Is the Lexus RX 400h all-wheel-drive?
Yes. The Lexus RX 400h is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system as part of its Hybrid Synergy Drive, using a rear electric motor to drive the rear axle and deliver AWD as needed. This makes it an all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV rather than a conventional gas-only AWD model.
Launched in 2005 and produced through 2009, the RX 400h pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors on both the front and rear axles. The system is designed to provide traction on wet or slippery surfaces and to assist during acceleration, while also offering limited electric-only operation at low speeds. It represents Lexus’s early push into hybrid AWD tech and laid groundwork for later all-wheel-drive hybrids in the brand’s lineup.
How the hybrid AWD system works
Key features that define how the RX 400h delivers all-wheel drive:
- The gas engine primarily powers the front wheels, with an electric motor on the front transaxle contributing to drive and efficiency.
- A second electric motor on the rear axle powers the rear wheels, enabling all-wheel drive when traction is needed.
- The system continuously monitors wheel spin and road conditions to distribute torque electronically between the front and rear axles.
- EV (electric-vehicle) mode allows limited electric-only driving at low speeds, aided by the battery pack.
- There is no traditional mechanical transfer case; the AWD is achieved through electric motors and hybrid control software.
In practice, this arrangement provides smoother, more adaptable traction compared with many conventional SUVs of the era, while prioritizing efficiency. The rear motor engages automatically to improve grip during acceleration, cornering, and slippery conditions, and disengages when not needed to conserve energy.
Performance, economy and day-to-day use
When new, the RX 400h combined a V6 engine with electric motors to deliver a total output in the mid- to high-200s horsepower range. Official performance figures vary by model year and market, but owners typically report fast, smooth acceleration for a mid-size SUV and a drive feel that emphasizes refinement over raw sportiness. Real-world fuel economy is better than non-hybrid RX models of the same era, though results depend on driving style and conditions.
- Approximate combined output: around 268 horsepower (gas engine plus electric motors).
- 0–60 mph: typically in the low-to-mid 7-second range, depending on year and configuration.
- Fuel economy: generally better than traditional gas-only RX models of the period, with real-world results influenced by use of EV mode and driving style.
- Battery type: nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) pack, common for its era and technology.
As a first-generation hybrid SUV, the RX 400h emphasizes smooth, efficient operation over outright performance, with AWD highlighting traction and versatility rather than rugged off-road capability. The system is well-suited for daily driving and mixed conditions, but buyers should note the age of the platform and the potential costs associated with aging hybrid components.
What to know if you’re shopping for a used RX 400h
Because the RX 400h was produced more than a decade ago, prospective buyers should approach with careful due diligence. The battery and hybrid components require particular attention, and parts availability can vary by region. Below is a quick checklist of considerations for used-market buyers:
- Check battery health and battery-software updates; NiMH packs can lose capacity over time and replacement costs can be significant.
- Inspect the hybrid system’s service history, especially any recalls or firmware updates related to the AWD/Hybrid components.
- Test AWD functionality by performing a controlled drive on slippery or uneven surfaces to observe smoothness and any warning indicators.
- Evaluate ancillary systems that age with a luxury SUV (lighting, climate control, sensors) for reliability and maintenance history.
- Be aware of typical maintenance costs for older hybrid models and verify the availability of qualified technicians in your area.
In short, a well-maintained RX 400h can still offer practical AWD performance and efficient driving for today's use, but buyers should budget for potential battery-related and age-related repairs.
Summary
Bottom line: The Lexus RX 400h is indeed all-wheel-drive, delivered through a hybrid system that uses a rear electric motor to drive the rear axle and enhance traction. It represents Lexus’s early approach to combining hybrid efficiency with AWD capability, offering smooth, versatile driving for everyday conditions while aging with the era’s technology. For prospective buyers, careful evaluation of battery health and overall system reliability is essential in a used example.
What is the most common problem with the Lexus RX 400h?
Top 10 Common Problems in Lexus RX 400h and How to Fix Them
- Brake Actuator Malfunction.
- Cooling System Issues.
- Transmission (CVT) Problems.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensors.
- 12V Auxiliary Battery Problems.
- Dashboard Melting (Cosmetic Issue)
- Water Leaks in Rear Hatch or Sunroof.
- Suspension Wear and Noises.
Are all Lexus 400h AWD?
Front-wheel drive is standard on the RX 400h, but four-wheel drive is available.
Is the 2008 Lexus RX 400h all-wheel drive?
It does have all wheel drive, but the hybrid system drives the rear wheels with electric power, while the front wheels get driven by a combination of gas engine and electric motor.
How do I know if my Lexus is AWD?
You can tell if your Lexus is AWD by checking under the car for a rear differential and driveshaft, using its VIN, or looking for a dashboard AWD warning light. An easy visual check is to look underneath the rear of the vehicle; if you see a differential with a driveshaft running to the rear axle, your car has AWD.
Method 1: Visual inspection (under the car)
- Look for the rear differential: This is a pumpkin-sized part located in the middle of the two rear wheels.
- Look for the driveshaft: A metal rod should run from the differential to the front of the car.
- If you see both: The car has the hardware to send power to the rear wheels, meaning it is at least AWD. For many Lexus models, this means it is an AWD system.
Method 2: Use the VIN
- Find the VIN: It's on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
- Use a VIN decoder: Enter the VIN into an online decoder like the one provided by the NHTSA to get detailed information, including the drivetrain.
- Contact Lexus: Provide the VIN to a Lexus dealer, and they can tell you for sure.
Method 3: Check the dashboard
- Look for the AWD warning light: When you start the car, the dashboard lights should all turn on briefly. Watch for an AWD light that looks like an axle with four wheels, as described on Reddit.
- Check for a lock mode button: Some AWD models have a button labeled "AWD" or "Lock" that, when pressed, sends maximum torque to the rear wheels in slippery conditions, as shown in this YouTube video. This button is not present on front-wheel-drive vehicles.
