A Subtle Shade of Green

The technology that drives the 2006 Lexus RX 400h, however, is not completely transparent. When you insert and twist the key in the RX 400h’s ignition, don’t be surprised when the engine doesn’t start. You'll sense that the electric air conditioning will quietly kick on, and the electric power steering will ease steering input under your fingertips. Otherwise, it’s eerily quiet inside the RX 400h. Place the CVT into gear, push down on the accelerator, and the front electric motor pulls you away without using the gasoline-fired V6, up to 42 mph, given proper conditions.

Adding additional pressure to the accelerator makes the V6 come to life, and the CVT seamlessly streams through the ratios, maximizing the powertrain’s torque curve. Mashing the throttle to the floor takes the Lexus RX 400h from mild-mannered SUV to hybrid hyper drive vehicle, as the battery packs deliver a full surge of voltage to the front and rear electric motors. Make no mistake -- under full acceleration, the Lexus RX 400h feels as though a small block V8 has been transplanted between the front shock towers, though the muted exhaust of the V6 and whine of the electric motors audibly remind you otherwise. Let off the gas and the V6 stops running while all three electric motors go into regenerative braking mode to recharge the nickel metal hydride batteries.