DecodedCars2008 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 350 4dr SUV AWD, 400h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 208–270 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 27 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 186.2–187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,090–4,367 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 270 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2008 models.
- Many owner complaints151 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Lexus RX is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.3L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,090 lb (350 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (27 city / 24 highway), 32% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 RX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 RX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka · Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 RX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 4dr SUV AWD | 186.2 in | 72.8 in | 68.5 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 60.2 in | 4,090 lb | 57/43 |
| 400h 4dr SUV AWD | 187.4 in | 72.8 in | 68.5 in | 106.7 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 4,367 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 400h 2WD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 24 / 25 | +32% | $3,300 | 355 |
| RX 400h 4WD Hybrid | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 24 / 25 | +44% | $3,300 | 355 |
| RX 350 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| RX 350 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| RX 350 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +9% | $4,350 | 468 |
| RX 350 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +9% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lexus RX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lexus RX (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 BMW X3 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Volvo XC90 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus GX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Sep 4, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V396000 · 133,081 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
- Risk
- The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Not every 2008 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 27 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 103,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lexus RX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 24 |
| 2024 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 61 |
| 2023 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2022 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 39 |
| 2021 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 71 |
| 2020 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2018 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2017 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 103 |
| 2016 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 93 |
| 2015 RX | 29 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 67 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →