Driving Impressions

The Lexus RX 330 is notable for its smooth ride. It glides over broken, potholed pavement. Its steering is light and accurate and it feels poised when cornering. Its fully independent suspension helps keep the tires in contact with the pavement for lots of grip. The RX 330 is smooth and quite responsive, particularly around town. Its 3.3-liter V6 engine rated at 223 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 238 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. (That's a little less than last year's ratings because the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, revised its testing standards for horsepower and torque. The 2006 is just as powerful as the 2005 engine. It's just that the numbers are calculated differently.) The five-speed automatic transmission offers better response and efficiency than a traditional four-speed automatic. Its low first gear offers quicker response off the line, useful when you need to merge into traffic from a standing start. We found throttle tip-in overly sensitive at times, but quickly adapted for smooth take-offs. Lexus says the all-wheel drive RX 330 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and run a standing-start quarter-mile in 16.0. Fifth gear, meanwhile, provides lower engine speeds when cruising, which translates into quieter running with less engine noise and better gas mileage. The front-wheel-drive model's EPA ratings of 19/25 mpg City/Highway are among the best in the class. The AWD versions get an EPA-estimated 18/24 mpg. The RX is relatively immune to road noise, and there's very little wind noise. Lexus engineers took the time to aerodynamically shape the RX 330's roof rack for quieter running. The brakes are smooth and respond with good pedal feel. The brakes feature large discs front and rear and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which directs braking effort in proportion to weight bias and brake loading for improved stability under hard braking. The RX 330 benefits from four-sensor/four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), which can help the driver maintain steering control in an emergency stopping situation. Brake Assist is also provided, which is designed to sense panic braking and to maintain full braking pressure, even if the driver makes the common mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal. The all-wheel-drive system automatically routes power to the wheels with the best grip and works with the ABS to slow any wheel that slips and spins. The Performance Package features an air suspension with four driver-selectable settings. The air suspension automatically lowers the RX 330 by 0.3 inches at speeds higher than 62 mph, to reduce air drag for better handling and fuel economy. Drivers can select a mode that lowers the car by 0.6 inches for better cornering and a smoother ride. Rough roads and unpaved trails requiring greater ground clearance can be accommodated by the High position, which raises the ride height by 1.2 inches at speeds up to 30 mph. An Access mode lowers the RX 330 for easier entry and exit when in Park; the Access mode can be programmed to lower the RX automatically when the ignition is turned off, a nice feature.

Final Word

The Lexus RX 330 provides a smooth ride, a plush and innovative interior, and responsive power. It rides like a car but offers a lot more room. All-wheel drive is an option for drivers who need winter weather traction. The Lexus reputation for quality and reliability and responsive dealers add to its appeal. New Car Test Drive correspondent John Matras is based in Pennsylvania.