Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h vs ?? Comparisons
69 messages, Last post on Apr 21, 2007 at 10:43 PM
You are in the Lexus RX 400h Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
Tell us what you think of the Lexus RX 400h vs the competition! What might make you choose the Lexus over a competitor's offering.
|
|
|
|
|
Recognizing that everyone has their own personal view on what the 400h should be compared to, I offer the list I considered. Volvo XC90, T6(268hp), ~$47k, 15mpg Infiniti FX35, V6(280hp), ~$40k, 18mpg BMW X5, 4.4L V8(315), ~$60k, 15mpg MB ML500, 5L V8(288), ~$55k, 15mpg Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid(268hp), $51k, 25mpg (my expectation) I selected the 400h based on a combination features/benefits 1. Performance/economy combined value (good acceleration, braking, handling & mileage) 2. Size/Functionality of interior spaces (Big dogs, bikes, etc.) 2. Expected reliability (I just had a tough experience with the ML430) 3. Comfort and convenience (luxury refinement, controls, bluetooth, etc.) 4. Safety (crash tests, stability control, air bags) 5. Total cost to own (depreciation, maintenance & repairs, mileage, insurance) It sure is a complicated and personal decision. I am curious to hear what vehicles other people considered.
|
|
|
Replying to: frenchorne (May 05, 2005 6:25 pm) The RX actually accelerates faster than the Lexus claim...apparently 6.9, according to Automobile magazine...and that's with a few tests...performance almost matches the other vehicles... Also good to note...the ML500 V8 is closer to 60k when loaded...same specs and horrible mileage...also uses premium...in fact, most of all you mentioned use premium gas... I'm still looking for my 25 mpg goal...sitting on 22.9 now...up from 22.5 a few days ago...I don't see getting to 25 and I'm coasting all I can!...argh!!!! Headless
|
|
|
Replying to: frenchorne (May 05, 2005 6:25 pm) Top-of-the-line 7-passenger model (5+2) has navigation, 9" DVD, 250hp H6 engine, preliminary MPG 18/24, and an MSRP around $38k. It's quicker than X5, same ground clearance as X5 but with lower center of gravity. Subaru's had excellent safety ratings and reliability, and recently surpassed Lexus to become Consumer Reports' top-quality brand. Will lack a few high-end lux features like memory seats, but has upscale touches like electroluminescent gauges and ambient lighting. Won't carry the Lexus prestige, but it's no slouch and should be an excellent value, undercutting a similarly equipped RX330 by $10k+. Subaru's site: www.b9tribeca.com Motor Trend first drive: http://motortrend.com/roadtests/wagon/112_0503_fs_tribeca/index.html And for those with environmental concerns (since this IS a hybrid forum), here's a bit about the Subaru plant in Indiana where B9 Tribeca is built: * 1998: first automobile plant in the United States to be certified to meet the standards of ISO 14001. ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted set of environmental standards. * 2002: nation's first auto plant to have an onsite system that recover solvents used in the production of automobiles. * 2003: first auto plant to receive designation by the National Wildlife Federation as a backyard wildlife habitat. * 2004: first auto plant to not send any waste to a landfill. This plant recycles 98% of its waste and the remaining 2% is incinerated to produce energy for the City of Indianapolis. Subaru's H6 engine (used in B9 Tribeca) meets the world's strictest emission standard, Europe's benchmark STEP3... Not sure if that correlates to SULEV (super-ultra low), PZEV (partial-zero), or what. OK... I'm done. 
|
|
|
Replying to: jeffmc (May 05, 2005 8:58 pm) I test drove a Forester and one other...can't remember...anyway... I don't doubt Subaru's commitment to the offroad experience, but an upscale Subaru is like the VW Phaeton (sp?)...why build a premium car for a non-premium auto maker...can you imagine dropping 70k on a car and taking it in for service and being given a Bug as a loaner...no red carpet service like at Lexus, Infiniti, etc...this is the reason, I believe, why the Phaeton is not selling well...they should've put an Audi logo on it...would be doing a lot better...I'm not trying to diminish the quality of Subaru, but if you're going to enter the $40k+ terrority, it's nice to have a background of high end products to support claims...Subaru doesn't... Headless
|
|
|
Replying to: jeffmc (May 05, 2005 8:58 pm) Interesting points. I wonder if the RX400h could be built in this country. The hybrids are much more polluting in the manufacturing process according to Toyota. Maybe that is why they are not going to build a Prius plant here, but in China.
|
|
|
Replying to: headless (May 05, 2005 9:47 pm) In many countries, Subaru is seen in a very sporting image... sort of an entry-level BMW. That hasn't been the case in the U.S. You're right, Lexus does have the advantage in creating "premiumness" in that they don't sell any lower-end models... that's what Toyota's for. Toyota didn't have the background of high-end products until they created Lexus to do just that. Subaru isn't a large enough of an automaker to create a spin-off brand and separate dealerships... and I don't think they're trying to compete directly with Lexus, more like Saab, Volvo, and entry-level Bimmers, or slot in between Toyota and Lexus. They are looking to build a progressive, high-quality & high-value, driver-oriented vehicle, not a luxury vehicle. That's a big difference between Phaeton & B9 Tribeca... not to mention that the VW range would be from about $15k to $100k while Subaru's would be $15k to $40k. A Legacy as a loaner car for a B9 Tribeca owner is not exactly the same as a Bug (or even a Passat!) for a Phaeton owner. (For that matter, a Lexus owner isn't going to get a rusty, bright-yellow 1973 Toyota pickup as a loaner, either). Your other point about VW (& Subaru) owners not receiving red-carpet service... that makes an especially big difference when you're in the service department often like recent VW owners. Subaru and Lexus owners (among others) have not had to visit their service departments often, red carpet treatment or not. Your points are valid and well-taken, Headless. Yes Lexus as a whole is more premium. I agree Subaru has a big uphill battle, I'm just throwing the B9 Tribeca out there as an affordable alternative to an RX 400h that still has quality materials, build, handling and reliability. If you're curious about how far they've come, take a look. Even Lexus had to get its big break sometime.
|
|
|
Replying to: gagrice (May 05, 2005 10:00 pm) |
|
|
Replying to: jeffmc (May 05, 2005 11:30 pm) |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: jeffmc (May 05, 2005 8:58 pm) I am curious to see the Tribeca, but I don't believe the Subaru image will allow it to compete with the Luxury brands. Perhaps Subaru should consider introducing it's own Luxury brand (like everyone else). They certainly have earned the right to try it. I also think hybrid technology would be an excellent fit for Subaru. I've always thought they appealed to the "green" community with a rugged, economical, wild, "outdoors" image. |
|
You are here:
Forums
Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h vs ?? Comparisons
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2008 Lexus RX 400h
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
