Colo Springs RX400h Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rx330driver Posted October 4, 2006 Share Posted October 4, 2006 im going to say yes. obviously its not an offroad vehicle but it should have no problems on dirt and gravel. it still in a sense an SUV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erdoro Posted October 4, 2006 Share Posted October 4, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? You can drive without problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retired00 Posted October 4, 2006 Share Posted October 4, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? Is there some specific issue you are concerned about? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Springs RX400h Posted October 4, 2006 Author Share Posted October 4, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? Is there some specific issue you are concerned about? Yes, the Owner's Manual says that the 400h should not used "off road". We have friends who live in an area where we have to drive on 8 miles or dirt/gravel road to get there. So, I am trying to find out if driving to their house is considered "off road" or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retired00 Posted October 4, 2006 Share Posted October 4, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? Is there some specific issue you are concerned about? Yes, the Owner's Manual says that the 400h should not used "off road". We have friends who live in an area where we have to drive on 8 miles or dirt/gravel road to get there. So, I am trying to find out if driving to their house is considered "off road" or not. No, it's not. Beach, wood trails, mud--that's off road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Springs RX400h Posted October 6, 2006 Author Share Posted October 6, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? Here is what Lexus sent me regarding this question: "Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process. The RX 400h is intended for use for paved driving. Off-road use should be limited, for example: a flat dirt road will be fine. Serious off-roading like large mud puddles, fording streams, rock climbs, etc. should NOT be performed by the RX 400h. Your local Lexus dealership may be able to tell you if your RX 400h can handle your local road conditions. We apologize for any misunderstanding you may have had. Please be assured that your inquiry has been documented. If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. " Thanks to everyone for your replies. Looks like we can safely use the 400h on non-paved roads to visit our friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted October 6, 2006 Share Posted October 6, 2006 I think you're fine to drive the 400h as long as the wheels aren't going to get bogged down too much, or be inclined to do a ton of spinning or the like ... this can overheat the batteries I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyfish400h Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? I've taken mine off road. Nothing too demanding but there were ruts and loose gravel, some steep sections and water crossings. It performed flawlessly and the AWD pulled thru some short patches of slipery stuff just fine. Tire are not the most grippy, and you wouldn't want to go for miles under those conditions, but it will handle most country road, or mountain cabin driveways with ease. I never bottomed out, and I dont' think I would want to. Looking under the car there is only a flimsy plastic sheild between granite and $$$$ electronic components. If you balance the car on a rock the wrong way you could end up stuck and poor. Remember the car cannot be towed normally it has to be flatbedded out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Springs RX400h Posted October 7, 2006 Author Share Posted October 7, 2006 Can the RX400h be safely driven on dirt or gravel roads? I'm not asking about rough terrain, but just country roads. Does anyone have a 400h and drives it on country non-paved roads? I've taken mine off road. Nothing too demanding but there were ruts and loose gravel, some steep sections and water crossings. It performed flawlessly and the AWD pulled thru some short patches of slipery stuff just fine. Tire are not the most grippy, and you wouldn't want to go for miles under those conditions, but it will handle most country road, or mountain cabin driveways with ease. I never bottomed out, and I dont' think I would want to. Looking under the car there is only a flimsy plastic sheild between granite and $$$$ electronic components. If you balance the car on a rock the wrong way you could end up stuck and poor. Remember the car cannot be towed normally it has to be flatbedded out. Thanks. I was hoping someone had actually driven the 400h on gravel, mountianous roads. You were the first to have actually done it who has replied to my question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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