The Lexus RX was created on the same platform (with modifications) as the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 350 sedans. This is important, because the RX has more in common with a good sedan than some truck-based utility vehicles.

The current Lexus RX models build on the style set by the original RX 300, then a zoomy design theme not seen on SUVs. Its shape is defined by radically raked, body-colored pillars at the four corners of the cabin, with window frames blacked out to blend into the ovoid shape of the side windows.

The raked-back front fascia and headlamps are reminiscent of the Lexus ES 330 sedan, and the gem-like high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights look like they mean business. The high-intensity headlamps also feature the Adaptive Front Lighting System, which uses an on-board processor to calculate the optimum angle to illuminate a turn then swivels the headlamp closest to the turn accordingly, allowing the driver to see better around corners. Given the high demand for these expensive light assemblies, Lexus has gone to some length to make them harder to steal.

The RX's beefy front bumper and pronounced fender flares are designed to suggest the rugged, off-pavement look some expect in an SUV. Its door handles are of the reach-through type, which are generally more hand-friendly than the fingertip pull-up type, with less opportunity to break long fingernails or snap away from your fingers when you're in a hurry.

Viewed from the rear, the RX reveals a visor-like spoiler over the top edge of its rear window, a short radio antenna at the right-rear corner of the roof (promising better reception in marginal areas than the also-included imbedded-in-glass type), and clear-lens tail lamps.

Subtle styling differences distinguish the RX 400h from the RX 350. Among them: a front bumper and grille designed to allow more air into the RX 400h engine bay for more cooling and tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. The RX 400h is available with the same 18-inch wheels and speed-rated tires offered on the RX 350, and it says something about the thinking behind the hybrid. Lexus could have used hard, low-grip tires that reduce rolling resistance and further improve fuel economy, but chose to enhance handling instead.

The 400h hybrid powertrain adds less than 300 pounds to the curb weight and that's an impressive engineering achievement, given the powerful motors and batteries. They're all placed low in the vehicle, so they don't substantially raise the center of gravity or affect handling. While the hybrid does give up two gallons of fuel capacity, its 17.2-gallon tank is still larger than that in most vehicles, and it loses none of the 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space available in the RX 350.

What's New for 2007: Minor tweaks to the RX 400h's appearance include a blue 400h badge on the rear liftgate, and 17-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment; 18-inch wheels are an option. On all models, the popular high-intensity discharge headlamps are offered as a stand-alone option ($815).