Lexus RX 400h

The Lexus RX 400h is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand name using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is called the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan. After first being introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, it would become the world's second mass-produced hybrid SUV, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. In November 2004, Toyota announced the American launch of hybrid Lexus/Toyota SUV will be delayed to the 2006 model year, with European and Asian launches to meet the same fate. The Toyota version of the same car debuted in Japan in March of 2005 as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Toyota will price the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid RX300/RX330/Harrier. The list price in Japan ranges from 4.095 million Yen to 4.62 million Yen. In US, it will be priced at US$49,185, which is a $5,600 premium over a similarly-equipped RX 330.

The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 330. It produced, in the case of the Harrier Hybrid, 211 hp JIS (155 kW) and 288 Nm (212 ft·lbf). The petrol engine is aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167 HP JIS connected to the CVT gearbox, and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68 HP JIS. The whole system, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, produces a maximum of 272 HP JIS. Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and petrol engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction. The petrol engine will switch off automatically and the car will be electrically driven when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration.

The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance; the 400h Hybrid can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 8 s, quicker than the petrol-only RX. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid consumes roughly the same amount of petrol as a compact four-cylinder saloon and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in America. Under the Japanese "10.15 mode" fuel consumption standard, the Harrier Hybrid can run 17.8 km per litre of fuel (compared with the standard coil-sprung V6 3.0 L Harrier, which returned 9.4 km/L). In Japan, it qualifies as a "4-star" LEV-car, where it produces 75% fewer emissions than the standard specified in Heisei 17 (i.e. year 2005).

Recent Changes

Styles and Major Options

Standard Equipment

Leather-trimmed interior
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
Illuminated entry system
Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
Roof rails/roof rack
Leather-trimmed interior
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
Illuminated entry system
Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
Roof rails/roof rack
Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology
Mark Levinson® 11-speaker 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback

Individual Factory Options

Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,840
Heated Front Seats with Rain-Sensing Wipers - $665
Mark Levinson® 11-speaker, 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD changer - $980
Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,350

Dealer Accessories

All-weather floor mats
Car cover
Cargo mat
Cargo net
Front-end mask
Tow-hitch receiver
Wheel locks
Wireless headphones

Pricing

2006 RX 400h

All Wheel Drive: MSRP $46,755
Front Wheel Drive: MSRP $45,355

Today's prices for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h are also available at CarsDirect.

Gas Mileage

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2007 RX 400h averages 20 MPG City/ 25 MPG Hwy. Visitors to GreenHybrid.com, averaged about 25 MPG with their 2006 RX 400h in the lexus-rx.html Real Hybrid Mileage Database.

Trim
2006 RX 400h	2006 RX 330	2005 RX 330	2004 RX 330	2003 RX 300	2002 RX 300	2001 RX 300	2000 RX 300	1999 RX 300
MPG
19/25	33/27	18/25	18/25	18/25	18/23	18/23	18/23	18/24	19/24

Reliablity

Safety

Airbags

The RX 400h's sophisticated network of sensors and airbags includes front seat-mounted side airbags with a larger protection area than the conventional side airbag. A driver's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deploys in one of three speeds, depending on many factors including crash severity and driver's seat-track position. Similarly, the front passenger's advanced airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. And rounding out this impressive system are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.

VDIM

The new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a technologically advanced system that uses a network of sensors throughout the RX 400h to constantly monitor the driver’s actions and vehicle movement. Anticipating vehicle control problems before they occur, VDIM helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.

ABS with Brake Assist

Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist is triggered when the brake pedal is pushed quickly and the system detects an emergency situation. Together they can help the driver reduce stopping distance in an emergency by supplementing brake power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And should you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, the computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the brakes, helping to provide greater control during braking.

Reinforced Body

The RX 400h is designed with a welded-steel unibody frame, strong box-section, side-impact door beams and impact-dissipating front and rear crumple zones. Additionally, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners with force limiters quickly cinch the front seatbelts in the event of a severe frontal impact.

Daytime Running Lights

Just in case its sleek body doesn't draw enough attention, the RX 400h comes equipped with daytime running lights, which help make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle during daylight hours.

Vehicle Stability Control

To help keep you in control, the RX is armed with an array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) senses lateral slip in turns and helps keep the vehicle on course, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps effectively deploy power during slippery conditions.

Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System

When it comes to driving safety, it helps to have your tires properly inflated. With this in mind, Lexus engineers designed the four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System to alert the driver with a light on the instrument panel when tire pressure is critically low.

