Is the Lexus 400h all-wheel-drive?
Yes. The Lexus 400h—often called the RX 400h in many markets—was built as a luxury hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive as a core feature. The system uses a gasoline engine plus electric motors to drive both axles, providing AWD traction as standard.
How the AWD hybrid system works
Here's how Lexus integrates power from both gasoline and electric sources to supply traction to all four wheels.
- The RX 400h pairs a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motors as part of Lexus Hybrid Drive.
- The front axle is primarily driven by the gasoline engine, with assistance from a front electric motor to optimize torque delivery.
- A separate rear electric motor powers the rear axle, enabling all-wheel drive without a traditional driveshaft to a rear differential in normal conditions.
- A planetary gear set and electronic control seamlessly distribute torque between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction in low- and high-traction situations.
- Regenerative braking charges the HV battery, helping maintain electric motor availability for AWD during everyday driving.
In daily use, the system prioritizes efficiency, but it automatically engages the rear electric motor to provide traction when needed, preserving performance while keeping fuel use down.
Model history and availability
Context on when the RX 400h was offered and how it fits into Lexus' hybrid lineup.
The RX 400h debuted in the mid-2000s and was produced roughly between model years 2006 and 2009. In North America and most other markets, AWD was standard on the RX 400h as part of the hybrid package. In 2010, Lexus relaunched the nameplate with the RX 450h, bringing a newer generation of the hybrid AWD system, and the RX lineup has continued to offer all-wheel-drive variants since.
Shopping notes for used RX 400h buyers
Before considering a used RX 400h, keep in mind these common questions and checks about the AWD system and hybrid components.
- Hybrid battery health: the NiMH pack can degrade over time and may require replacement, which affects AWD performance and range.
- Electrical and motor reliability: two electric motors power the front and rear axles; ensure there are no warning lights and that service history is available.
- Regenerative braking behavior: a well-maintained system should provide smooth deceleration and effective charging of the battery during braking.
- Overall drivetrain wear: as a used SUV, check for unusual tire wear or drivetrain noises that could indicate AWD system issues.
Prospective buyers should verify that the hybrid system has been serviced on schedule and that the battery's health and coolant systems are in good condition, as repairs can be costly.
Historical context and current relevance
The RX 400h represented Lexus’ early foray into a practical, all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV. While the model is no longer produced, its legacy continues in the RX 450h (and newer RX hybrid variants), which retain AWD as a central feature and build on the two-motor hybrid architecture introduced with the 400h.
Summary
Bottom line: yes—the Lexus 400h (RX 400h) featured all-wheel drive as a core attribute, delivered through a hybrid system that uses a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motors to power both axles. It established Lexus’s approach to AWD in a fuel-efficient package and paved the way for its successor hybrids in the RX lineup. For buyers today, the model lives on mainly in history and in the design language of current Lexus hybrid SUVs.
