Resale is going to be stout regardless of which model you select. Dealers have cleared most of the back orders, except for a few colors such as white and bamboo, and so there is less of a wait for the RX 400 h. The best way to know for sure is to check at www.nada.com for resale. Adding to this value is the fact that none of the competition offers a luxury hybrid so there is no competition. On the other hand it is far more expensive than SUV hybrids from Toyota and Ford.
We are sure though, that the hybrid is clearly going to command top dollar for many a year for three reasons. It is responsive, responsible, and realistic. It does not feign to be something it isn't. Yes it can go off road and do well, but why spend that much money to rough up a vehicle? Secondly, safety first is embedded everywhere from airbags to braking to preventive tipping measures. Finally, it can realistically hold five adults. It does not pretend to hold seven as some SUVS do, two of whom may have to crawl over seats, people, and luggage to find their perches just inches away from the rear hatch and potential danger should there be an accident.
Mom's view: This is what it must be like to have twins; so alike and yet so different. The 330 RX is blissful to drive, a little overly protective in the way it deals with road imperfections, and has just enough acceleration so you have to keep a vigil on the speedometer. The 400h is another matter. The larger tires and rims, aggressive suspension, hefty weight, and the instant torque provided by the electric motors turn this into more of a fighter. Both would be delightful children, but I think most mothers wouldn't mind boasting of the 400h's ability to excel even though it may require a more trips to the school.
Whether you are driving the hybrid or the RX 330 the seats are both supportive and comfortable. This is a rare combination and worthy of exaltation. Getting into the hybrid requires added leg lift because it rides a tad higher, but once inside you have excellent vision to the sides and
front. Unlike the unique Toyota Prius hybrid, there is very little different about these two Lexi outside of some minor trim pieces. Even the interior is akin except for the information center and a readout that shows which energy source you are using. That is not to say it does not have appeal as its abundance of storage space, good cupholders, and even a place for a purse make it very accommodating. The leather, switchgear, and plastics are well done and, if you choose carefully, nicely color coordinated. Add to this the solid basic structure and you have a SUV that gets responsible fuel mileage in either hybrid or gas only versions, and you have the reasons that this is the best selling Lexus ever.
Dad's view: As the Ford Escape hybrid, the Lexus is stealth like and nearly impossible to identify from a distance over its more traditional powered clone. This quickly changes once you check out the drivetrain. The hybrid 400h carries 300 pounds of extra weight, but this is offset when the two electric motors and the gas engine work together to provide 268 horsepower compared to 230 for the gas version. One electric motor helps to drive the front wheels and one the back. A continuous variable transmission on the hybrid does its work efficiently, but there is sharp tug when you are slowly backing out of a parking space and the gas engine decides it is needed. Keep your foot on the brake or it jumps a bit. The hybrid also has been trained to shut down at long stops. It starts instantly once you remove your foot from the brake and touch the gas pedal. In case you are wondering the stereo, air conditioning, and lights all continue to operate even with the engine paused.
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| 2006 Lexus RX 400h (photo: Lexus) |
Mom's view: This is what it must be like to have twins; so alike and yet so different. The 330 RX is blissful to drive, a little overly protective in the way it deals with road imperfections, and has just enough acceleration so you have to keep a vigil on the speedometer. The 400h is another matter. The larger tires and rims, aggressive suspension, hefty weight, and the instant torque provided by the electric motors turn this into more of a fighter. Both would be delightful children, but I think most mothers wouldn't mind boasting of the 400h's ability to excel even though it may require a more trips to the school.
Whether you are driving the hybrid or the RX 330 the seats are both supportive and comfortable. This is a rare combination and worthy of exaltation. Getting into the hybrid requires added leg lift because it rides a tad higher, but once inside you have excellent vision to the sides and
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| 2006 Lexus RX 400h (photo: The Car Family) |
Dad's view: As the Ford Escape hybrid, the Lexus is stealth like and nearly impossible to identify from a distance over its more traditional powered clone. This quickly changes once you check out the drivetrain. The hybrid 400h carries 300 pounds of extra weight, but this is offset when the two electric motors and the gas engine work together to provide 268 horsepower compared to 230 for the gas version. One electric motor helps to drive the front wheels and one the back. A continuous variable transmission on the hybrid does its work efficiently, but there is sharp tug when you are slowly backing out of a parking space and the gas engine decides it is needed. Keep your foot on the brake or it jumps a bit. The hybrid also has been trained to shut down at long stops. It starts instantly once you remove your foot from the brake and touch the gas pedal. In case you are wondering the stereo, air conditioning, and lights all continue to operate even with the engine paused.