2004 Lexus RX 330

Swathed in cloth or optional leather, the RX 330's interior comes across as one of the best-executed, most serene sanctums of any vehicle in its class.

To further sweeten the mix, a rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system with wireless remote and headphones, Mark Levinson premium audio package, rearview backup camera—bundled with the navigation system—super-sized Multi-Panel Moonroof, rain-sensing wipers and Lexus Link further enrich the options list along with two additional tech tweaks of particular note: adaptive cruise control, first seen on the LS 430, and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS). The latter, a modern-day variation on the old Tucker theme, links the headlights to steering input, allowing each individually articulated low beam to "look ahead" into a corner in a impressively effective manner.


Swathed in cloth or optional leather, the RX 330's interior comes across as one of the best-executed, most serene sanctums of any vehicle in its class. About the only caveat worth mentioning is that while belted for five, it's really more appropriate to view this new Lexus as a 4+1. Track mounted and fully reclining, the new 40/20/40 rear bench offers truly adult friendly accommodations in its outboard spots. However, while serving as a first-rate combination drop-down armrest/cupholder anchor/covered storage cubby, the upper cushion on its "center slice" is seriously underpadded by comparison to any other perch in the house.


Despite a formidable upgrading, RX 330 pricing remains nearly spot on to RX 300 levels. A basic front-driver opens around $35,000 and a fully loaded AWD model will top out in the mid-$40K. If that's not enough to pique your interest, Lexus recently announced it would launch a high-performance Hybrid Synergy version that combines both gasoline and electric power sometime in '04. This ultra-efficient variation on the V-6 theme is a lightweight, space-efficient package that will employ both front- and rear-drive supplemental electric motors operating at twice the voltage of the current Prius technology. When it does come online, it promises to raise the RX 330's overall performance game to an entirely new level—and should further help lock in its spot as the de facto darling of the Lexus lineup. (www.lexus.com)