You can easily feel the extra power the hybrid brings to the wheels when you demand full acceleration. This hybrid can move out in a hurry and we think it could easily reach 60 mph in around seven seconds, or about a half second faster than the 330. One thing that does not move faster is the fuel gauge. We traveled around in heavy city traffic, went to the suburbs to do research on a hydrogen-powered bicycle being produced by Palcan Power Systems Inc. and returned in traffic and rain. The hybrid Lexus was nonplussed, and seemed to relish the challenge.
The EPA rates the RX 400h at 31/27, but you can count on around 26 to 28 mpg. This isn't as great as the Prius and Honda Civic, but the Lexus weights twice as much. The RX 330 returns 22 to 23 miles per gallon. Both cars can go well over 400 miles on a tank of unleaded. You should note
that hybrids have additional maintenance costs and that the battery packs, which have a lengthy warranty, can cost several thousand dollars to replace.
Lexus claims the RX 330 can get to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds from the 230 horsepower, 242 foot pounds of torque, 3.3 liter V6. Whatever, it is still a fairly fast vehicle for its class while still getting over 22 mpg during highway cruising.
Basically, I am not a huge fan of SUVs because of their handling, gas hoggish nature, and limited side and back visibility. I am proud to say that the RX 330 has none of these traits. In fact, it rides as well as some luxury sedans over highways. Be warned, though, that this is not a nimble vehicle and the steering can feel slow to react when the road requires frequent corrections. Visibility to the side is excellent with the best mirrors in the SUV business. It is clear that the Lexus engineers designed this for more cruising than bruising, even though the 7.1 inch ride height is adequate and the all wheel drive system with the electric motors very peppy on inclines.
Braking is quite impressive with very little front dip, but we would strongly recommend you don't overestimate the stopping distance because this is a two-ton vehicle when loaded. On the RX 400h the braking process helps regenerate the battery pack and thus the brakes made a squeaky sound.
There really is no logical reason to buy a Lexus 400h. Yes, it may be a better value than the RX 330 in the long run, but the Ford Escape hybrid is much less expensive, gets similar fuel mileage, and can stay right with the Lexus in town driving. Despite this we doubt anyone would cross-shop the two, and so if you have a tender spot for the environment and have the wherewithal, you couldn't find a better place to spend your travel time. The attention to detail, ability to park in tight places, power, and notable quality and features are unmatched.
Young working woman's view: What can you say to a queen who has everything? There is little to add here. I didn't like the way the fuel light went on with so little fanfare, I thought that the alloy rims were unworthy and needed to be rethought as they are just not right, and I would have preferred if the power tailgate would open with less fanfare as it sounds like a truck is backing up. Starting the hybrid is eerie to say the least. You turn on the ignition; wait for the light in the gauge cluster to read "Ready," and you just touch the accelerator. No fuss, no muss, and if you are careful you can even drive several miles without using the gas engine at all. However, we did not test the hybrid in the winter and so we cannot verify what it would be like in Winnipeg.
The EPA rates the RX 400h at 31/27, but you can count on around 26 to 28 mpg. This isn't as great as the Prius and Honda Civic, but the Lexus weights twice as much. The RX 330 returns 22 to 23 miles per gallon. Both cars can go well over 400 miles on a tank of unleaded. You should note
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| 3.3 litre V6 VVT-i (photo: The Car Family) |
Lexus claims the RX 330 can get to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds from the 230 horsepower, 242 foot pounds of torque, 3.3 liter V6. Whatever, it is still a fairly fast vehicle for its class while still getting over 22 mpg during highway cruising.
Basically, I am not a huge fan of SUVs because of their handling, gas hoggish nature, and limited side and back visibility. I am proud to say that the RX 330 has none of these traits. In fact, it rides as well as some luxury sedans over highways. Be warned, though, that this is not a nimble vehicle and the steering can feel slow to react when the road requires frequent corrections. Visibility to the side is excellent with the best mirrors in the SUV business. It is clear that the Lexus engineers designed this for more cruising than bruising, even though the 7.1 inch ride height is adequate and the all wheel drive system with the electric motors very peppy on inclines.
Braking is quite impressive with very little front dip, but we would strongly recommend you don't overestimate the stopping distance because this is a two-ton vehicle when loaded. On the RX 400h the braking process helps regenerate the battery pack and thus the brakes made a squeaky sound.
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| 2005 Lexus RX 330 (photo: The Car Family) |
Young working woman's view: What can you say to a queen who has everything? There is little to add here. I didn't like the way the fuel light went on with so little fanfare, I thought that the alloy rims were unworthy and needed to be rethought as they are just not right, and I would have preferred if the power tailgate would open with less fanfare as it sounds like a truck is backing up. Starting the hybrid is eerie to say the least. You turn on the ignition; wait for the light in the gauge cluster to read "Ready," and you just touch the accelerator. No fuss, no muss, and if you are careful you can even drive several miles without using the gas engine at all. However, we did not test the hybrid in the winter and so we cannot verify what it would be like in Winnipeg.