X

Photos: 2008 Lexus RX 400h

The first luxury hybrid car available, the Lexus RX 400h shows its age with subpar cabin tech. But that hybrid drivetrain still delivers excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
32630881_FRONT_540.jpg
1 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

2008 Lexus RX 400h

At the end of its product cycle, the RX 400h was the first luxury hybrid on the market.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_OVR_540.jpg
2 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Adaptive headlights

This model has the optional adaptive high intensity headlights, which turn into corners for better night time visibility.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS01_540.jpg
3 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Hybrid power train

The best part of the RX 400h is its hybrid power train. In this all-wheel-drive model, the 3.3-liter V-6 engine works with electric motors powering the front and rear wheels.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SIDE_540.jpg
4 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

SUV body

Although dated, the body style still looks good, with a wide, slanted D-pillar. The car seats five, with substantial luggage space.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS03_540.jpg
5 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Ride quality

The ride quality is very nice in the RX 400h, damping out bumps and jolts, befitting its luxury brand.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_INTER_540.jpg
6 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Space-age and traditional

The cabin design of the RX 400h is a little space-age and a little traditional. Soft plastics and brushed metal cover some surfaces, while optional leather and wood cover others.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS05_540.jpg
7 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Electric power steering

The RX 400h uses electric power steering, putting less stress on the engine than hydraulic steering, thereby saving gas.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS06_540.jpg
8 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Charge gauge

As this is a hybrid, the tachometer gets replaced by a charge gauge, showing when electricity is being drawn from the battery and when it is being recharged.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_DT04_540.jpg
9 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Adaptive cruise control

A display in the speedometer shows information about the optional adaptive cruise control, such as the set speed and the following distance.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS07_540.jpg
10 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

CVT

As with all Toyota and Lexus hybrids, the RX 400h uses a continuously variable transmission. It gives less driving excitement, but much more smoothness to the experience.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_DT03_540.jpg
11 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

DVD-based maps

The map display looks good, but this is an older system lacking many modern features.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS09_540.jpg
12 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Compass display

The compass is a nice alternative to the map display, and suggests the RX 400h could go into the trackless wilderness, but really it's just for show.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS10_540.jpg
13 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Radio display

There is a radio display on the center stack, below the LCD. Most of its information is duplicated on the LCD--it is only present as a legacy for vehicles without the navigation option.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS11_540.jpg
14 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Disc changer

The six disc in-dash changer can read MP3 CDs, and a very usable interface is presented on the LCD.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

32630881_SS12_540.jpg
15 of 15 Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Mark Levinson audio

The Mark Levinson audio system, with 11 speakers and 210 watts, puts out very good sound with acoustic music.

Back to 2008 Lexus RX 400h review.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos