2006 Lexus RX 400h Road Test

The electronic steering of the Lexus hybrid is quite natural feeling, although road feedback is minimal. The vehicle turns and

Never spongy or unsettled, the RX 400h absorbs unruly road surfaces very effectively. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

handles as one would expect of the RX 330 - competent and responsive but not overly inspiring. This vehicle's greater claim to fame is its ride quality. Never spongy or unsettled, the RX 400h absorbs unruly road surfaces very effectively thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and a very rigid reinforced body structure. Applying the binders holds no unnatural surprises either. In my combined city and highway testing, I found the brakes very predictable and linear in their application.

Because Lexus is of the view that being good to the environment isn't necessarily enough to sell a luxury hybrid SUV, it pulled out all the stops when it came to comfort and convenience. Lexus refers to the combining of

Just about every amenity and luxury feature that can be incorporated into a modern, premium vehicle is found in the 400h. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

lavish automotive luxury with cutting edge, environmentally-friendly technology as Contemporary Luxury, which it hopes will encourage the upwardly mobile to display their affluence guilt-free.

Comprising that display is just about every amenity and luxury feature that can be incorporated into a modern, premium vehicle. The RX 400h booty of standard equipment includes leather seating, power-adjustable heated front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, in-dash six-disc premium audio, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, power moonroof and much more. A DVD entertainment system and GPS navigation are available options.