2006 LEXUS RX400H HYBRID AWD

2006 Lexus RX 400H

WELCOME TO AUTOCHOICE, home of fine classics and luxury cars. Presented here is one of Lexus's line up of Hybrids. The RX series is one of Lexus most popular in demand line up of SUV's. Probability the longest run series also in the lineup. Why change a good thing some say. This RX400H has had three owners and as you can tell by the photo's has been well cared after and garage kept most of its life. Getting in the high 20's and low 30's for fuel economy makes the Hybrid that much more in demand. Why not make an appointment with Don today to see and drive this luxury Hybrid today. Call Don now at (509) 301-1498. Trades are welcomed and encouraged! You will be glad you did!More about the popular RX400H:

Second generation (XU30; 2003–2008) Second generation (XU30) Pre-facelift Lexus RX Overview Alsocalled Toyota Harrier Production Feb 2003 – Dec 2008 (Lexus RX) Feb 2003 – Jul 2013 (Toyota Harrier) Modelyears 2004–2009 Assembly Canada: Cambridge, Ontario (TMMC) Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka (Miyata plant) Designer Hiroshi Sukuki (2000) Body and chassis Platform Toyota K platform Powertrain Engine 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 Transmission 5-speed automatic 1-speed automatic (CVT) Dimensions Wheelbase 2,715mm (106.9in) Length 4,729mm (186.2in) 4,755mm (187.2in) (hybrid) Width 1,844mm (72.6in) Height 2006–07: 1,740mm (68.5in) 2008 AWD: 1,687mm (66.4in) 2008 FWD: 1,679mm (66.1in) 2003–2007

In 1998, development began on the XU30 platform under chief engineer Yukihiro Okane. Design work was started under Makoto Oshima and would continue into 2000 when a concept design by Hiroshi Suzuki was approved. By early 2001, the final production design was green-lighted by the executive board, with the first prototypes being tested in 2002. Design patents were filed on 1 April 2002 under No. 794 at the Japanese Patent Office and on 21 April 2003 at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.[28][29][30]

The XU30 was previewed in January 2003 at the North American International Auto Show. Featuring a sleeker body style than its predecessor, the XU30 claimed to have a 0.35 Cd figure and new LED tailamps.[31][32] From the inside, the RX 330 interior featured genuine Golden Bird's Eye Maple or Walnut wood trim, a sliding multi-level center storage console, dual-zone climate control, and power tilt/telescopic steering column. Available options included a 210-watt, 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, DVD-based navigation system with backup camera, rear seat DVD player with wireless headphones, panoramic three panel moonroof, and heated seats.[33]

Pre-facelift Lexus RX 350 Interior

All RX models came standard with eight airbags, including dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag; Vehicle Stability Control (VDIM on RX 400h) and a tire-pressure monitoring system were standard. An Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID headlamps and a backup camera (w/navigation system) were optional. In Japan, the Toyota Harrier was the first worldwide production car with optional radar-assisted Pre-Collision System (PCS) (Forward collision warning only, no autonomous braking).[34] front and side view monitoring and cornering assist monitor with treat monitor.[35] The Lexus RX received a "Good" overall rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal crash test.[36] U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results in 2004 rated the RX 330 the maximum five stars in the Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, Side Driver, and Side Rear Passenger categories, and four of five stars in the Rollover category.[37]

In February 2003, the second-generation Toyota Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front-wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the all-wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. The Harrier was fitted either a 2.4L or 3.0L V6 with or without all-wheel drive, and a new 5-speed automatic transmission with +/- shift along with available "AIRS" air-suspension on the 3.0L V6 models. The new RX launched for European and Asian markets in early 2003, where it was sold as the RX 300 (MCU30/MCU35) and made in Japan. Asian markets included Singapore, where it succeeded the previously sold Harrier, South Korea, and Taiwan. The RX 300 featured a 3.0L V6, with only the all-wheel drive version available, and air-suspension could be specified.

