The Lexus RX 400h was introduced in 2005 as the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle.
Lexus unveiled the RX 400h before its full market rollout, including a public appearance in 2004, which can create confusion about the answer. The model went on sale in 2005, and that launch year is the standard answer to the question asking when it was introduced.
The RX 400h combined a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Its system used electric motor-generators to improve acceleration, fuel economy, and emissions, while the all-wheel-drive version added an electric motor for the rear axle without requiring a conventional driveshaft.
The RX 400h helped establish hybrids in the premium SUV market. It was followed by Lexus models such as the GS 450h, introduced in 2006. Another frequent mix-up is calling the RX 400h a 2006 model in North America: some vehicle references identify its model year that way, but its introduction and launch were in 2005.