*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***
Lexus RX 330 or Hybrid: Which is the best prescription for you?
We think the Lexus RX is the "Queen of the SUVs" based on its command of the road, ability to care for its citizens, and the price you have to pay for its attentions. Priced at over $50,000 (US) this Lexus is the first luxury SUV hybrid on the market and it is going to be difficult to compete against. It is that good. As for the gas only version of the Lexus, labeled the 330 and about $10,000 less, it is still the gold standard of luxury SUVs and easily the most refined of its ilk. However, it doesn't provide the gusto of some competitors and is not so inclined to venture up inclines or tolerate hard cornering so if you insist on using your SUV as a sports car leave Lexus land for the world of BMW and Acura.
We tested both Lexus RX models in all types of situations and they never became uncivil despite heavy traffic, rain, Hummer drivers who have not yet realized they are not on the battlefield, and the tight roads of Vancouver. It was a lady at all times, but what made it more remarkable was the little things that sold us such as the best interior night lighting ever. The Lexus has illuminated sill plates, door handles. foot wells, the ignition ring, glove box, center console box, and front cup holders not to mention the map and cargo area maps.
Added to this mix are an easy to activate power hatch, rear seat backs that are adjustable for rake, and a flawless reputation for quality and thus high resale. The turning radius is much better than previous models and you can easily park it. Unfortunately, the rear vision is impaired and so we highly tout the video camera that places a live image of what is happening in back of the RX on the center display monitor. Very trick and very useful. In fact the only real option is the rear entertainment center and, perhaps, GPS.
Both models come with power rear hatch openers, programmable garage door openers, electric steering, heated outside mirrors that automatically dim, and so many other features it can overwhelm your objectivity. We can't image what fixing some of the complex electrical components is going to cost after the warranty expires in four years or 60,000 miles.
The problem we were trying to solve is whether the expensive hybrid version was worth the extra thousands of dollars even given the high price of fuel. Since the hybrid only comes well loaded it can cost nearly $10,000 more than the base RX. However, if you equip your base RX with similar options such as leather and all wheel drive the price differential is about $5,000 additional for the hybrid. And since the gas hybrid consistently gets 22 mpg and the hybrid only about 20 percent better in real world driving does it pay to buy the expensive 400 h even when some government agencies offer a tax credit for hybrid owners?
To cover ourselves we'll just say, depends. If you drive on open highways at speed stick with the RX 330. It is a faithful companion, although not one that caters to tracking down BMWs. If you do over half of your driving in town the 400 h is your best bet. In bumper-to-bumper traffic you can drive up to 30 mph just on battery power and you could easily cover 500 miles on a tank of gas. The electric motors combined with the gas engine provide 268 horsepower instantly without much ado from the continuously variable transmission. Even the 400's handling is better than that of the 330 RX model. Getting 24 or 25 miles to the gallon is not difficult in mixed driving, but even at that unless you drive well over 25,000 miles a year and gas is priced at $3 a gallon it would take you years to justify paying extra for the hybrid.
Lexus RX 330 or Hybrid: Which is the best prescription for you?
We think the Lexus RX is the "Queen of the SUVs" based on its command of the road, ability to care for its citizens, and the price you have to pay for its attentions. Priced at over $50,000 (US) this Lexus is the first luxury SUV hybrid on the market and it is going to be difficult to compete against. It is that good. As for the gas only version of the Lexus, labeled the 330 and about $10,000 less, it is still the gold standard of luxury SUVs and easily the most refined of its ilk. However, it doesn't provide the gusto of some competitors and is not so inclined to venture up inclines or tolerate hard cornering so if you insist on using your SUV as a sports car leave Lexus land for the world of BMW and Acura.
 |
| 2005 Lexus RX 330 (photo: The Car Family) |
Added to this mix are an easy to activate power hatch, rear seat backs that are adjustable for rake, and a flawless reputation for quality and thus high resale. The turning radius is much better than previous models and you can easily park it. Unfortunately, the rear vision is impaired and so we highly tout the video camera that places a live image of what is happening in back of the RX on the center display monitor. Very trick and very useful. In fact the only real option is the rear entertainment center and, perhaps, GPS.
 |
| 2005 Lexus RX 330 (photo: The Car Family) |
The problem we were trying to solve is whether the expensive hybrid version was worth the extra thousands of dollars even given the high price of fuel. Since the hybrid only comes well loaded it can cost nearly $10,000 more than the base RX. However, if you equip your base RX with similar options such as leather and all wheel drive the price differential is about $5,000 additional for the hybrid. And since the gas hybrid consistently gets 22 mpg and the hybrid only about 20 percent better in real world driving does it pay to buy the expensive 400 h even when some government agencies offer a tax credit for hybrid owners?
To cover ourselves we'll just say, depends. If you drive on open highways at speed stick with the RX 330. It is a faithful companion, although not one that caters to tracking down BMWs. If you do over half of your driving in town the 400 h is your best bet. In bumper-to-bumper traffic you can drive up to 30 mph just on battery power and you could easily cover 500 miles on a tank of gas. The electric motors combined with the gas engine provide 268 horsepower instantly without much ado from the continuously variable transmission. Even the 400's handling is better than that of the 330 RX model. Getting 24 or 25 miles to the gallon is not difficult in mixed driving, but even at that unless you drive well over 25,000 miles a year and gas is priced at $3 a gallon it would take you years to justify paying extra for the hybrid.