How much horsepower does a Lexus 400h hybrid have?
The RX 400h hybrid delivers a combined 268 horsepower. This figure comes from blending a gasoline 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors to power the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Launched in the mid-2000s as one of Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid SUVs, the RX 400h pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with electric traction motors to produce a total system output that sits between traditional gasoline SUVs and modern plug-in hybrids. The published horsepower refers to the entire hybrid system, not only the gasoline engine, and the precise balance between gas and electric power can shift based on drive mode, battery charge, and operating conditions.
Powertrain at a glance
Here are the core numbers that define the RX 400h’s hybrid powerplant.
- Gasoline engine: 3.3-liter V6 rated at about 208 horsepower.
- Electric motors: provide the remaining power to reach a combined total of 268 horsepower (the electric system contributes the balance, depending on mode and charge).
- Drivetrain and transmission: hybrid all‑wheel drive with an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) for smooth, seamless power delivery.
- General performance note: the hybrid system emphasizes responsive low‑end torque from the electric motors, while the gasoline engine contributes sustained power for higher speeds and highway driving.
Power output is a system-wide figure. The exact contribution from gasoline versus electric power can change with drive mode, battery state of charge, and external conditions, so real-world performance can vary slightly from the official rating.
Context and model-year notes
Model-year variations
Across its production span, the RX 400h maintained the same general hybrid architecture and a 268-horsepower combined rating. Some regional markets and model years may show small differences due to tuning, emissions standards, or testing methods, but the official combined horsepower remained around 268 hp for the RX 400h lineage.
Why horsepower matters for a hybrid SUV
In a hybrid SUV like the RX 400h, horsepower is only part of the story. The electric motors deliver immediate torque, which helps with brisk starts and confident acceleration at lower speeds, while the gasoline engine provides sustained power for higher-speed driving. The hybrid system also prioritizes efficiency and smoothing power delivery, so buyers experience a calm, steadier rush rather than a high-revving gasoline-only feel. For practical purposes, the 268-horsepower combined rating signals that the RX 400h was competitive within its segment when new, balancing performance with fuel economy and lower emissions.
Summary
The Lexus RX 400h combines a 208-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors to deliver a total of 268 horsepower from its hybrid system. This setup offers a balance of responsive acceleration and efficiency for a mid-2000s hybrid SUV, with performance shaped by drive mode, battery charge, and road conditions. For prospective buyers or collectors, the key takeaway is that the published 268 hp reflects the full hybrid power package, not just the gasoline engine.
