When Lexus debuted the RX 300 — its second SUV — at the 1998 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as a pioneer “crossover” vehicle — a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) built on a modified Lexus car platform, it became the first luxury nameplate offering two very distinct, yet different, SUVs. The RX 300 went on to become Toyota’s luxury division’s best-selling model.

Last January, history repeated itself when the second-generation RX was unveiled at the NAIAS — rebadged as the RX 330 to reflect its larger 3.3-liter powerplant. Although initially produced in Kyushi, Japan, production has moved to Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, marking the first time a Lexus wasn’t built in Japan.

There’s nothing groundbreaking here, but as the RX 330 designation implies, it’s an all-new model that’s larger, sleeker, more refined, luxurious, and powerful than its predecessor.

Lexus expects the RX 330 to own a big chunk of the luxury SUV market, which is expected to hit somewhere around 580,000 units by 2005.

The RX 330 competes in a tough segment that includes DiamlerChrysler’s new Pacifica and hemi-powered Dodge Magnum, Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and the multi award-winning Volvo XC90.

Walkaround: Exterior styling on the RX 330 doesn’t appear to have changed much, maintaining its same, overall rounded shape. Yet the roofline and tailgate are actually sloped more than the previous RX 300. The 2004 RX 330 is 6.1 inches longer than its predecessor, with the wheelbase increased by 3.9 inches and stance by 1.1.

The rear spoiler is now black and less noticeable, while the taillights have been given clear covers. Overall, the appearance remains refined and upscale, devoid of garish exterior cladding.

The front-end fascia has been restyled somewhat, boasting Lexus’ Adaptive Front Lighting system featuring projectile-style headlamps that swivel so the driver can see further into a curve. If my memory of automotive history serves me correctly, the last car to have such futuristic lighting was the ill-fated, 1940s era Tucker.

Inside: The interior greets you with the soft, supple, aromatic leather you expect from Lexus. Instrumentation is still the backlit, ultra-cool, signature luminescent gauges others have tried to discreetly copy, with large buttons and knobs controlling things in ergonomically correct places.

I couldn’t help but notice the RX cupholders are now illuminated — a nice touch — and there’s also more storage space.

I found the front bucket seats to be fairly supportive. However, the middle of the rear seat is too hard for any real passenger comfort — but aren’t they all?
Occupants ride high, but thick rear roof pillars and the narrow tailgate window obscure the driver’s vision.

The slightly larger size adds 1.8 more inches of front legroom, so four tall adults can cruise in comfort. Space in the rear-seat area is especially impressive with back seats that travel more than most. The adjustable rear seatbacks fold in 40-20-40 segments, so long items like skis; surfboards or skis can fit through the pass-through area. When flipped forward, they significantly enlarge the roomy cargo space, which because of the larger size, increases to 84.7 cubic feet.
Since Lexus believes most RX 330 buyers wouldn’t order one anyway, no third-row seat is offered.

 Under The Hood: It was obvious as soon as I stepped on the gas of our four-wheel drive test vehicle, the engine had more zest. The 3.3-liter V6 puts 230 horses to the highway and is married to a new, somewhat leisurely, five-speed automatic with overdrive, replacing the previous four-speed unit. It also has an optional sequential shifter that wasn’t quite as sporty as I’d anticipated.

But the RX 330 moved quickly through the impatient South Florida freeway traffic where I test-drove it for a week, and held its own out of the hole from the interminable, and seemingly competitive, tool booth starts. I did notice it also zips from zero to 60 about a second faster than its predecessor — and fuel economy is improved. On several trips between Palm Beach and the Florida Keys, I averaged 21.3 miles per gallon in what passes for combined South Florida, city and highway driving.

Behind The Wheel: The suspension and new, more rigid, body, manage the ride and handling well over most road surfaces. The ride is quiet, with a minimum of wind noise — even at highway speeds. But I did notice some road noise on certain surfaces.

Because of its crossover platform, steering is quick with good handling, making the RX 330 drive more like a car than a traditional truck-based SUV. Both front and all-wheel-drive versions have a Vehicle Stability Control system, that aids stability when, for example, snaking through wet curves.

The standard anti-lock brakes do a good job, with the brake-assist feature giving the pedal a solid, reassuring feel, even in emergency stops.

Options: Lexus officials boast the RX 330 offers more luxury equipment than can be found on any vehicle in its segment. They conveniently neglect to mention how easy is to option the RX 330 right to the head of its price class. Choices include a $1,840 rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones; a $2,350 navigation system with rearview camera; a $2,145 Premium Package which includes leather seats, power tilt-telescoping steering wheel and power sunroof. The $6,770 Mark Levinson package is actually the best value because it includes the Premium Plus package, upscale Mark Levinson audio system and the navigation and rearview camera setup.

The $600 Dynamic Laser Cruise Control keeps the RX 330 a pre-set distance from vehicles ahead. Personally, I find this feature — offered on a number of vehicles besides Lexus — highly annoying.

Safety: Among the numerous safety items are multi-stage air bags for the driver and front passenger, a new, driver-only knee air bag, and a large new side air bag for the front seats designed to protect the torso, abdomen and pelvis. Side curtain air bags help provide head protection for front and rear occupants.

Whines: The RX 330 owner’s manual is an absurd 600-plus pages. The reclining rear seatbacks are hard to adjust while seated. Water dribbles down the rear tailgate and roofline at the driver’s door in the rain.

Bottom Line: There’s a reason the Lexus RX 300 was America’s top-selling mid-size luxury SUV. The RX 330, an upgraded, new, second-generation 2004 model, has all the good stuff from its predecessor plus more room, power, features, and luxury. What more do you want?.