xcel
10-07-2007, 09:42 PM
The 08 Lexus RX 400h is an extremely well appointed luxury cross-over with the added benefit of improved fuel economy and extremely low emissions for the rest of us. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/hybrid-vs-non-hybrid-comparisons/t-lexus-08-rx-350-vs-08-rx-400h-cost-and-features-analysis-6723.html#post48964)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RXh_Rear_drivers_side_profile.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG.com (www.CleanMPG.com) - Oct. 7, 2007
The Lexus RX 400h was launched in 2006 and set a new benchmark for environmental compatibility in the luxury-utility vehicle marketplace.
The RX 400h has exceeded 50,000 units sold since its launch and now accounts for nearly 20 percent of all RX model sales. Lexus last year broadened the RX 400h's appeal with the addition of a new front-wheel-drive model.
The RX 400h hybrid technology enhances both its fuel efficiency and performance capability by combining the power of a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with that of an electric drive motor to deliver performance on par with some V8-powered luxury SUVs. The all-wheel-drive and front wheel drive RX 400h's 08 EPA-estimated city/highway ratings are 26/24 and 27/24 mpg respectively.
The RX 400h achieves Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing only about 30 percent of the smog-forming emissions emitted by the average new car. The RX 400h is also certified as an AT-PZEV in California and those states adopting California’s strict emissions standards.
Here are some of the major differences between a 2008 Lexus RX 350 and the Lexus RX 400h in terms of amenities, performance, option pricing and total costs.
2008 Lexus RX 350 vs. the Lexus RX 400h
2008 Lexus RX 350 FWD|2008 Lexus RX 400h FWD
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RX_Front_Passenger_side_profile.jpg|http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RXh_Front_drivers_side_profile.jpg
2008 Lexus RX 350|2008 Lexus RX 400h
|
Exterior Feature differences|
|
Not Available|Front fascia with additional air intake
Fascia integrated fog lamps|Round fog lamps
Not Available|Light Emitting Diode (LED) rear tail lamps
|
Interior Feature differences|
|
Not Available|Power meter display for the hybrid powertrain.
Not Available|Energy distribution via MFD
Wood center console trim|Alloy center console trim
Wood door trim|Alloy door trim
Leather and wood shift knob trim|Leather shift knob trim
Leather and wood steering wheel trim|Leather steering wheel trim
|
Safety Feature differences|
|
None|None
|
Pricing (MSRP/Invoice including dest. of $765).|
|
$38,165/$33,864|$41,945/$37,413
Note: Some options listed above are not available for purchase with a Lexus RX 350 or vice versa, the RX 400h depending on your location within the US.
A few odds and ends: As shown, the RX 350 is missing a few standard features found on the RX 400h. The RXh’s feature additions over and above the RX 350 include the following: Electric Power Steering vs. Hydraulic on the RX350.
Electric A/C.
Electric Water pump.
Tilt and Telescopic vs. tilt only on the RX 350.
Cruise control on the steering wheel.
Cargo tie-downs.
XM or Sirius satellite radio Option.
Trailer wiring harness.
Hybrid Component warranty of 8 yr./100,000 mi.
Regular unleaded fuel capable vs. Premium on the RX 350.
The RX 350 includes a front and rear stabilizer bar vs. only a front on the RX 400h, a tach, and is ~ 330 #’s lighter.
Size and Performance: In terms of size, the RX 400h has the exact same amount of interior volume as the RX 350 but weighs 330 #’s more due to HSD.
Considering performance, the RX 400h FWD’s 0 - 60 times are 0.2 seconds slower than that of the RX 350 FWD. The RX400h has a 2.0 gallon smaller fuel tank than its non-hybrid counterpart but with higher FE, total range is superior.
Pricing: The current 2008 RX 400h as outfitted from Lexus costs $3,549 more than a similarly equipped Lexus RX 350 per Invoice pricing.
Conclusion: With the RX 350 and RX 400h’s standard amenities matched relatively evenly, the RX 400h’s relies on its higher FE in both the real world and per the EPA (the RX 400h is EPA rated at 27/24 whereas the non-hybrid Lexus RX 350 is rated at 18/23 on the 08 specs), its lower SMOG and GHG emissions and ability to drive in an ultra quiet EV mode. All three have to be considered in any price and features analysis. The hybrid premium is hard to justify on $’s alone considering a fuel payoff in 6 + years at $3.00 per gallon (regular unleaded) for the RX 400h and $3.20 per gallon (Premium) for the RX 350 over 15,000 miles a year but that does not include any future fuel price increases, possible decreased maintenance costs and/or the possibility of decreased depreciation for the hybrid RX 400h.
Counterpoint: The std. 08 Lexus RX 350 is $3,549 less than the RX 400h and at 6 + years for premium payback on fuel costs alone, it is a tough comparison given the non-hybrid Camry vs. TCH $ premium is far less with a very similar HSD system. If you are in the market for a $35,000 + Cross-over SUV however, the RX 400h’s lower SMOG and GHG emissions and all but silent ride while under EV should help take the percentage premium bite out of the equation.
Good Luck
Wayne
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RXh_Rear_drivers_side_profile.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG.com (www.CleanMPG.com) - Oct. 7, 2007
The Lexus RX 400h was launched in 2006 and set a new benchmark for environmental compatibility in the luxury-utility vehicle marketplace.
The RX 400h has exceeded 50,000 units sold since its launch and now accounts for nearly 20 percent of all RX model sales. Lexus last year broadened the RX 400h's appeal with the addition of a new front-wheel-drive model.
The RX 400h hybrid technology enhances both its fuel efficiency and performance capability by combining the power of a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with that of an electric drive motor to deliver performance on par with some V8-powered luxury SUVs. The all-wheel-drive and front wheel drive RX 400h's 08 EPA-estimated city/highway ratings are 26/24 and 27/24 mpg respectively.
The RX 400h achieves Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing only about 30 percent of the smog-forming emissions emitted by the average new car. The RX 400h is also certified as an AT-PZEV in California and those states adopting California’s strict emissions standards.
Here are some of the major differences between a 2008 Lexus RX 350 and the Lexus RX 400h in terms of amenities, performance, option pricing and total costs.
2008 Lexus RX 350 vs. the Lexus RX 400h
2008 Lexus RX 350 FWD|2008 Lexus RX 400h FWD
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RX_Front_Passenger_side_profile.jpg|http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_RXh_Front_drivers_side_profile.jpg
2008 Lexus RX 350|2008 Lexus RX 400h
|
Exterior Feature differences|
|
Not Available|Front fascia with additional air intake
Fascia integrated fog lamps|Round fog lamps
Not Available|Light Emitting Diode (LED) rear tail lamps
|
Interior Feature differences|
|
Not Available|Power meter display for the hybrid powertrain.
Not Available|Energy distribution via MFD
Wood center console trim|Alloy center console trim
Wood door trim|Alloy door trim
Leather and wood shift knob trim|Leather shift knob trim
Leather and wood steering wheel trim|Leather steering wheel trim
|
Safety Feature differences|
|
None|None
|
Pricing (MSRP/Invoice including dest. of $765).|
|
$38,165/$33,864|$41,945/$37,413
Note: Some options listed above are not available for purchase with a Lexus RX 350 or vice versa, the RX 400h depending on your location within the US.
A few odds and ends: As shown, the RX 350 is missing a few standard features found on the RX 400h. The RXh’s feature additions over and above the RX 350 include the following: Electric Power Steering vs. Hydraulic on the RX350.
Electric A/C.
Electric Water pump.
Tilt and Telescopic vs. tilt only on the RX 350.
Cruise control on the steering wheel.
Cargo tie-downs.
XM or Sirius satellite radio Option.
Trailer wiring harness.
Hybrid Component warranty of 8 yr./100,000 mi.
Regular unleaded fuel capable vs. Premium on the RX 350.
The RX 350 includes a front and rear stabilizer bar vs. only a front on the RX 400h, a tach, and is ~ 330 #’s lighter.
Size and Performance: In terms of size, the RX 400h has the exact same amount of interior volume as the RX 350 but weighs 330 #’s more due to HSD.
Considering performance, the RX 400h FWD’s 0 - 60 times are 0.2 seconds slower than that of the RX 350 FWD. The RX400h has a 2.0 gallon smaller fuel tank than its non-hybrid counterpart but with higher FE, total range is superior.
Pricing: The current 2008 RX 400h as outfitted from Lexus costs $3,549 more than a similarly equipped Lexus RX 350 per Invoice pricing.
Conclusion: With the RX 350 and RX 400h’s standard amenities matched relatively evenly, the RX 400h’s relies on its higher FE in both the real world and per the EPA (the RX 400h is EPA rated at 27/24 whereas the non-hybrid Lexus RX 350 is rated at 18/23 on the 08 specs), its lower SMOG and GHG emissions and ability to drive in an ultra quiet EV mode. All three have to be considered in any price and features analysis. The hybrid premium is hard to justify on $’s alone considering a fuel payoff in 6 + years at $3.00 per gallon (regular unleaded) for the RX 400h and $3.20 per gallon (Premium) for the RX 350 over 15,000 miles a year but that does not include any future fuel price increases, possible decreased maintenance costs and/or the possibility of decreased depreciation for the hybrid RX 400h.
Counterpoint: The std. 08 Lexus RX 350 is $3,549 less than the RX 400h and at 6 + years for premium payback on fuel costs alone, it is a tough comparison given the non-hybrid Camry vs. TCH $ premium is far less with a very similar HSD system. If you are in the market for a $35,000 + Cross-over SUV however, the RX 400h’s lower SMOG and GHG emissions and all but silent ride while under EV should help take the percentage premium bite out of the equation.
Good Luck
Wayne