My family is buying our first SUV, and it looks like it will be an 08 RX400h.

We have a 06 ES, so we know what to expect from Lexus, but little idea as to what to expect from our first SUV.

A rundown of the car would be appreciated. I trust owners more than an "expert" review.

How does it drive? We'll be using it for short commutes as well as the occasional long roadtrip.

Safety, im sure is good.

Do the gadgets get overwhelming? Which are the best ones?

Gas mileage is around 26, correct?

Anything else you think we should know, thank you!

PS - looking to get either black or granite mica.

 

We bought an used 08 also. Nice car. Drives well for what it is. The acceleration is great. Miles better than our old RX300. It will probably be faster than your ES300 off the line. Short commutes and rush hour traffic is where the hybrid shines for MPG. 26 mpg overall is about right. We get abou 25mpg overall.

We also got the flint mica granite.

One thing we miss is the ipod connector. I think that might have been 2009?

 

Get the NAV system - it gives you a more detailed screen for what the hybrid bits are doing than the one in the dash display. There are no overwhelming gadgets in the RX400h in my opinion, except you might be initially distracted while driving by the hybrid display that I just mentioned.

 

I have an 08. I get anywhere from 27-29. Power is great, I drive alot of highway. When I tow my jetskis I was a little dissapointed with the MPG, I was getting 12-18 mpg.
Great car and fun to drive.
My 400h has the black granite trim, very nice looking. Silver inside and outside. Not looking forward to getting tires for it...
I have the Ipod connector and NAV bypass

 

We got our 2008 from a dealer about 2 months ago and love it. We do much more highway driving and our mileage is 23-25 but we have a 75mpg limit here. In the city is where it gets a solid 26ish. Very quiet, and comfortable and other than watching the battery power screen I don't think there is anything I would find distracting. We really like the navigation unit except that you cannot program it while the vehicle is moving, but it sure does work well other than that.

 

We also got the 2008, with nav...average 24.8miles per gallon...great car...

 

Bought a CPO 2008 RX400h and a new 2011 450h in June. Average mileage 24-28. Great cars and quiet. I actually prefer the ride on the 400h because I feel that it's softer. 400h also rides lower to the ground than the 450h, so getting in and out is a bit easier. Like the storage compartment better in the 400h for easier reach and slidable. Touch screen Navigation is a plus compare to the dial thing on the 450h.
You have made the right choice and good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Is there a big difference between the 2006 400h and 2008 400h? In terms of smoothness, noisyness or anything else?

 

I drive a 2006 RX400h and it is my dream car. I love how it handles, it's super fast, the cargo area in back holds everything I need for a week long trip with my family of 5. I get 26/27MPG, which is excellent for a AWD SUV. I am CERTAIN that I will be driving a Lexus RX for the rest of my life. You won't be disappointed. I got mine in Flint Mica with Black Leather and it's GORGEOUS. I like the hybrid details found on the navi system too, you might want to get that.