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.
2008 Lexus RX 400h
At the end of its product cycle, the RX 400h was the first luxury hybrid on the market.
Adaptive headlights
This model has the optional adaptive high intensity headlights, which turn into corners for better night time visibility.
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.
SUV body
Although dated, the body style still looks good, with a wide, slanted D-pillar. The car seats five, with substantial luggage space.
Ride quality
The ride quality is very nice in the RX 400h, damping out bumps and jolts, befitting its luxury brand.
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.
Electric power steering
The RX 400h uses electric power steering, putting less stress on the engine than hydraulic steering, thereby saving gas.
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.
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.
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.
DVD-based maps
The map display looks good, but this is an older system lacking many modern features.
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.
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.
Disc changer
The six disc in-dash changer can read MP3 CDs, and a very usable interface is presented on the LCD.
Mark Levinson audio
The Mark Levinson audio system, with 11 speakers and 210 watts, puts out very good sound with acoustic music.
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