2006 Lexus RX 400h Review (continued)
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Summary

The Lexus RX 400h offers more power, more features and better fuel economy than the regular RX 330. That may be enough justification for the $4,000-$5,000 premium over a loaded RX 330. A better justification may be knowing that you are driving one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the planet, cleaner than electric cars when the big picture is considered. Another justification is a little less tangible: The RX 400h is a technological marvel and would be an interesting vehicle to own.

New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from the Kohala Coast, Hawaii.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Lexus RX 400h
Engines:	208-hp 3.3-liter dohc 24v V6 w VVT-i, 167-hp motor generator, 68-hp motor generator
Transmissions:	CVT automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage advanced frontal airbags; side-impact airbags mounted in front seats; front and rear curtain airbags with rollover sensor; driver's knee airbag; force-limiting seatbelt pretensioners for driver and front passenger; three-point belts for three rear passengers; ALR/ELR seatbelt retractors on all outboard seating positions except driver; top tether anchors (3) and ISO-FIX bars in the rear seat; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Electronically Controlled Brake system with regenerative control; Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM); all-wheel drive
Saftey Equipment (optional):	none
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Lexus RX 400h
Standard Equipment:	leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, AM/FM/cassette/6CD stereo, 10-way power driver and 8-way front passenger seats, one-touch power windows, power locks with remote, power liftgate, power outside mirrors w auto dimming, Homelink, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, memory for wheel, driver's seat and outside mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, auto-retracting cargo cover, floor mats, automatic on/off headlamps, fog lamps, steering wheel controls for audio, multi-function display, cruise control, voice recognition and telephone
Options As Tested (MSRP):	DVD navigation, Mark Levinson audio, tow hitch
Destination Charge:
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	0
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	268
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
Transmission:	CVT automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	30/26
Wheelbase:	106.9
Length/width/height:	187.2/72.6/66.3
Track, f/r:	62.0/61.2
Turning circle:	37.4
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	39.4/54.9/42.5
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.5/54.5/36.8
Cargo volume:	83.9
Payload:
Towing capacity:	3500
Suspension, f:	McPherson strut, coil springs
Suspension, r:	dual-link strut, coil springs
Ground clearance:	7.1
Curb weight:	4365
Tires:	235/55VR18 M+S
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, electronically controlled brake system with regenerative control and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)
Fuel capacity:	17.2