RX 400h: Lexus unsung Hybrid Hero?
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RX 400h: Lexus unsung Hybrid Hero?
So I'm looking at Novembers sales figures and the RX 400h sold 1674 units. I would say between 1300-1600 is about average for the RX since its inception.
So for comparison's sake last month.
X3 1,975
X5 3,206
XC90 2,246
M-CLASS 3,015
QX56 1,062
FX 1,821
GX 470 1,847
MDX 4891
RDX 1679
Q7 1538
Lexus has to be pleased with the continued warm reception by this hybrid. Its an older SUV and the HP rating is nothing like the GS 450h. Its sales last month were near some SUVs with multiple models and near the cute-utes.
Overall Lexus sold over 8,000 RXs combined last month
The RX 400h doesn't get much press, its not the top of the line LS 600h L, its not the great sports SUV the press humps but its getting the job done.
Just wanted to talk about it here some in car chat and we can move to the RX forum later.
My old review here...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=1sickreview
So for comparison's sake last month.
X3 1,975
X5 3,206
XC90 2,246
M-CLASS 3,015
QX56 1,062
FX 1,821
GX 470 1,847
MDX 4891
RDX 1679
Q7 1538
Lexus has to be pleased with the continued warm reception by this hybrid. Its an older SUV and the HP rating is nothing like the GS 450h. Its sales last month were near some SUVs with multiple models and near the cute-utes.
Overall Lexus sold over 8,000 RXs combined last month
The RX 400h doesn't get much press, its not the top of the line LS 600h L, its not the great sports SUV the press humps but its getting the job done.
Just wanted to talk about it here some in car chat and we can move to the RX forum later.
My old review here...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ht=1sickreview
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
you're right 1sicklex. It is an unsung hero. I didn't know it sold so well. It only sells in the hundreds here (no surprise since just take the US numbers and divide by 10 and you have the Canadian sales numbers lol.)
It's a good car for what it is but the twisting key bit is getting old. We need the SmartAccess system asap. Also you're using the old "E" diamonds for the regenerative bit on the Consumption Screen right? Instead of the leaf cars. (at least it was on the 2006 model I tested in May 2005).
I hope the RX gets a slightly stiffer suspension. I love it for what it is - a luxury boulevard cruiser but the suspension doesn't inspire confidence should I need to do an emerggency manoeuvre.
It's a good car for what it is but the twisting key bit is getting old. We need the SmartAccess system asap. Also you're using the old "E" diamonds for the regenerative bit on the Consumption Screen right? Instead of the leaf cars. (at least it was on the 2006 model I tested in May 2005).
I hope the RX gets a slightly stiffer suspension. I love it for what it is - a luxury boulevard cruiser but the suspension doesn't inspire confidence should I need to do an emerggency manoeuvre.
Agreed. Hopefully, Lexus will do a ground up re-work of the RX series to address this. Perhaps the new one should ride on the Lexus IS chassis ala the X3 which rides on the 3 series chassis. As a driver with family onboard, control should be key.
since the RX350 came out there really isnt a reason financially to select the hybrid over the 350. Since its redesign is inevitable since the new Highlander is out, dont really care about the current one. Of course the MDX is going to kill it a 2007 redesign vs a 2003 redesign
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 10
From: NC
Related Article
Hybrids Downplay Powerful Message
December 27, 2007
BY CHRIS WOODYARD
USA TODAY
Automakers are starting to turn away from the notion of the performance hybrid, the term coined to market gas-electric vehicles based on extra pep instead of fuel thriftiness.
Instead of just emphasizing performance, Toyota's luxury Lexus division plans to hawk its high-end hybrid vehicles as being better for the environment because they pollute less than rival brands.
"That was always supposed to be part of the message, but it just hasn't come through," says Mark Templin, the division's new general manager. "It legitimizes what we have been doing."
Honda has already dropped production of a six-cylinder hybrid version of its performance-oriented Accord sedan. It got poor gas mileage compared with other hybrids, such as Honda's four-cylinder Civic or Toyota's Prius.
General Motors is skipping the performance hybrid tactic in selling its new hybrid Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. The campaign will emphasize gas stinginess even though the big vehicles offer slightly better acceleration than non-hybrid versions.
