The growing hybrid market has caught the attention of luxury car-makers. Eager to attract the well-heeled and environmentally conscious, Lexus has introduced the 2006 RX 400h, its latest iteration of the popular RX lineup.

The RX 400h shares its platform and much of its equipment with the considerably less expensive family-oriented Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which we wrote about last week.

	Lexus The Lexus RX 400h, which shares much of its equipment with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, costs between $44,660 and $46,060. Click photo for larger image.

Although the cars are similar, the price difference between the two is considerable: about $10,000, with base prices for the Highlander Hybrid between $33,030 and $39,290, and the Lexus RX 400h costing $44,660 to $46,060.

Moreover, the powertrain is the same for the two cars. Both are powered by the combination of a 3.3-liter, 268-horsepower engine that has the supplementary electrical equipment that is part of a hybrid system. Fuel economy? 31/27 for both.

Since they are so similar, it begs the question: Is it worth the extra money to get the Lexus?

With the Lexus RX 400h you get Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, which basically means that the car tries to anticipate problems or instability on the road and makes the necessary corrections to keep you out of trouble.

Although you can get leather seats and much of the equipment available on the Lexus on the Highlander as well, there is a definite sense of upgrade with the Lexus. The interior leather feels even softer, and it's clear that there's been additional sound insulation on the Lexus that you won't get on the Highlander, which is a supremely quiet automobile.

Unlike the Highlander, you will not be able to get two-wheel drive on the Lexus model. It only comes in all-wheel drive.

And if you carry plenty of passengers, the Highlander comes with third-row seating while the RX 400h does not.

But you will find that the RX 400h is tuned for performance driving. The suspension package is much tighter than what you get on the Highlander, and the Lexus has tighter cornering and flatter handling. All in all, it's more fun to drive than the Highlander.

Bigger tires on the RX 400h make a lot of difference as well, although I think that for many people, including myself, the pleasant handling of the Highlander Hybrid would do just fine in most circumstances.

Inside, the controls on the RX 400h are logically placed and easy to use. When you turn this car on, keep your eye on the gauge that flashes "ready" when the car's system is engaged and you can drive off. If you're not paying attention, you might waste a few minutes because you didn't notice the indicator light. The same is true for the Highlander.

The Lexus has plenty of cargo room. The rear bench seat lowers easily with a flick of two switches mounted on the back of the seat.

Standard equipment is generous, including stability and traction control, second-row seats that slide and recline, a power rear hatch, moon roof, a DVD navigation system, xenon headlights that turn slightly with the car, 18 inch alloy wheels and more.

Problems? Visibility. The design of the roof line and the fatness of the pillars posed a problem in parking and seeing to each side, despite the presence of a rear view system on the navigation screen that allows you to see what is behind the car.

Consumers at online chat rooms agree that visibility is an issue and suggest that there be a sensor system in the front of the car as well.

And while they generally like the RX 400h, the consumers in the chat rooms had a few issues with the car: lack of a variable setting for the windshield wipers, uncomfortable seats and insufficient storage for cell phones, etc.

---

Lexus RX400h

Price: $44,660
Engine: 3.3-L, 268-hp. V-6 with electric motors
Mileage: 33/28
Basic warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Maximum cargo capacity: 85 cu. ft.

---

2006 Highlander Hybrid

Price: $33,635 to $35,035
Engine: 3.3-L., 268-hp., V-6 gas engine combined with electric motors
Mileage: 33/28 for two-wheel drive, 31/27 for all-wheel drive
Basic warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
Traction control: standard
Stability control: standard
Side air bags: dual front
Max. cargo capacity: 81 cu. ft.

---

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

Price: $26,900
Engine: 2.3-L., 155-hp. 4-cyl.
Mileage: 36/31
Basic warranty: 3 years/ 36,000 miles
Traction control: none
Stability control: none
Side air bags: dual front is optional
Maximum cargo capacity: 66 cu. ft.