2005 Hybrid SUV Preview

"It's not just about being green or more fuel efficient," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "It's about offering the total package."

The RX400h will also be the first vehicle to have the upgraded Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system, an improved vehicle control system that will anticipate the onset of a skid or slide. Lexus estimates that the RX400h will generate about 270 horsepower, and that the EPA emissions rating will be SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle). The design of the RX400h will be very similar to the RX330, except for brushed aluminum interior highlights and a slightly styled nose. According to Clements, the RX400h should comprise 20% of the RX330 market. "We'll let the market decide," said Clements "But we know that dealers have already taken a huge number of orders for the RX400h."

The critical component to hybrid success remains price. If pricing is competitive with traditional internal combustion engines, popularity is likely assured. Even if there is a greater-than-the-tax-credit discrepancy in price, the profile for hybrids should still be raised; the hybrid choice will become a natural part of the car-buying process.

That itself is a big step. From two-seaters to SUVs, it's been a long time coming, but it looks like hybrid vehicle power has finally made it home.