2006 Lexus RX 400h Road Test

Making a Better SUV

The luxury crossover that started the popular niche way back in 1998,

Lexus will now offer its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive system to the top-selling RX, and re-designate it the RX 400h. (Photo: Lexus)

foregoing a traditional truck chassis and replacing it with the smooth ride and deft handling of a sedan, is about to transform the genre once again.

Following up on a model year 2004 redo that saw sleeker lines, more luxurious appointments, improved handling and additional power, Lexus will now offer its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the top-selling RX, and re-designate it RX 400h.

If you haven't driven a hybrid vehicle yet you've been missing out. Not that the Honda Civic Hybrid is all that engaging or anything, or the first generation Prius. These are and were commuter cars, with the sole purpose of

It wasn't until I drove the new RX 400h that I started to envision exactly what Toyota had in mind with its industry leading hybrid technology. (Photo: Lexus)

increasing fuel economy while reducing emissions, but their snazzy gadgetry, including colour liquid crystal displays animating the driveline process, made them fun in a geeky way.

The latest Prius has upped the ante, in both size and performance, making it a decent value proposition when compared alongside similarly equipped midsize vehicles. It is more luxuriously equipped too, with black lacquer trim and high-grade cloth upholstery, plus metallic brightwork throughout the cabin to give it that high-tech look.