2006 Lexus RX: Road Test
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2006 Lexus RX ▼
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- MSRP: $36,370 -$46,060
- Invoice: $32,186 -$40,992
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Our road test for the 2006 Lexus RX includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Lexus RX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Lexus RX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Lexus RX help you decide if a 2006 Lexus RX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
Test 2WD RX 330 timed a class-competitive 8.9 sec 0-60 mph; heavier AWD will be a touch slower. Automatic transmission always smooth, responsive. Optional air suspension includes a manual shift gate that's useful in some situations. Test AWD RX 400h did 7.3 sec 0-60 mph and showed plenty of passing punch once the CVT found the right ratio. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 3.4 |
Test AWD RX330 averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 2WD 330 averaged 14.2 mpg, included mostly city driving and gas-eating performance runs. Test AWD RX 400h averaged 22.7 mpg, also with performance runs and lots of city driving. A second test AWD RX400h averaged 23.5 in mostly highway driving. Premium-grade fuel is required for all.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.5 |
RX 330 is firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan. Little rough-surface thump with either 17- or 18-inch tires. Air-suspension option offers no detectable comfort advantage. RX 400h's stiffer suspension a bit harsher over sharp bumps, but is never unpleasant.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.7 |
Far more pleasant in daily driving than truck-type SUVs. Not happy hustling twisty roads, but modest cornering lean, secure grip helped by standard antiskid system. Here, too, air suspension shows little apparent benefit on 330s, where steering feels slightly numb on-center. RX 400h steering feels more direct. Strong brakes on all models, but pedal feel slightly mushy in one test example.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Drivetrains quiet, refined. Pleasingly low overall noise levels approach those of some premium 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 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Large, legible gauges. Most controls handy, intuitive, but a few require searching, and center dashboard looks busy. Available navigation system controls some climate and audio functions. It isn't too tough to figure out, but its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions. RX 400h screen includes energy monitor and fuel-economy displays that can be distracting. The hybrid replaces 330's tachometer with a vague "power meter." Exemplary cabin materials and workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Seats shaped and padded for long-haul comfort; optional heated seats have variable-temperature control. Good basic driving stance with plenty of adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship. Step-in a bit steep, but livable; air suspension's "access" mode drops RX 330 1.2 inches from normal height to ease entry/exit. Bulky rear-roof pillars, narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Ample head room and foot space for adults sitting outboard. Sliding bench seat affords generous leg room when fully aft, even behind a tall front-seater. Middle adult slightly squeezed on harder, higher cushion with little leg space. Backrests recline, but are hard to adjust while seated. Entry/exit OK, despite narrowish floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.9 |
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 volumes with seats up or down, but limited height, sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-item storage includes nifty sliding front console and 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 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8 | 5.8 |
The RX has inspired many imitators, but none offers a better blend of comfort, luxury, and build quality. Adding to its Best Buy appeal are Lexus's strong resale value and red-carpet customer service. RX prices soar with options, some of which you can easily do without, and discounts are rare. The gas/electric hybrid 400h is costlier still, and its higher price will take years to offset in fuel savings. But any value calculation must take into account its blend of acceleration worthy of a V8 and fuel economy and exhaust emissions associated with a V6.
Total Score
| 2WD 330 | AWD 330 w/nav. sys., air susp. | AWD 400h | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 70 | 70 | 61.5 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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