Each of three Lexus hybrids only achieves one or two more miles per gallon than comparable non-hybrid versions. The $104,000 Lexus LS 600h L super-luxury sedan gets 21 m.p.g. in combined city/highway driving, the $41,180 RX 400h SUV achieves 25 m.p.g., and the $54,900 GS 450h sedan merits 23 m.p.g.
They are listed as being cleaner than comparable non-hybrid rivals from other luxury automakers by the Air Resources Board of California, whose regulations are tighter than federal standards and emulated in a few other states.
December 27, 2007
BY CHRIS WOODYARD
USA TODAY
Automakers are starting to turn away from the notion of the performance hybrid, the term coined to market gas-electric vehicles based on extra pep instead of fuel thriftiness.
Instead of just emphasizing performance, Toyota's luxury Lexus division plans to hawk its high-end hybrid vehicles as being better for the environment because they pollute less than rival brands.
"That was always supposed to be part of the message, but it just hasn't come through," says Mark Templin, the division's new general manager. "It legitimizes what we have been doing."
Honda has already dropped production of a six-cylinder hybrid version of its performance-oriented Accord sedan. It got poor gas mileage compared with other hybrids, such as Honda's four-cylinder Civic or Toyota's Prius.
General Motors is skipping the performance hybrid tactic in selling its new hybrid Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. The campaign will emphasize gas stinginess even though the big vehicles offer slightly better acceleration than non-hybrid versions.
Each of three Lexus hybrids only achieves one or two more miles per gallon than comparable non-hybrid versions. The $104,000 Lexus LS 600h L super-luxury sedan gets 21 m.p.g. in combined city/highway driving, the $41,180 RX 400h SUV achieves 25 m.p.g., and the $54,900 GS 450h sedan merits 23 m.p.g.
They are listed as being cleaner than comparable non-hybrid rivals from other luxury automakers by the Air Resources Board of California, whose regulations are tighter than federal standards and emulated in a few other states.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
The 5 year ownership cost of the RX400h is only $100 more than the RX350. That doesnt include the tax rebate you get for getting the hybrid, since not everyone gets one. That extra $100 seems worth it to me.
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the number on the rx is quite amazing i have to say! to certain extend i kind of feel that the car is a bit on its own. it doesn't really go against the m class or the x series, but the numbers are incredible. and the hybrid version alone overcoming total sales of some other cars, that's just wow!
I've driven the RX350 and RX400h several times for long road trips, and although I'm not a big fan of its handling and styling, it is quite functional for a lot of people (hence the best selling luxury SUV in the market).
Compared to other competitors mentioned above, I understand why it sells so well. It provides good power, a plush ride, adequate room, and near-perfect reliability; and the hybrid adds the as-discussed perks.
HOWEVER, I think the RX needs to watch out for its competitors. And I'm not talking about the MDX/RDX. I'm talking about the Hyundai Veracruz, and even the new Toyota Highlander will take some sales away from the RX.
Hopefully, that all changes when it gets redesigned for '09 (perhaps as a MY'10). We know that it comes in FWD and AWD regular and hybrid versions; but there are rumors of a RWD version (and perhaps a V8) for a more sporty option...
Compared to other competitors mentioned above, I understand why it sells so well. It provides good power, a plush ride, adequate room, and near-perfect reliability; and the hybrid adds the as-discussed perks.
HOWEVER, I think the RX needs to watch out for its competitors. And I'm not talking about the MDX/RDX. I'm talking about the Hyundai Veracruz, and even the new Toyota Highlander will take some sales away from the RX.
Hopefully, that all changes when it gets redesigned for '09 (perhaps as a MY'10). We know that it comes in FWD and AWD regular and hybrid versions; but there are rumors of a RWD version (and perhaps a V8) for a more sporty option...
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I really didn't start this to say what it should be or what it ain't or what people "think" is better.
Its really just an observation. Here is a huge risk Lexus took and the gamble has payed off.
I do hope they move the next generation more economy based as Lexus now has the "F" brand.
Its really just an observation. Here is a huge risk Lexus took and the gamble has payed off.
I do hope they move the next generation more economy based as Lexus now has the "F" brand.
I have been reading the Toyota Way book and just got through the chapters describing the development of Lexus and the Prius, which is regarded as Toyota's biggest milestones and innovations. It was absolutely amazing at all the measures they took to make the projects succeed during and after development
