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Review of the 2008 Lexus RX 400h

2008 Lexus RX 400h

Price Range $42,080 to $43,480

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

26 to 27
City MPG

24
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Exterior

The RX hasn’t changed its looks much; it still floats somewhere between cute and elegant. The RX isn’t flashy or trendy, it’s simple and pretty. Its 17-inch wheels and rooftop luggage rack give it a touch of ruggedness. Front-wheel drive is standard on the RX 400h, but four-wheel drive is available. The RX isn’t particularly tall, so getting in and out of it is easy. For me, in fact, the seat seemed to be neither up nor down — I just slid in. Even the kids had no difficulty climbing in and out of the RX 400h, although the doors could be hard for my little guy to reach when they were open all the way. The rear liftgate opens and closes with the push of a button. Power liftgates never get old for me; I still think they’re magical.

My test RX came in a beautiful deep, dark red color. Lexus calls it Matador Red Mica, but there’s nothing spicy or dangerous about it. It’s not bright or obnoxious; it’s a lovely color and a terrific change from the hordes of silver, black and white SUVs running around out there.

What sets the RX 400h apart from the RX 350, other than the drivetrain, is a series of logos and badges all over the SUV’s body proclaiming it to be a hybrid. The “L” and “400h” have blue highlights that are almost incandescent. At first, I thought the blue was just a trick of the light, but no, it’s there on purpose. I’m not sure what blue is supposed to convey, but those badges seemed kind of ’80s-cheesy to me. I could do without them, but at least they’re more subtle than some other manufacturers’ “HYBRID” plaques.

shopping around: At cars.com

key exterior: Features

  • Power rear liftgate
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear step bumper
  • Heated mirrors
  • Automatic headlights

available exterior: Colors

  • Bamboo Pearl
  • Black Onyx
  • Brandywine Mica
  • Breakwater Blue Metallic
  • Classic Silver Metallic
  • Crystal White
  • Desert Sage Metallic
  • Golden Almond Metallic
  • Matador Red Mica
  • Smoky Granite Mica

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