2004 Lexus RX 330: Road Test
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2004 Lexus RX 330 ▼
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- MSRP: $35,275 -$36,675
- Invoice: $31,216 -$32,455
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Our road test for the 2004 Lexus RX 330 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Lexus RX 330 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Lexus RX 330, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Lexus RX 330 help you decide if a 2004 Lexus RX 330 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Test 2WD model did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph, expect about the same with AWD. Automatic transmission always smooth, responsive. RXs with air suspension get manual shift gate that's useful in some situations. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.3 |
Test 2WD averaged 14.2 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Test AWD averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a near-luxury sedan. Hardly any rough-surface thump, regardless of tire size. Air-suspension option offers no detectable comfort advantage.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Still not car-agile, but reasonably nimble and more pleasant than any truck-type SUV. Again, air suspension has little apparent benefit. Steering slightly numb on-center, but cornering lean modest, grip secure, helped by standard antiskid/traction control. Braking strong, but pedal feel slightly mushy in one test example.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Engine always quiet, refined. Pleasingly low overall noise levels approach those of some near-luxury cars. The regular sunroof doesn't generate much turbulence or noise even when fully open at 70 mph, but the multipanel sunroof produces more of both.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 6 |
Exemplary cabin materials and workmanship as expected of Lexus. Ditto large, legible gauges. Center dashboard area looks busy and a few switches require searching, but most controls handy, intuitive. Optional navigation system absorbs some climate functions. It isn't too tough to figure out, but its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Seats shaped and padded for long-haul comfort; optional heated seats now offer variable temperature control. Good basic driving stance with ample adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship. Step-in a bit high, but livable; air suspension's "access" mode drops vehicle 1.2 inches from normal height setting for easier entry/exit. Bulky rear-roof pillars, narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Adults in outboard positions have ample head room and foot space, and, with rear bench slid fully aft, generous leg room even behind tall front-seaters. Middle adult slightly squeezed on harder, higher cushion with little leg space. Reclining rear backrests hard to adjust while seated. Entry/exit OK despite narrowish floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and head restraints in place, but don't lay quite flat. Class-competitive load volume, seats up or down, but limited height, sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-items storage includes nifty sliding front-console bin, cubby in rear center armrest, two full-width covered wells under cargo floor. Power liftgate has its uses, plus child-friendly "pinch protection" sensors; it works from switches on gate, dashboard, or remote keyfob. Standard 115-volt 2-prong outlet behind rear seat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5.6 |
The RX is Lexus' best-selling model and this second-generation version is quieter and a bit roomier than the original, while being even more solid, luxurious, and comfortable. We're dubious about some of its new gadgets, especially the air suspension. That aside, the RX 330 is the same Best Buy winner its much-copied predecessor was with typical Lexus high resale values and kid-gloves customer service icing the cake.
Total Score
| 2WD Base | AWD w/nav. sys., air susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 69 | 57.8 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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