2006 Lexus RX Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewIn the late nineties, Lexus had pioneered this once unique crossover between a luxury sedan and SUV. Dubbed by critics as a "suburban utility vehicle," it was clear the RX was intended as more of an on-road people mover than a true off-road all condition 4x4. Throughout its run, the RX was available with front wheel drive or full time AWD. Over the course of eight years, the body style (built off the Camry/ES series platform) had changed little, but gas engines had slowly been upgraded from a 3.0 to a 3.5 liter V-6. The arrival of the gas/electric hybrid was the most significant change that the RX had seen.
The new RX 400h featured a 3.3 liter V-6 engine working in tandem with three electric motor generators. This provided a surprising 268 horsepower, which exceeded the latest RX 330 by 38. This was a first in hybrid technology, where both performance and fuel efficiency were improved. The hybrid RX boasts impressive gas mileage figures for an SUV, at 33 in the city and 28 on the highway. Other unique technologies include the regenerative braking system to maximize efficiency with the electric motor, as it saves and converts power while the vehicle is braking.
The RX series is still the entry level Lexus SUV, so the base models can be a bit stripped. However, because the RX 400h is the top of the line RX, many optional features on the 330 are standard here. The price tag reflects that. Leather interior trim, a roof rack, a one-touch moonroof, a DVD capable navigation system with rear backup camera, a six-disc CD changer, xenon headlamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels are all standard.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Michael V
Oct 14, 2024
Focus on dashboard damage above glove box when reviewing photos. Common defect with this model.Oct 14, 2024
by Elly N
Sep 02, 2023
It look like its a car that saves you $ on gas. I would like it to have a more updated viewing panel for navigation and also Bluetooth for music not only for phone calls. Compared to other cars this car offers the most comfortable seats with great adjustability and adjustability on the steering wheel too. The all leather interior, good armrest and good seating position and the great gas saving puts this car above others in this price range. Once you buy a Lexus (which I did in the past) you cant go back! :)Sep 02, 2023
by Paul D
Oct 18, 2022
A MPG estimate would help . Its what people are looking at in a vehicle with oil companies raping us at the pump. Oct 18, 2022
User rating:
by Michael V
Oct 14, 2024
Focus on dashboard damage above glove box when reviewing photos. Common defect with this model.Oct 14, 2024
by Elly N
Sep 02, 2023
It look like its a car that saves you $ on gas. I would like it to have a more updated viewing panel for navigation and also Bluetooth for music not only for phone calls. Compared to other cars this car offers the most comfortable seats with great adjustability and adjustability on the steering wheel too. The all leather interior, good armrest and good seating position and the great gas saving puts this car above others in this price range. Once you buy a Lexus (which I did in the past) you cant go back! :)Sep 02, 2023
by Paul D
Oct 18, 2022
A MPG estimate would help . Its what people are looking at in a vehicle with oil companies raping us at the pump. Oct 18, 2022
by John D
May 28, 2022
Amazing vehicle, smooth and handles well. very comfortable..strange to say but a. much better vehicle that our third generation Rx350. which was made for older drivers. different driving dynamics and easier to drive. May 28, 2022
by Linda B
Feb 17, 2022
Love all the features it has! It is a very comfortable quiet ride. Wonderful gas mileage! Feb 17, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 22, 2021
From what I can tell they are very good vehicles. Several of my friends have them.Sep 22, 2021
by Aranis C
Jul 29, 2021
I love this car! Looking to buy the exact same one, no issues and gas saver! Most expensive repair has been The Radiator and that’s because the Mechanic ripped me off, I shoudlve paid less. I recomend to anyone with kids, an independent business owner, you can fit a whole office in thw back! Jul 29, 2021
by Donnie A
Dec 17, 2020
Amazing car and dealer, they even went above and beyond and delivered my car. Thank you. Only missing is the cargo retractable cover in the back.Dec 17, 2020
by Jeff N
Oct 14, 2020
Heavy rust in the drivers side front quarter panel that does not show on pictures. Rust all the way through body. Reviewed web pictures the second time and I still dont see the rust which is easily apparent in person????Oct 14, 2020
by Anonymous
Oct 14, 2014
This Lexus RX400h is quiet, smooth and handles like a dream This is my second RX and they just keep going. On top of that, this car is in good shape and is a nice color. It also has all the goodies. Enjoy!Oct 14, 2014
by Darrell B
Sep 07, 2014
Car is well worth the money. With 138,000 miles the only unscheduled maintenance that had to be performed was replacement of the radiator. Not getting the mileage that was posted for the car aside, this SUV has been well worth the cost. I plan on getting at least another 100k on it before I think about getting rid of it.Sep 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 15, 2014
Love the space and the handling. Not crazy about the maintenance costs. We've been through a lot already and we haven't even hit 70,000 miles. Seems like the 2006 model has several glitches (dashboard anyone?) that cross over between the Lexus and Toyota brand. Not sure if I'd buy another one.Aug 15, 2014
by Francis D
Aug 11, 2014
Great to drive in. The Rx feels like a sedan more than an SUV (Which is a good thing!) easy to move around in traffic. Great fuel economy avg. about 28 Mpg. The rear quarter window noise is my only complain about this car.Aug 11, 2014
by Heidi H
Mar 30, 2014
I love this car. If you have ever owned a Lexus you know what I'm talking about. If it seated 7 I wouldn't sell it. It has a ton of room. The back seats can be reclined a bit for a very comfortable ride. I have had many compliments by friends who have sat in the back. Kids fall asleep easy!Mar 30, 2014
by Denise H
Mar 05, 2014
Hybrid is more expensive to maintain the Hybrid components. Runs on regular unleaded. average 25 MPG. Body, moldings, buttons etc all hold up excellent. If you don't mind the extra cost to maintain Hybrid systems than its a spectacular car!Mar 05, 2014
by Elise D
Aug 30, 2013
The light tan interior is better than black with kids but the floormats were so quick to stain that I had to invest in Lexus all-weather mats after one season. The all-weather mats are amazing, though. Love the heated front seats in the winter and, especially, the heated sideview mirrors (takes the cursing out of snow and slush obscuring them in every snowstorm).Aug 30, 2013
by Kevin P
Jan 21, 2013
fast for a hybrid. brakes well, tight steering. spent thousands in replacing repairing it- lexus dealership. decent looking
should get more used to do better in mpg better than the non hybrid probably not worth the extra money in price we paid. somtimes we will get in 30's . good famly car lots of room for everybody and cargoJan 21, 2013
by Tim S
Oct 10, 2012
This vehicle is designed very well-mine has the Levinson sound system-a must!
