2008 Lexus RX 400h

Launched for the 2006 model year to coincide with the redesign of the RX350 SUV upon which the 400h is based, the RX400h also comes in a choice of front- or all-wheel drive layouts. In Lexus-speak, though, the h stands for Hybrid and that means an electric motor integrated to work in conjunction with the gasoline engine.

Changes to the hybrid model for 2008 include a new finish on grille, chrome-plated door handles, color-keyed rear spoiler, blue highlights added to front and rear logo (rear logo only if equipped with Towing Package), a new engine cover, headlamp lens cover and rear combination lamp cover as well as seven new exterior color choices.

The gasoline engine in the hybrid RX displaces 3.3 liters, or roughly 200ccs less than the regular SUV. Together with the two electric motors, power output is rated at 268 horsepower, and Lexus doesn't reveal any torque or rpm numbers. The only transmission on offer is an electronically supervised CVT.

Still, the combo returns 26 mpg in the city cycle and 24 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for an SUV, but those numbers are the EPA's estimates, so actually fuel consumption will be higher. These compare favorably with the gas engine's numbers of 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.

Also, towing capabilities are unaffected by the hybrid powertrain, remaining at 3,500 lbs.

Standard equipment is generous, and only three option packages exist, that include a fancier interior, a moonroof, more power adjustments, a memory system, HID headlights and a voice-activated DVD navigation system bundled with an 11-speaker Mark Levinson audio system capable of playing back DVD-audio and -video in the top package.

Standalone options worth mentioning include the two big-ticket items mentioned above, but separately, and, interestingly, for less money, as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.