2004-2008 Lexus RX 330: Road Test

Regular or hybrid, the RX combines pleasant, car-like manners with all the quiet comfort and luxury appointments expected of a Lexus. Performance is good either way. A test RX 330 with front-wheel drive clocked 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 8.9 sec; the heavier AWD version is little slower. Both benefit from a smooth, responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. The available air suspension includes a manual shift gate that's useful at midrange passing speeds and for climbing steep grades. A test RX 400h clocked 7.3 sec 0-60 mph and showed plenty of passing muscle once the CVT found the "right" ratio. The hybrid's fuel economy is no less impressive. We averaged 22.7 mpg despite mostly city driving and gas-eating acceleration tests. But similar use netted a disappointing 14.2 mpg for a test 2WD 330, and an AWD version managed just 20.6 with mostly highway miles. Still, that's better mpg than most truck-based midsize SUVs deliver, though any RX requires premium fuel. Ride comfort is a plus. The 400h suspension is slightly stiffer than the 330's, but all models are generally absorbent and controlled-almost like premium cars. Little rough-surface thump occurs with either the 17- or 18-inch tires, but the air suspension makes little difference to ride or handling. Speaking of which, the RX is easy to drive. It's not for hustling along twisty roads, but it corners with only moderate body lean and sure grip. The standard traction/antiskid control adds peace of mind in bad weather. Strong braking performance also reassures, though some test models had slightly mushy pedal action. Quietness is a major asset, with low engine, wind and tire noise at most any speed and surface. Here, too, the RX is more luxury car than SUV. The interior further reinforces that impression with first-rate materials and workmanship, as expected of Lexus, plus room for five real grownups. The middle person in back suffers a harder, higher cushion and little leg space, especially if the sliding bench seat is moved forward, but other occupants enjoy stretch-out comfort. Step-in is a bit steep but livable. One benefit of the 330's optional air suspension is an "access" mode that lowers ride height 1.2 inches from normal to ease entry/exit-when stopped, of course. Drivers sit high in the saddle and have plenty of adjustments, but some may have trouble finding an agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship, and vision astern is hampered by bulky rear roof pillars and a fairly narrow liftgate window. Another demerit is the profusion of buttons and switches for the many comfort and convenience features. Most aren't tough to find or figure out, but they do take study. That's especially true on models with the navigation system. It not only absorbs some climate and audio functions, its touch screen easily shows fingerprints and washes out in some light conditions. In the hybrid, the screen can call up "energy monitor" and fuel-consumption displays that are useful, but can be distracting. The 400h also has an unhelpful "power meter" instead of a tachometer. As for utility, the RX offers middling load space for the class and can't carry tall or bulky cargo because of the stylishly sloped roofline and limited floor-to-ceiling height. At least the rear-seat sections fold in one easy motion with headrests in place, though they don't lay flat. The power tailgate found on most examples operates from switches on the gate, dashboard or remote keyfob and includes child-friendly "pinch protection" sensors. A 115-volt 2-prong outlet behind the rear seat is another thoughtful touch, as is the nifty sliding front console that contributes to bountiful small-items storage.

Value for the Money
The RX 300 spawned many imitators, some of which remain better dollar value in absolute terms. But like the original, the RX 330 and RX 400h quickly earned our Best Buy endorsement for their unexcelled blend of comfort, refinement, luxury, and workmanship. That naturally holds for used examples, which also benefit from Lexus' strong reputation for reliability, customer satisfaction, and kid-gloves service. Warranties are another asset, and portions should still be in force on these newer vehicles. Your best bet might be an "off lease" RX remarketed through Lexus dealers' certified pre-owned program. You may pay more than with a private sale, but you get a thoroughly inspected and serviced vehicle with a separate limited warranty-arguably the next best thing to buying new. Which version to choose? We'd pick an RX 330, front drive or AWD. The 400h boasts better acceleration and fuel economy, and its green high-tech may soothe the conscience now that record gas prices are making SUVs less socially acceptable. But as with any gasoline/electric, the hybrid drive adds cost and complexity that outweigh its benefits, in our opinion.