The navigation is easy to use, and the rest of the controls are arranged nicely.....My Dad, who does not walk well can get himself into this vehicle too!
It will accomodate children, as well as everything from the store...
If you are a little careful, you can get very good mileage-use premium fuel though....Oct 10, 2012
by Eitan R
Dec 16, 2011
Performance: The RX Hybrid accelerates with authority. While at times the
hybrid power train takes a moment to respond, occupants are firmly
shoved into their seat backs whenever the pedal is mashed. Brakes are a
little spongy, but not bad at all for a hybrid, and stopping distance is well
above average. It IS a Lexus, after all, and it wasn't designed to corner
quickly - and corner quickly it does not. The luxury-tuned suspension
makes for body lean through corners, no matter the speed. The ride is
supremely comfortable, though.
Build Quality: Being a Lexus, materials and general quality is top-notch
throughout. Everything is tightly screwed together and in great working
order, even 71K miles after it rolled off the line.
Appearance: Lexus did an admirable job styling the RX. It has a sort of
elegant demeanor, and elements of its design do a lot to hide its heft. At
first glance, it appears smaller than it actually is. The interior is very nicely
done as well, with generous applications of wood trim throughout, and a
modern-looking center stack.
Cost of Ownership: At the dealership you'll be presented with eye-
popping bills whenever the car is brought in for service. Your average oil
change, tire rotation, brake inspection, etc. can run a whopping $150. The
service level is fantastic though - you certainly do get what you pay for.
Fun Factor: Well, we're talking about a midsize luxury crossover here, so
fun is relative. Personally, I like driving the RX, but I wouldn't call it "fun".
"Pleasant," I think, would do it justice.Dec 16, 2011
by Mark D
Jul 28, 2011
Car has alot of torque off of the line. We have owned it for over 6 years now and it has a little over 70,000 miles. It is a great car to own. Now with a child and two labradors we usually travel in the larger car.Jul 28, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2011
I love this car for a family car, lots of space in the back and in the trunk. Smooth ride, great on gas, very sleek. The only downside is the maintenance costs are high, but that's the price you pay for a luxury car.Jul 19, 2011
by William M
Mar 21, 2011
I like the versatility of the car, can carry cargo, people.and have all the things you need
good in gas too, average about 27 miles on city &
Hwy.Luxury inside have good ride too.Like to pass the gas stations when gas is almost $4.00.Mar 21, 2011
by Davar R
Jan 20, 2011
good car, and the relative cheap and relatively high equipment already by default, if you compare with other cars that everything must be ordered separately.
pleasant to drive, quiet, strong and fast
I would like to recommend this type of car to my friends
Jan 20, 2011
by Brendan D
Jul 08, 2008
Luv it loads, and loads and loads and loads and loads,did I say I liked it
X5 go away get some class at last
LUVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV it
12 characters remaning Jul 08, 2008
by Jon L
Jun 13, 2008
Drive it & u will believe it... otherwise, u will waste your times, :P...Jun 13, 2008
by Jonathan D
Apr 05, 2008
this SUV drives more like a car. It is easy to get in and out of. has great head and leg room. Apr 05, 2008
by Denny H
Mar 25, 2008
Solid, well built vehicle. I've had it for 1.5 years and haven't gotten tired of it (usually only takes a year for that to happen).Mar 25, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 11, 2007
The navigation system is poorly designed and practically worthless for long trips. Stopping to input information is not practical when you have a lot of miles to travel each day.Sep 11, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Lexus RX Hybrid?Compare this car
2006 Lexus RX Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$45,355 to $46,755Price range
$6,309 to $7,403Average price on CG
$6,332YoY price change
$6,524 to $6,332Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: storage organizer
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 165 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 123 · Electric Motor Torque: 247 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 208 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5600 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 212 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 165 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 123 · Electric Motor Torque: 247 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 208 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5600 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 212 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent