ggrx000

I did some research on rx400h 2nd 3rd gen models as I am contemplating against. I pitted it against Chevy Volt. But rx400h got only 26mpg on hybrid models how come it is so low even though it is hybrid? On Volt it average 45mpg and combined >100mpg.

I also ran into thread that people experience jolted ride when battery kicks in during acceleration and braking. Is it true and common? Thanks.,

smassey321

The RX400h was marketed as a performance model. V8 performance from a V6 was in the brochure. In 2006 they RX400h hybrid was faster than the RX330. I have not seen 26mpg since we had less than 50k miles on it. We get 21 with CA gas. 25 if we are lucky in flat Florida.

Jolting can happen when the gas engine starts when you don't expect it to. In rare cases the battery will get low and the gas will decide to start at a less than perfect time. This is only an issue for me when backing up. Normal driving is pretty even with no jolting.

maseace

You can't compare SUV mpg with a small sedan. The RX400h weighs about twice as much, so don't expect miracles. It is much faster than most hybrids.

litzdog911

Our 2006 RX400h does not "jolt" when the internal combustion engine kicks in.

Weighit

Sounds like the 400 H would not be something your going to like if your comparing it to a Volt. Two completley different vehicles. One site higher as in SUV and one sits low to the ground like a car .

takeshi74

Covered in posts above but don't rely so much on the word "hybrid" alone. For any comparison you need to understand the two things you're comparing. The RX 400h and the Volt are very different even though they are both hybrids. If MPG is a priority for you then why are you considering a large, heavy CUV like the RX 400h which was designed for performance?

The 400h does get better efficiency compared to an equivalent non-hybrid RX. Every time I take our in for service, the loaner 350 gets about 4-5 MPG worse than our 400h.

SkiMe

I've never heard about v8 power in a v6......but that is the main reason why we got the 400h. We were "less than impressed" with the RX350's pickup. Were going to dismiss the whole vehicle and looked at the GX-V8 SUV. Then sales guy said try the 400h first.


Wow, what a difference! Definitely a v8 feel and a totally different car! We ended up buying it.


My wife came from a Camry Hybrid Sedan but couldn't stand the sedan layout (always from a SUV type)....but she loved the gas mileage. The 400h is a respectable compromise.


Remember, it's an AWD vehicle and can carry more around the back end than a Volt. And it's going to be a bit more luxurious and more reliable than a Chevy (I own/owned many Chevy's so I know!!).


If mileage is what you're after, heck my daughter's Subaru CrossTrek got 35 MPG....however, a lighter vehicle and not the carrying room as the 400h.


Just my thoughts. My 3/4 ton suburban with same mileage as our Lexus cost me a LOT more in repairs and maintenance....but the Lexus can't pull the boat either. Each vehicle has it's purpose with compromises.

smassey321

IMHO the 400h tows a 3500 lb boat better than the 350. It has more braking power with the braking regen. Stiffer rear springs to support the batteries so the trailer causes no sag. And no worry of burning out a traditional transmission when pulling up the ramp. The CVT system has no friction material to wear out or get hot.

With that said, we don't tow with ours anymore. Mostly for fear of hurting the 11 year old battery. We now tow with an X5 diesel which may the most unreliable vehicle ever made

SkiMe

I don't have a towing prep package on mine so can I assume my capacity is lower? I see a lot of 400h vehicles with out a receiver hitch so is it my assumption that a lot don't have the towing package??


It may be able to technically pull something at 3500 lbs on paper, but longer wheelbase, larger engine and larger brakes are key for me. I'll stick with my 496 V8 to pull our boat and a truck full of gear. Much larger safety margin pulling a double axle trailer.

smassey321

Most of the early AWD 400h have what is called the tow prep package. There is no hitch but half the of the wiring and a transmission cooler is there. Look in the little grille under your drivers side headlight. You probably will see a little transmission cooler. If so, you have the prep package. It is always good to have additional transmission cooling even if you don't tow.

maximizese

My wife is getting 28mpg combined over the last 70K miles we've owned the car (2007 Rx400h FWD). She drives about 80% of the time in slow-and-go traffic on the LA freeways and 20% of the time in metro surface streets. Her car rarely sees the open road and rarely gets about 75mph. She's getting the same fuel economy as her old 94 Acura Integra, and the Rx is much faster, larger, and heavier.

However, when her car gets too pricy to keep, we will likely swap her car for the new Volt or some 200-mile ranged EV.

jooksing82

I thought the 400h still had friction material (its a ECVT not a CVT) I am not that sure myself.
Is that the friction plate at 22:00?

smassey321

Yes good point. The clutch shown above is used to completely disconnect the engine and allow for electric only driving. It is an on/off clutch and I believe it is always on if the engine is running.

icealert

I read somewhere the number 400h represents the Hybrid + 3.3 power output is equivalent to a 4.0L motor

theory816

Imma start this by saying that the rx400h is my all time favorite car in its class.

Here are some things you need to consider when comparing it with other hybrids. 1. you're not going to find another hybrid that will be able to look as good. 2. Your not going to find another hybrid thats as fast. The 400h is basically a v8 that can keep up with sport cars. But its too bad that nobody will want to race a humble looking car.

26mpg is what you get if you don't maintain and know how to get the most out of the hybrid system.

I can get 34mpg if I were to tune and replace some worn out parts. Tell me what V8 can get 34mpg? ISF only averages 12-15mpg but damn does it look good guzzling gas.