- 2010
2009 Lexus RX 400h
Performance - What the Auto Press Says
Many reviewers reserve the highest praise for the Lexus RX 400h's performance, which is excellent for a hybrid. Its engine power is employed for high acceleration, while stop-and-go commuter traffic, suburbs and parking lot driving will use the motor the majority of the time.
- "The biggest adjustment to driving the RX 400h is learning to live with your own thoughts. As the engine noise -- no matter what speed you're driving -- will never become a distraction." -- Detroit News
- "RXs are not happy hustling twisty roads. They exhibit moderate cornering lean but secure grip. The steering feels a little numb on center in the RX 350 but is more direct in the 400h. The brakes are strong, but the pedal feels slightly mushy." -- Consumer Guide
- "The age of the performance hybrid is here, now with the expected Lexus polish." -- Road and Track
- "Twist the key and everything on the dash lights up, but there's no sound of an engine starting, only silence. Slide the transmission lever to drive and you can pull silently away on electric power." -- Auto Mall USA
- "Driving the RX 400h isn't a lot different than driving the RX 350. It's smooth and responsive, yet there are some obvious distinctions apparent the moment it starts up. Twist the key and the dash lights up but there's no sound of an engine starting, only silence. Slide the transmission lever to drive and you can pull silently away on electric power. This is not intuitive because we're all accustomed to hearing and feeling an engine running before shifting into drive." -- New Car Test Drive
Acceleration and Power
The 2009 Lexus RX 400h is partially powered with a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 268-horsepower and partially powered with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric motors. Because it is classified as a full hybrid, the 400h has the ability to drive exclusively with either its engine or its motor. The EPA hasn't yet rated the 2009 model, but rated the 2008 2WD 400h for 27/24 mpg city/highway and the 4WD model for 26/24 mpg.
- "RX 400h has impressive thrust and outstanding passing punch. In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD example did 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. However, the gas/electric powertrain is prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions." -- Consumer Guide
- "The combination of the electric motors and V-6 create a total horsepower package of 268 horses and enables the RX 400h to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 7.3 seconds. Pretty impressive for a 4,300-pound vehicle. It's also a Lexus, which means it's extremely comfortable." -- Detroit News
- "Stomp on the gas and the RX 400h jumps off the line significantly quicker than the regular RX 330...step hard on the gas pedal and the V6 kicks in quickly and seamlessly." -- Auto Mall USA
- "Runs like a conventional RX only quicker, and with some extra noises associated with the hybrid gear. CVT drones, but at least it's hushed." -- Car and Driver
Handling and Braking
The Lexus RX 400h has a fully independent suspension with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar for the rear and MacPherson struts for the front -- a system which pleases reviewers.
- "The ride is firm but absorbent and controlled -- nearly on par with a premium sedan -- though the RX 400h is a bit harsher over sharp bumps than other RXs we've tested. There is little rough-surface thump." -- Consumer Guide
- "Indeed, on the twists and turns of the Hawaiian roads where we first drove the RX400h, it felt solid in corners, handling with confidence and modest body roll. The electric assist rack-and-pinion steering is vague but well weighted." -- Motor Week
- "Big 18-inch tires, and the same sporty suspension system as in the RX 330, provide grippy handling for an SUV." -- U.S. News