In North America, the RX 330 series began sales in March 2003 for the 2004 model year. Here, the car was badged RX 330 denoting its larger 3.3-liter V6.[38] The RX 330 (MCU33/MCU38) was powered by a 3.3-liter ULEV certified 3MZ-FE V6, rated at 230 horsepower (170kW) SAE and 238 pound-feet (323N·m) linked to a 5-speed automatic and was offered in either front or all-wheel drive. New technology features included Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with swivel headlights,[39] height-adjustable air suspension on the all-wheel drive models, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system, and rain-sensing wipers. All North American models were initially built in Japan until September 2003 when production of the RX 330 began in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.[7] For each year of the second and third generation RX, a small number of non-hybrid RXs were assembled in Japan.

Lexus debuted the RX 400h (MHU38) at the North American International Auto Show in 2004, with plans to launch the vehicle in the U.S. market. The equivalent Harrier Hybrid debuted in Japan on 22 March 2005, the same day as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.[citation needed] Hybrid production began in March 2005 at the Miyata plant.[9] The Lexus RX 400h made its U.S. sales debut in mid-2005, with over 9,000 pre-orders at launch.[40] The RX 400h's arrival in the U.S. had been delayed by several months; Lexus had announced in November 2004 that the American launch of the hybrid Lexus SUV would occur for the 2006 model year.[41] The RX 400h became the first production premium hybrid vehicle when it went on sale in 2005.[42]

Lexus RX 400h

Compared to the Lexus RX 330 and RX 350, the RX 400h featured a different front grille and round fog lights, and also differently styled LED taillights in place of the conventional LED ones on the RX 330/RX 350. Different exterior colors were offered. In 2007, Hybrid badging was added to the rear side doors. The RX 400h interior featured a hybrid information display on the navigation screen showing electrical motor, gasoline engine, and regenerative braking activation in real time.[43] Some RX 400h models without navigation screens displayed the information on a small monochrome display on the instrument panel. When launched in 2005, the RX 400h came exclusively with brushed aluminum interior accents, in place of the wood trim offered in the standard RX. This changed in 2006, when the RX 400h became available with Bird's Eye Maple wood trim.

Since its launch, the all-wheel drive RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid was sold at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid RX 300/RX 330/RX 350/Harrier.[44] In the U.S., the initial base price was US$49,185, which was a US$5,600 premium over a similarly equipped RX 330/RX 350.[42] A front-wheel drive version of the RX 400h debuted in 2006, with a base MSRP approximately US$1,400 less than the all-wheel drive RX hybrid.[45] For 2007, along with the reduction of the federal hybrid tax credit for its hybrids, Lexus lowered the base price of the RX 400h to US$42,580 and US$41,180 for the respective all-wheel and front-wheel drive versions.[46] The list price in Japan for the Harrier Hybrid ranged from ¥4.095 million to ¥4.62 million.[47] Based on the 2010 Lexus RX redesign, there was no RX 400h for the 2009 model year.

The gasoline-powered part of the RX 400h engine system was a 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 330. It produced 211PS (155kW; 208hp) and 288N·m (212lbf·ft).[48] The gasoline engine was aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167PS (123kW; 165hp) and 333N·m (246lbf·ft) and connected to the CVT gearbox,[48] and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68PS (50kW; 67hp) and 130N·m (96lbf·ft).[48] The whole system, called Lexus Hybrid Drive (also Hybrid Synergy Drive), produced a maximum of 272PS (200kW; 268hp).[48] With Lexus Hybrid Drive, under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine were used. The rear motor was only used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lost traction.[42] An Ni-MH battery was responsible for powering the motors,[42] and charged by generators during deceleration or sharp cornering.[44] Standard features included an Electronically Controlled Brake and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability control system.

