RX 400h Delivers Power of Premium V8 Rivals but Sips Away at Fuel
Good news to those who appreciate luxury but want even better fuel economy, lower emissions and a cheaper price tag than the
current Lexus RX 400h, is that Toyota's luxury division is expanding its new hybrid SUV lineup to include a new front-wheel drive variant to what is now a vehicle only available in all-wheel drive.
The new model, which removes the secondary rear-mounted electric motor so that only the front wheels are powered by a gasoline-electric setup, is lighter and therefore should be more efficient than the current all-wheel drive model, which represents a significant initial savings.
Currently, the price of an RX 400h is $48,410, plus
$695 for freight. The new front-wheel drive RX 400h is priced at $44,660, or at least will be when it becomes available in late December. That's a cost savings of $3,750 over the current all-wheel drive 400h.
Those wanting the all-wheel drive version but not needing a sophisticated navigation system and rear-mounted back-up camera will also be able to de-content the current RX 400h all-or-nothing package, removing these items and resultantly dropping the price by $2,350 to $46,060.
Good news to those who appreciate luxury but want even better fuel economy, lower emissions and a cheaper price tag than the
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| Lexus is expanding its new RX 400h hybrid SUV lineup to include a new front-wheel drive variant. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
The new model, which removes the secondary rear-mounted electric motor so that only the front wheels are powered by a gasoline-electric setup, is lighter and therefore should be more efficient than the current all-wheel drive model, which represents a significant initial savings.
Currently, the price of an RX 400h is $48,410, plus
 |
| The front-wheel drive RX 400h will present a cost savings of $3,750 over the current all-wheel drive model. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Those wanting the all-wheel drive version but not needing a sophisticated navigation system and rear-mounted back-up camera will also be able to de-content the current RX 400h all-or-nothing package, removing these items and resultantly dropping the price by $2,350 to $46,060.