Category: Sporting 4x4s 
Price Range: No data available
Clever fuel-saving technology, "green" image, Lexus reliability and quality, refinement and high equipment levels, value for money, smooth and quiet ride.
Not quite as planet-saving as the hype suggests, not particularly roomy, vague electric steering and drive-by-wire controls, shallow boot, not as dynamic to drive as many rivals. It's also neither a proper off-roader nor a strong towing vehicle.
A step in the right direction when it comes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions from large SUVs, if not a revolution in environmentally-friendly motoring. A thoroughly pleasant vehicle to spend time in, but it's rather a case of style over substance as it's not a particularly versatile 4x4.
Like the Lexus GS, the RX 400h has the new VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) systems. Significantly, a engineer on the car's launch described this as a more exciting technological breakthrough than the hybrid powertrain; it integrates all the active safety systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, as well as the four-wheel drive and interaction of the hybrid elements, and continuously monitors brake pressure, steering angle, throttle pressure, acceleration, torque and more to detect any loss in grip and maintain balance, and apply appropriate steering, brake or throttle aid appropriately to help the car stay on course. This is a crucial aid in a large, top-heavy 4x4 with a high centre of gravity, which will be more prone to tipping over than a low-riding saloon or traditional estate. It doesn't have the full pre-crash safety tech as in some GS models, though, which senses if a collision is inevitable and primes the brakes, seatbelts and airbags accordingly. Nine airbags are standard, including a driver's knee airbag, extra-large side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags with rollover sensors. SE and SE-L versions come with adaptive front lighting (AFL), with high-intensity headlamps which can swivel for optimum vision around bends. Security-wise, an immobiliser, alarm and double locking are standard, and Lexus generally scores very well in theft-protection tests.