The RX 400h gasoline engine switched off automatically and the car ran completely on electricity when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at slow speeds—less than 60km/h (40mph).[42] Not only did the hybrid drive in the RX 400h improve fuel economy, but with the assistance of the electric motor, the RX 400h could reach 0–100km/h (0–60mph) in 7.3 seconds,[42] quicker than the gasoline-only RX. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid consumed roughly the same amount of gasoline as a compact four-cylinder sedan[49] and it qualified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in the US.[43] Passing power at lower and mid engine rpm's was noticeably improved due to the electric motor. The water pump for the gasoline engine is driven by the camshaft belt. To improve efficiency, and because the gasoline engine shuts down during electric-only operation,[50] the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor are beltless; rather than being tied to engine output,[50] these components are powered by electric motors via the battery instead.[50][51]

The RX 400h served as the launch vehicle of the Lexus hybrid lineup, which later expanded to include hybrid versions of other Lexus vehicles, including the GS 450h and LS 600h/ LS 600h L, and in 2009, the first ever designated-hybrid (no gasoline model available) Lexus, the HS 250h.

In January 2005, Lexus introduced the RX 330 "Thundercloud Edition" for the U.S. market, featuring a chrome horizontal-slatted grille, unique 5-spoke 18" alloy wheels, black Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, Thundercloud badges and carpeted floor mats, and two special exterior colors (Thundercloud Metallic and Thundercloud Flint Mica). Production was limited to 6,500 units.[52]

Facelift Lexus RX 350

In 2006 for the 2007 model year, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 replacing the 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine on non-hybrid models, updating the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350, with new model codes GSU30 and GSU35. The RX 350 also featured an updated, Lexus Generation V DVD navigation system with improved graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new feature called "bread crumbs." Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps. The new navigation system also featured voice dial systems and the ability to enter destinations by voice address while driving.

Sales

As of April 2015, Lexus had accumulated more than 2.1million RX models worldwide.[101] The Lexus RX 400h/RX 450h is the top selling Lexus hybrid, with global sales of 335,000 units through March 2016, out of onemillion Lexus hybrids sold worldwide.[6]

Sales data in United States for the Lexus RX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:

Calendar year US sales (hybrid) 2000 89,864[102] 2001 77,426[102] 2002 72,963[103] 2003 92,366[103] 2004 106,531[104] 2005 108,775[104] (20,674)[105] 2006 108,348[106] (20,161)[105] 2007 103,340[106] (17,291)[105] 2008 84,181[107] (15,200)[105] 2009 93,379[108] (14,464)[109] 2010 95,790[110] (15,113)[111] 2011 82,595[112] (10,723)[113] 2012 95,381[112] (12,223)[113] 2013 103,920[114] (11,307)[115] 2014 107,490[116] (9,351)[117] WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE RX400H: Asking Price Range $7,450–$17,602 Estimated MPG

31–33city/27–28hwy

Read more at http://www.cars.com/lexus/rx-400h/2006/consumer-reviews/#1UG8Oo0Jc7rOuc5O.99 Average Ratings Overall 4.5 out of 5 Comfort Performance Exterior Styling Interior Design Value for the Money Reliability

22 out of 26 people recommended this car.

Read more at http://www.cars.com/lexus/rx-400h/2006/consumer-reviews/#1UG8Oo0Jc7rOuc5O.99 Distribution 5 Star1834 Star413 Star92 Star01 Star0 See reviews for Families With Children 1 Commuters 21 Taller Drivers (Over 6') 3 Shorter Drivers (Under 5'2") 1 Younger Drivers (Under 30) 1 Older Drivers (Over 60) 1 Summary ComfortInteriorPerformanceSafetyReliabilityTechnology Interior Exterior Design Build Quality Reliability Performance Comfort Value Fun-to-DriveBy erik36 on 09/06/2014 Vehicle

4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I am not much of a car buff, but after looking at the reviews thought I would check in about my car at 130,000 miles. No problems. Gets 27+ mpg on my 45 mi/hr commute which is flat and allows for coasting. As I read the reviews, I see that the biggest complaint is repair costs. I expect that that is the way it is with all Lexuses. However, I have not had any, except recalls which were free (in cost and hassle factor). Love this car.

Best Features

great ride

Worst Features

navigation system is outdated. Upgrade is prohibitively expensive.

