The 2004 Lexus RX 330 - too luxurious to be a SUV

I come from the school that says SUV means Sport Utility Vehicle - small trucks that are meant to work for a living, comfort is secondary.  But that was before the 2004 Lexus RX330 taunted me with it's luxury. So much so that I felt decadent behind the wheel.

Smooth driving and easy handling there is no truck like feeling here. It's ride height is comfortable, acceleration smooth. But that's not what catches my eye.  In true Lexus spirit the RX 330 is full of amenities.  It takes opulence that one step further. 

What can you get with the new RX330?  More like what do you want?  If safety and security is an issue you will get more than just an airbag but a drivers knee airbag, and side curtain airbags for both the front and rear.  Your tire pressure will be monitored and even rain sensing wipers are an option.  One of the best items is the back up camera to make us look like parallel parking pros.  This is just as Lexus wanted - a vehicle that allows for worry free driving.

Probably one of the best navigation systems out there it reminds me of a movie quote:  Where ever you go- there you are.   And get there you will as the V6 Aluminum block and heads produce approximately 230 horsepower at 5,600rpm.  Remarkably quiet even as the pedal is pushed to the floor, a zero to 100km per hour speed is achieved in under eight seconds.

Seating is comfortable and roomy- enough to make this a family wagon for the elite.  Cargo capacity is there for day to day duties. Although I never did get to try its' off road capabilities I am sure it would hold its' own. A Vehicle Stability Control system added with "all wheel drive" means comfort on mountains and molehills.

My only complaint is the lack of colour.  While Lexus goes into great details to give customers what they want somehow they believe that SUV drivers like dull, boring shades such as black, beige and gray.  In fact all the eight colours available for the exterior of the RX 330 they are just different versions of those three.

The 2004 Lexus RX 330 is refined way of getting from point A to point B and having a content commute in between.   With Lexus quality control and their attention to detail you can be comfortable inside and out.

Nika