takeshi

There are a number of companies that make aftermarket interfaces for factory radios with a couple of options mentioned above.  We went with the USA Spec BT45-TOY.

The dealer didn't say anything about this but I am reading about difficulty starting it if not used for a few days!

You need to consider the full situation of those making such statements. If properly cared for it won't have problems starting after a few days. There's something more to those situations that you're referencing. As always: always consider the source.

As with any vehicle, depends on a number of variables -- especially how one drives it. There's no way we can tell from your posts what you can reasonably expect as we know nothing about your typical driving style and conditions. Your best bet is to compare what you get real world versus sticker on your vehicles and extrapolate from that.

So I'm torn. Should I stay with what is familiar and continue to grit my teeth every time I refuel or should I leap into new age technology and cross my fingers? I don't know what to do. Please share your thoughts.

You need to decide based on your own needs/wants/priorities/etc and not on just polling random people (same as any other topic). I'd get the hybrid for the added power but my priorities don't seem to be in line with your own.

I think I ran across a solution that involved creating a group to sync. Didn't apply to me (iPhone can't transfer to the 08) so I'm not 100% certain that I'm recalling correctly.

There are aftermarket bluetooth kits. I have no idea which ones are compatible with the RX400h but most vehicle-specific products have a section on their site with application guides.

You could also connect an aftermarket aux in and connect a bluetooth audio gateway.

...and there's always replacing the head unit itself.

Manual says 87 but to use 91 if I want "higher performance" which I find kind of vague.