Theft-Deterrent System

The RX features a sophisticated theft-deterrent system built right in. A rolling code immobilizes the engine unless the proper key is used, making the RX 350 a very unpopular vehicle among thieves.

Photos

Colors

Neptune Blue Mica
Flint Mica
Savannah Metallic
Bamboo Pearl
Crystal White
Millenium Silver Metallic
Black Onyx

Main Competitors

Unique Attributes

The available Four-Wheel Air Suspension controls vehicle height, depending on driving conditions and needs. At speeds higher than 62 mph, the vehicle lowers 0.3 inches automatically (Normal mode), providing increased control and lower drag coefficient. For additional control during sport driving, you can select Low mode, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches. For low-speed emergency driving on rough terrain, you're able to switch to High mode to raise the ground clearance to a full 8.3 inches. Or, for easy passenger access or loading, the vehicle will lower an additional 1.2 inches (Access mode). The RX 350 is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) that everyone can feel good about.

Resale Values

As mentioned in the October 2005 issue of SmartMoney, the resale value of the Lexus RX remains to be high due to Lexus's "reputation for reliablity".

Trim
2007 RX 350	2006 RX 400h	2006 RX 330	2005 RX 330	2004 RX 330	2003 RX 300	2002 RX 300	2001 RX 300	2000 RX 300	1999 RX 300
Price
MSRP
$45,890	$46,060	$40,120	$39,775	$36,425	$36,925	$35,705	$33,955	$33,005	$32,005
Invoice
$40,047	$40,992	$35,405	$35,100	$32,235	$32,493	$31,420	$31,420	$30,058	$29,015
Resale Value
N/A	$44,660	$36,370	$36,925	$33,875	$26,900	$23,975	$20,875	$16,950	$14,725
Engine
3.5L V-6 270 HP	3.3L V-6 268 HP	3.3L V-6 223 HP	3.3L V-6 230 HP	3.3L V-6 230 HP	3.3L V-6 220 HP	3.3L V-6 220 HP	3.3L V-6 220 HP	3.3L V-6 220 HP	3.3L V-6 220 HP

Criticisms

Lexus RX Generations

Current Model (Updated Second Generation)

For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new device called "bread crumbs", enabling drivers to retrace their steps.

Second Generation: (2004-present)

The second generation RX, called the Lexus RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The North American-market cars were initially built in Japan, with production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, producing 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lb), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models, and interestingly, a Mark Levinson sound-system is available in place of the JBL system found in the Toyota Harrier.

For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.

The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the Hybrid RX during 2006.

First Generation: (1999-2003)

The first-generation RX 300 for the four wheel drive models made its debut in December 1997 as the Toyota Harrier. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139 hp JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard, with the V6 version having the Sportmatic +/- feature. The Toyota Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports.

The Lexus RX 300, made its debut in America in 1998. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 and either front or four wheel drive.

The first-generation RX 300 continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). Again, the new engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. 2000 is also the year where the Lexus RX 300 first went on sale in Europe and Asia. The distinguishing feature for those versions of the RX 300 is a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.

Worldwide

For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.

The Toyota Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the Lexus RX 400h hybrid went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the hybrid RX during 2006.

Design quirks and oddities

Unique Front Bumper for increased cooling
Unique Grille
Unique Fog Lamps
New Tail Lamps, LEDs instead of traditional Incandescent Bulbs
18 inch wheels
Performance tires

Currently, Lexus is using the fourth generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota. Each generation surpasses the previous, making them faster and less expensive. The hybrid powertrain adds a mere 300 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight, making it an impressive engineering acheivement, since the majority of this weight is mounted low in the vehicle. To manage the additional weight, Lexus made the chassis of the RX more chiseled. The Lexus RX, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Highlander are all built on the same platform with slight modifications between the sedans and the SUVs.

Interior

Brushed-aluminum accents
An illuminated meter, displaying the level of power generated by the hybrid powertrain replaces the tachometer
The gas-electric power distribution can also be pulled up on the multi-information display or the optional navigation system’s 7 inch touch panel display.

The rear seats fold down just like in the RX 350, however they don’t fold down perfectly falt since the battery packs are stored there. Once the rear seats are folded, there is 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the RX 350’s 84.7 cubic feet. Both RX models still surpass their main competitors, the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz ML350, or the Infiniti FX, in terms of cargo space. However the RX still does not offer a third-row seating area.

Awards

External Links