Report it love it, but it does have faults 20 of 21 people found this review helpful Interior Exterior Design Build Quality Reliability Performance Comfort Value Fun-to-Drive By rx400howner on 07/10/2013 Vehicle

4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This has been the best car I've ever owned, however, I have never gotten more than 21 MPG.Beyond that, there are no cup holders for those in the back seats, which I never thought of until it became an issue.The navigation system takes too long to start & the update ($500) I paid for after a few years didn't include any noticeable improvements.In my 6th year, as well as this, my 7th year of ownership, I have experienced a new issue with the door to the gas cap sticking, with an annoying wait while gas visibly escapes to relieve pressure in order for the door to open.The dealer tells me this is normal, but it is new to me in all of these years.Its a fun car to drive but with flaws.

Best Features

I love the power of this vehicle. I have used it for towing trailers many times. The car is fun to drive and it feels very safe and comfortable, especially since I take many long cross country trips. I actually prefer driving cross country to flying because its so comfortable and reliable.

Worst Features

I can't believe they forgot to put cup holders for passengers in the back seats. The navigation system could stand improvement, but likely has already seen that change (I wouldn't know because I'm still driving my car at nearly 150k miles, with no intention of trading it in soon). However, by far the biggest thing I think needs improvement is the issue with the gas door not opening when its hot outside. I have tried everything, including only letting the gas tank get half empty, and still I have to wait at the mercy of whenever there is enough pressure released in order to re-fuel. Watching the fumes escape the hatch makes me wonder if this isn't dangerous, besides highly annoying!

Report it Long term REview 2006 Lexus RX400h 8 of 8 people found this review helpful Interior Exterior Design Build Quality Reliability Performance Comfort Value Fun-to-Drive By kimcanada on 12/17/2012 Vehicle

4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Long term results report. I had my invertor replaced september 3, 2010. So far it has been bullet proof. Toyota fixed this $10,000 repair for free. Basically it is a faulty inverto, recall # 87559June 29, 2011. This was at 64,000 miles and I am now at 96,000 miles with everything working well. I had to do the timing belt, tensioners, water pum, as part of the recommended 90,000 mile maintenance. I also had to do a radiator and front control arm bushings so this was a major bill. I did switch tires to Yokohama Parada's so the car rides very well but thye are not the longest lasting tires. Gotta figure if there is a cheaper way than a lexus dealer. But in thinking of doing all this work I decided this is a overall very reliable car and worth doing as the car rides well, looks good,and is nice to drive. I figure the Prius 's I have seen used as cabs are going over 300,000 miles so there is some precedent for long term ownership. Yes I would buy one again ( and I guess by fixing it I am planning another 90,000 mile, I hope ! )

Best Features

Nicely finished, ride well, looks good, pretty reliable

Worst Features

Lexus service is expensive at times . The timing belt - water pump fix is costly. If the invertor has not been don, get the dealer to do this as it is a recall safety hazard. It's a Hybrid so we all hope Toyota stands behind this technology !

Was this review helpful? Yes | No Comments (0) Report it Actual gas mileage = false advertising 9 of 9 people found this review helpful Interior Exterior Design Build Quality Reliability Performance Comfort Value Fun-to-Drive By phsandiego on 11/12/2012 Vehicle

4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Our gas mileage has never been as advertised.We bought our RX400h with 8000 miles on it in Sept 2006.It was 1 yr old, the prior owner traded it in fast and took a $20k loss on the trade in.We have always averaged 26.2 mpg in a mix of city/hiway driving. We had the hybid inverter module replaced in Feb 2012.$10k+ repair!Our gas mileage then plummeted from 26.2 to 23.4 mpg.We suspect that Lexus reprogrammed the engine management computer to use the gas engine more and the hybrid less so as to extend the life of the batteries and inverter.This way, they won't have to make so many expensive warranty repairs.Please let us know if you saw the same thing with your mileage.

Best Features

AC outlet in rear. Back up camera. Bluetooth connect to cell phone for hand free driving.