The Mark Levinson audio system is slightly disappointing although simple enough to operate. Even with 11 premium speakers and plenty of power, the end result is a lack of clarity and definition from what should normally be an outstanding boom box. Do not get me wrong - the sound is very good, just not as good as it should be.

The DVD-based Navigation system is excellent. The LCD monitor is touch-screen manipulated and the menu is simple and user-friendly. The only downside, same for many such arrangement, is the fact that one must go through the menu to adjust the fan speed.

Technical

There is one engine and transmission combination available for the RX 330. It is a DOHC 3.3L VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) V6 that puts out 230 hp at 5 600 rpm and 242 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. This powerplant is coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission and a full-time electronically controlled AWD drivetrain. All RX 330s are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and an independent suspension.

On the road

Steering is very light and requires very little effort on behalf of the driver. This makes for easy city cruising however, on the highway this translates into a bothersome lack of precision.

The 3.3L V6 is adequate for this truck although there is something somewhat wrong with selling a $50,000 with the same engine found in a 30 something thousand-dollar Toyota Camry. It performs best somewhere around 4 200 rpm when the VVT-i works its magic. The drawback is an unsatisfactory bottom end. Fuel consumption is rather acceptable at 14L per 100 km on average in mixed highway and city driving.

The autobox is willing to please with nearly imperceptible up and downshifts. On occasion, it would take a little time to downshift and would even get confused between gears when pushed. I was unable to properly test the AWD system in this vehicle, however I have had the chance to do so in the Toyota Highlander: the system is undetectable when it engages and should be able to get the driver safely out of slippery conditions.

The brake pedal is unfortunately plagued with the usual Toyota sponginess. Pedal travel is long and initial bite lags. Once firmly on the brakes, they do perform well. Our tester's front discs were warped; this was probably due to exaggerated testing of the brakes and not by normal wear and tear.

The overall impression retained by the driver of the RX 330 is that it is a fine road vehicle. No more, no less. Its chassis is only sufficiently solid for uneventful driving. Tight corners and bumpy roads upset the RX 330's balance and it shows: dash, seat and trim rattles abounded. Once in a curve, the truck has a strong tendency to lean and similarly, it is quite sensitive to crosswinds. I would imagine that the Sport Package equipped models would feel more surefooted thanks to its front and rear air suspension and larger 18" wheels and tires.