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2004 Lexus RX330 Review
First look at all-new luxury utility vehicle.
2004 RX330 Review Summary & Specifications
Lexus calls the RX 330 an LUV for "luxury utility vehicle." We'll call it an SUV for "suburban utility vehicle." In many ways, a minivan has more utility, more room inside, more seats, and even, as in the new 2004 Toyota Sienna, four-wheel drive. But the RX 300 has more panache than any minivan, which may be perceived as too suburban.That said, the RX 330 offers a good ride, a plush, innovative interior, ready power with an 18/24 mpg city/highway EPA mileage rating (4x4), and the confidence that all-wheel drive confers in winter driving, all with more room and, to some eyes, more elan than a simple sedan. Add Lexus quality and reliability and that all-important see-over-the-traffic seat height and it's your move, LUV.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | John Matras |
| Model Lineup | RX 330 2WD ($35,025); RX 330 4WD ($36,425) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.3-liter ohv 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 230-hp 3.3-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution, BA (brake assist), traction control, advanced front airbags including driver kneebag, side-impact airbag, front and rear side curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, daytime running lights |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Cambridge, Ontario, Canada; Kyushu, Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-255-3987 prompt #4 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.lexus.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 35025 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Lexus RX 330 4WD ($36,425) |
| Standard Equipment | one-touch power windows, power locks with remote, power outside mirrors w/electrochromatic dimming, dual-zone climate control, AM/FM/CD 6-disc in-dash changer, power driver and front passenger seat, Homelink, tilt wheel, auto-retracting cargo cover, floor mats, automatic on/off headlamps, foglamps, 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Destination Charge | 575 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Plus package ($3,440) includes leather, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, one-touch open/close moonroof, power liftgate, high-intensity headlamps, roof rack, wood-and-leather steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated entry); 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R18 mud & snow tires ($215); heated front seats with rain-sensing wipers and headlamp washers ($665); wheel locks ($66); cargo mat ($92) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 41478 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 230 @ 5600 |
| Torque | 242 @ 3600 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/24 |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 |
| Length/Width/Height | 186.2/72.6/66.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.4/55.6/42.5 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.6/55.1/36.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 84.7 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 7.5 |
| Curb Weight | 4,065 |
| Stock Tires | P235/55HR18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, BA and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.2 |
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