A Subtle Shade of Green

Pricing is still not finalized. Lexus buyers have indicated that they might pay as much as $5,000 over the current RX 330 for the hybrid RX 400h, but the RX 400h comes better equipped in standard guise, so the actual price hike is likely to land in the low $40,000 range. If spending somewhere in that neighborhood is too much of a commitment to improve gas mileage while reducing emissions, the next step down on the hybrid SUV scale is Ford’s Escape Hybrid -- at least until the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid hits the market. With a mere 24,000 units destined for America’s shores this year, we suggest you get friendly with your local Lexus dealer if you’re looking to score a 2006 Lexus RX 400h. As with the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid, demand is likely to exceed supply.