2004 Lexus RX 330

Pulling an impact player out of a new-product hat is the kind of marketing magic every auto exec dreams about. But even the most optimistic in the Lexus legion couldn't have anticipated the stunning sudden success of the original RX 300. Exploding out of the box in spring 1998, this seminal car-based crossover quickly established itself as the best-selling model in the lineup, a position it maintains to this day. Its all-new successor, the 2004 RX 330, builds on that solid base, bringing a load of improvements that promises to add even more luster to the RX's already golden legacy. In addition to a stellar package, the RX 330 will have the distinction of being the first Lexus vehicle built outside of Japan. Although drawing initial stocks from the existing Kyushu plant, starting next fall, production begins at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada facility in Cambridge, Ontario.

Although the RX 330 remains a midsize offering, it makes exceptional use of an extra 3.9 inches of wheelbase, 6.2 inches of overall length and over an inch more width.

Look beneath the RX 330's striking and more overtly aggressive sheetmetal, and you'll find that the second-generation of this sophisticated multi-use hauler is based on a win-win-win formula that brings numerous improvements to its powertrain, passenger space and overall maneuverability. Although the RX 330 remains a midsize offering, it makes exceptional use of an extra 3.8 inches of wheelbase, 6.1 inches of overall length and over an inch more width. Collectively, those dimensional stretches enhance its passenger-pampering capabilities while boosting room in the cargo bay—now accessible by a large rear hatch with a trick power up/down option—from 32.2 to 38.3 cubic feet with the second-row seat up and from 75.0 to 84.7 cubic feet with it folded flat. Despite its mini growth spurt, the RX 330's turning circle has been cut to just 37.4 feet—3.9 less than its predecessor. Equally impressive, that dimension remains constant for both front-drive and AWD models. Even the RX's already exemplary NVH characteristics have been materially improved, courtesy of engineering changes that further attenuate mid- and low-frequency resonance in both the exhaust and driveline.


The rest of the RX 330's running gear received a similar upgrading. A comprehensive revamp enhances road feel in its standard fully independent coil-spring strut suspension, whether shod with the base 225/65SR17 M+S tires or upsized 235/55VR18 boots. Top chassis change involves the availability of an optional air-suspension system that provides an even sportier feel while offering four different ride height levels—from 5.9 inches of ground clearance in an easy-access static mode to a healthy 8.3 inches in the AWD version—for those who like to engage in periodic off-road ramblings. All models retain standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) circuitry. However, the fully transparent AWD setup introduced in the RX 300 has been supplanted by a new system that retains an open center differential but eliminates the viscous coupling in favor of electronic controls under the command of VSC that dole out motive force, front to rear and left to right. During our daylong drive regimen, we subjected several different configurations of the RX 330 to freeways and back-roads as well as a bit of light duty dirt work. While the air-suspension did impart a tad more tautness, even the conventional package delivered a smooth, confident and well-controlled ride that should please both current RX 300 owners and potential conquest customers.

Displacement of the RX 330's DOHC all-aluminum V-6 has grown from 3.0 to 3.3 liters, thanks to a larger bore dimension.

Adding a touch more zip to the mix are equally meaningful upgrades to both the engine and transmission. Displacement of the RX 330's DOHC all-aluminum V-6 has grown from 3.0 to 3.3 liters, thanks to a larger bore dimension. Complementing its existing VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) system is a new and more precise electronic throttle. Collectively, the changes help boost horsepower from 220 to 230, torque from 222 to 242 lb.-ft. and bring the engine up to full 50-state ULEV emissions specs. Backing this smooth, clean six is a slick 5-speed electronically controlled automatic that's based on the 4-speed unit in the RX 300. Spring for the air suspension and it adds a sequential shift mode. With a wider overall ratio spread and deeper differential gear, Lexus estimates 0-60 mph times will dip on both front and AWD variants, to 7.7 and 7.8 ticks, respectively. Despite the extra muscle, the RX 330's EPA estimated fuel mileage numbers also improve to 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Last but hardly least, the RX 330 benefits from a major redesign of its stopping system. While retaining 4-wheel/4-channel ABS disc binders fortified with Brake Assist, the upgrading effort added Electronic Brake-force Distribution along with larger front rotors and a more linear and positive pedal feel.


Enhancing the ambiance of the RX 330's passenger compartment was no small task. The RX 300 already brought a formidable list of standards that included automatic air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors/front buckets, AM/FM/cassette stereo, walnut accent trim, cruise control, moonroof and a manual tilt steering column. Augmenting that array, the RX 330 gains dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a single-slot CD player, auto-dimming side-view mirrors, repositionable center console, auto-retracting rear-cargo bay cover and redundant steering wheel controls that now offer multi-function capability. On the safety front, the RX 330 gets a tire-pressure monitoring system plus new fast-deploying side-curtain bags and a driver's side knee bag that join the existing front/front-side supplemental restraints.