New Car Review of the 2005 Lexus RX Mid-Size Luxury Station Wagon

Description: Mid-Size Luxury Station Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $36,025 - $37,425
Invoice Price Range: $31,881 - $33120
Where built: Canada

The crossover SUV from Lexus rides on the FWD platform of a car. It carries a five-seat passenger compartment with cargo space in the rear.

Many safety systems are in place, including side curtain-style air bags set above front and rear side windows plus frontal air bags for front buckets and large seat-mounted side air bags to cover the rider's torso, abdomen and pelvis, even an air bag to shield the driver's knees..

The cabin piles on luxurious elements including electro-luminescent instruments in a triple-pod display, and power seats, mirrors and windows. Options in packages bring leather upholstery and wood trim in walnut or bird's eye maple, a navigation system and rear-view video camera, moonroof, performance gear with air suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires, plus a Mark Levinson audio system with six-disc CD changer..

RX 330 provides a 3.3-liter aluminum V6 rated at 230-hp with an intelligent 5-speed electronic automatic transaxle. But the new hybrid -- RX 400h -- adds a high-voltage and high-torque permanent-magnet electric motor with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and regenerative braking to push up to 270-hp yet earn exceptionally high fuel economy scores..