Good points: Quality build, performance, resale, ride, range of options, turning radius.
Needs improvement: Expensive options, rear window noise, front storage, gas mileage warning light
We own a Lexus RX 300 and are biased toward this product. That being said, this is perhaps the best SUV in its price range for handling, acceleration, and attention to detail. It makes our 1998 model appear almost ancient since the new model is improved in the three areas the earlier Lexus lacked and that was handling, acceleration, and cargo room. On the other hand, the earlier model has better front seat storage. Both get the same gas mileage, about 20 mpg in mixed driving and both offer pleasant and versatile driving experiences. Notable new standard features include a 40/20/40 split rear seat with slide and recline adjustments, a tire-pressure monitor, and 17-inch wheels. All of these are welcome additions and certainly worth the base price of around $35,000 for the front wheel drive model and about $1500 more for the all wheel drive set-up. We have never needed the all wheel drive option and question its value to those who don't live in areas with notable inclement weather.
The new model's major changes are the 3.3 liters engine, a smooth 5-speed automatic and about six inches of length mostly in the rear cargo area. You also get 140 more pounds to haul around. The options include front headlights that turn with the wheel and a multipanel sunroof with a larger opening than the regular sunroof that gives the RX a dinosaur like image. In addition, you can order 18-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, self-leveling air suspension with driver-selected height settings, laser cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance, a handy power liftgate, power tilt/telescopic steering column, rear DVD entertainment, rearview TV camera, voice-control navigation, and Lexus Link.
Mom's view: Always a pleasure to drive a product that feels so solid and responsive. I liked the range of safety features that included front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags and a driver knee airbag. Strangely, this model doesn't seem to give the tipsy feeling the early models did when cornering. This may be attributed to the larger tires or, more likely, a tighter suspension setting. Regardless, the RX 330 is a better driving SUV.