2004 Lexus RX 330 Review

Buyers of luxury sport-utility vehicle are getting more demanding as the number of entries escalates in the luxury sport-ute market. Lexus thus has increased the size, power, room and safety of its new RX 330 sport-utility, which is an early 2004 model.

Lexus had to be careful with this second-generation "RX'' because the RX 300 has been the top-selling Lexus since its first full year of production--and the best-selling model in its market segment.

The car-based RX 300 debuted in March 1998 with a 3-liter V-8 as a pioneer "crossover'' vehicle because it was built on a modified Lexus car platform (basic mechanical stuff under the body). That practice continues, with the RX 330 based on the platform of the smooth Lexus ES 300 sedan, which was revamped for 2002.

The RX 330 is in good company because rivals include the Acura MDX, BMW X5 3.0i, new Chrysler Pacifica, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and new Volvo XC90.

Despite major improvements, base prices of the RX 330 are slightly lower than those of its predecessor. The front-drive model is priced at $35,025. The price rises to $36,425 for the version with a simpler, lighter all-wheel-drive system, which doesn't have low-range gearing for serious off-road driving.

The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) has grown 3.9 inches for more room and a smoother ride. The RX 330 also is 5.9 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider, while height has grown by nearly half an inch. Weight is up about 140 pounds to 3,860 pounds for the front drive model and to 4,065 pounds for the all-wheel-drive version. Cargo capacity has been increased 6.1 cubic feet.

The more rigidly built new RX model looks bulkier--especially from the rear--and feels larger and heavier, although its exterior dimensions and weight haven't increased all that much.

The RX 330 still drives like a car-based "crossover'' sport-ute, with quick steering, a firm-but-supple ride and good handling, especially with an optional height-adjustable air suspension and larger tires. The brake pedal has a reassuring feel, and standard anti-lock brakes do a good job with their brake-assist feature.

Both RX 330 versions have a standard Vehicle Stability Control system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while zipping through curves.

As indicated by the "330'' designation, the new RX V-6 engine has been enlarged from 3 liters to 3.3 liters, with 10 more horspower and greater torque. It's a smooth operator, providing 230 horsepower and strong acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds.)

But the new five-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a four-speed unit, often results in lazy engine response during full-throttle downshifts--making the RX 330 more suited for casual than sporty driving.

Estimated fuel economy is acceptable: 20 mpg in the city and 26 on highways with front drive, and 18 and 24 with all-wheel drive. Lexus says owners can use 87-octane fuel, but recommends 91 octane.

The new "RX'' is well equipped, although it offers many alluring, but often pricey, stand-alone options and option packages.

For example, there's an $1,840 rear-seat entertainment system, $2,350 navigation system with a rearview camera that gives the driver a look at out-of-view objects when backing up, and a $600 Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which keeps the RX 330 a pre-set distance from vehicles ahead.

Occupants sit high, although driver rear vision is hurt by thick rear roof pillars and a rather narrow tailgate window. There are oversized outside door handles, but it calls for a little extra effort to get in and out.

The quiet interior is luxurious, with a good amount of storage areas. Easily read backlit gauges and large controls reside in the dashboard, which has an unusually long top. Front seats are especially supportive. The front center console slides forward to increase leg room for the middle rider in the back seat, but the center of the rear seat is too hard for comfort on longer trips.

There's plenty of room for four tall adults. The rear-seat area is impressive, and back seats slide fore and aft about five inches. Adjustable rear seatbacks can be folded in 40-20-40 segments.

The reclining rear seatbacks are hard to adjust while seated, but significantly enlarge the cargo area when flipped forward. The power tailgate is expected to be popular and can be controlled with the standard remote entry system.

No third-row seat is offered because Lexus says most RX 330 buyers don't need it.

Safety features include multi-stage air bags for the driver and front passenger, a new knee air bag for the driver and a new kind of large side air bag in the front seats that covers the torso, abdomen and pelvis. Side curtain air bags help provide air protection for front and rear occupants.

The $1,215 Lexus Link emergency and roadside assistance system combines satellite and cellular phone technology to connect RX 330 occupants with Lexus personnel at the press of a button, or automatically in certain emergency situations.

Lexus options require heavy-duty financing

Pull out your heavy duty checkbook for option packages on the 2004 Lexus.

They include the $2,145 Premium Package with a leather interior (the RX 330 almost demands it), power tilt-telescoping steering wheel and power sunroof.

There's also a $3,440 Premium Plus package with such items as a new power rear hatch. And then there's the (gulp!) $6,770 Navigation System/Mark Levinson package; it includes the Premum Plus package, upscale Mark Levinson audio system and a navigation system with rearview camera. The dashboard navigaton screen doubles as the rear-vision monitor when the RX 330 is in reverse gear.

And let's not overlook the $5,445 Performance package, which has a height-adjustable air suspension for enhanced handling and smoother ride, larger (18-inch vs. newly standard 17-inch) wheels and Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL) system, which swivels headlights so a driver can see further into a curve. The last car to have such a lighting feature for the U.S. market was the well-publicized but ill-fated 1940s Tucker.

Feel tapped out by looking at those option prices? Then just get the 18-inch wheels for better handling. They come with a full-size spare tire and only cost $215.

My test RX 330 had the Premium package and $665 multi-stage heated front seats, which were a blessing on cold mornings.


2004 LEXUS RX 330
Prices:
$35,025-$36,425

LIKES:
Typically high Lexus quality. Roomy. Posh. Fast.


DISLIKES:
Occasionally lazy transmission response. Bulky rear look. Desirable, but costly, options. No third seat.