2008 Lexus RX-400h Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 64 RX-400h reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lexus RX 400h does extremely well in federal government crash tests. Reviewers are also very pleased with the RX 400h's safety features.
The 400h receives the top score of five stars for driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests and for front- and rear-seat safety in side crash tests. While the hybrid model has not been crash tested, the non-hybrid RX received the highest rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal offset tests.
Accident Avoidance
One of the most popular items among auto writers that the 2008 Lexus RX 400h provides is a vehicle stability control system called Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management. VDIM is designed to anticipate any instability on the road and stabilize the RX's handling. As Automotive News says, with its proper name, VDIM, "better be good. It is. Forget ordinary traction control -- the system anticipates wheel spin and take corrective action before the vehicle becomes unstable."
Other features that assist in accident avoidance include electronic traction control, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, braking assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The 2008 Lexus RX 400h also comes with a four-sensor direct tire pressure monitoring system.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram appreciates some of the little perks that boost safety in the RX 400h, "especially the windows with pinch protection. They will stop and reverse slightly if an object is caught between the glass and the frame." In addition, Fort Worth Star-Telegram points out the front side windows "have a surface that beads rainwater, for better visibility. Nice touch!"
Crash Protection
In case an accident were to occur, all RX 400hs have advanced front, side seat-mounted, side curtain roll sensing and knee air bags for the driver as well as advanced front, side seat-mounted air bags and side curtain roll sensing air bags for the front passenger. Rear passengers receive side curtain roll sensing air bags. The RX 400h has side impact door beams for impact resistance, front and rear crumple zones, both a collapsible steering column as well as a collapsible brake and driver's footrest pedals. In terms of seat belts, all positions receive three-point seat belts with seat belt-anchor-height adjusters for the front seats. There is also a locking seat belt control and child restrain seat tether anchor brackets for the rear outboard seating positions.
Advanced Safety Systems
Another optional feature that speaks toward the 2008 Lexus RX 400h's safety is the dynamic laser cruise control. This system uses laser technology to automatically adjust vehicle speed, to help maintain a certain distance between your vehicle and the vehicles ahead of you.
