Rx400h Power Is Pretty Impressive.

[Jim Clark]

Have been taking it relatively easy on the new 400h until it gets at least 1-2k miles on it. But today I was entering a highway and noticed a car coming up the right lane pretty fast (I hate people who cruise the right lane on a 3+ lane highway with lots of exits), I punched it and went from about 35 to 70 really quick with the car pushing me back in my seat. I was impressed. We traded a 340hp Audi V8 on the 400h, so I was used to having plenty of reserve power available.

What did not impress me was I could feel the front wheels lose some traction as I punched it (road was a little wet). Either the traction control or the rear wheel electric motor kicked in and stopped it, I didn't let up. The Audi never would have done that, I could barely get the Audi to spin on snow and ice.

To call our cars all wheel drive is a stretch. I think of it is a front wheel drive with occasional rear wheel assist.

Another impressive thing is that we're averaging 27 mpg on our 2nd tank of gas (according the the consumption computer).

[Gryphon]

It's worse if you don't have AWD. There's a lot of torque available to the front wheels and it's pretty easy to break them loose. That being said, Lexus did a decent job of tuning out torque-steer.

And the occasional power is fun.

Tom

[RX400h]

I often drive a 375 HP Corvette (3200 lbs), yet I, too, am very impressed with the acceleration of the RX. Remember that Car & Driver achieved 0-60 in 6.7 seconds in the RX400h - fast enough to out-accelerate a Porsche Cayenne S! As you have found out, the RX is heavily front-biased when it comes to drive traction. Hang onto that steering wheel when stomping on the gas pedal!

Dave

[Jim Clark]

I never felt like I would lose control, and as I said, I didn't let up. It was just a momentary bit of slippage but it surprised me a little. I knew it would never be anything close to the Audi in handling but I am surprised that it compares favorably in the power dept. The Audi Quattro AWD system, which is as good as it gets, steals a LOT of crank HP.

I'll have to give it a real test the next time we get some slippery stuff. It's the wife's car (I'm jealous) and she drives like a little old lady so it should be fine.

Good size 4000 lb SUV with plenty of power, 27 mpg, super low emissions, really nice ride, and great creature comforts.....that's a winning combination!