission seems to be ok in this configuration of the GS. Ive come to the conclusion that its the programming thats the culprit for so many Toyota Lexus owners. My grandmothers 1995 Camry V6, my old 1996 Lexus ES300, and my fathers 2006 Toyota Avalon Limited all have low speed issues as if the tranny acts like it doesnt know exactly which gear to pick and it is so S L O W trying to decide. This can be a bit frustrating in traffic as sometimes you need to make a sudden squirt and the transmisssion hasnt made up its mind yet letting the traffic behind you get closer and closer then......it decides and goes. This was also present in the IS300 and some other V6 powered Toyota cars/SUV's. Toyota PLEASE work on the tranny logic as Hondas logic is just about perfect.
LP