Vehicle: 2006 Lexus RX400h with Ultra Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$69700

Performance: RX400’s hybrid system is an even more advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive than the one currently resided in the Prius. It has three sets of electric motors in both the front and rear. Two for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels. Combined with the already proven 3.3 V6 DOHC VVT-i engine that currently powered RX300, this hybrid powerplant’s transition is simply seamless in transition. On the traffic light take on, it operates in electric motor. As the vehicle cruises along, the gasoline engine kicks in smoothly and quietly without losing Lexus’s trademark refinement. Everything else just done perfectly without upsetting the driver and vehicle’s dynamic behaviour. The most impressive aspect is whenever you stop on a traffic light, the whole engine shuts on with only one electric motor works for electric accessories. With the 3.3L V6’s 230hp and the electric motors, the total of 268hp really given this vehicle V8 performance with the fuel economy for a 4-cylinder. The bottom line: a very impressive performance package.

Handling: Dynamically speaking, RX400h drives like what it should be. Its overall road feel, chassis stiffness, cornering and understeer are all similar to those in RX330. However, Lexus has stiffened up the dynamic package in order to stuff in the electric motors. The result is a more firmly planted soft-roader that combines V8 performance without losing the merits that made RX330 appealing to the buying public. Lexus’s typical smooth ride quality remains intact with the addition of electric motors.

Brakes: The weird braking feel from the regenerative braking is the biggest drawback of the RX400h. The initial bite of the brake pedal reacts unaccordingly due to the regenerative braking system that needs to recharge the battery whenever the driver brakes.

Interior: Everything is very well as expected from Lexus as you sit inside a RX400h. It got high-quality materials, excellent ergonomics and very comfortable leather seats. In our Ultra Premium Package, the center navigation system can also be double as the back-up camera which is a nifty feature for those who are lazy to turn their heads. The only difference between RX400h and RX300 is the former uses tasteful aluminum trim while latter uses wood trim. Aluminim trim more suitable for its advanced hybrid technology beneath the vehicle.

Conclusion: The RX400h is an SUV without compromise. It got V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy, handles decently without losing the merits of a Lexus.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 LEXUS RX400h
=================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.75/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5