markpaco

Sorry if this is common knowledge but I went to a car show the other week and noticed that the interior trim of the revised RX350 lacks some of the aesthetic features that the RX330 had. I am sure this is done in an effort to cut cost, ease manufacturing, and lower warranty claims. You'd think that things would look nicer with newer models but I'd have to say that I prefer the trim in my RX330. Notice the lack of french seams on the arm rest and door pad?

RX330


Anyone notice any other differences between the two models?

RX350

lexuslover

wow, that is really odd. i don't know why they would change that. you'd think after 3+ yrs of doing the 330 this part is "finished" and not slated for changes.

btw, i agree with you 100%. i haven't seen the 350 in person yet, but that is disappointing. i remember getting my 330 at launch in March 03 and thinking how incredible the interior upgrades were from my 01 RX300, and the stitching was one of the first things i noticed!!

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I did not notice that when I went to the car show. Although I wasn't really looking closely since I thought the interior was pretty much unchanged. I agree, I like the touches the original RX330 had. The door panels on the RX350 kind of look plain and more Toyota-ish now.

The one thing I was really disappointed in is the RX400H cars in Hawaii don't use the large navigation LCD screen but rather have the non navi dash layout and the information is in the instrument cluster. I'm begining to hate Servco as all we get all the crappy Toyota and Lexus packages.

jfelbab

I was kind of hyped to trade in my 2004 RX330 for the new 350 but I was unimpressed. The new model seems just cheaper and I think I'll wait for the new body style. I've only got 20,000 miles on my 04 anyway so it's not like I need a new one. I'll probably put some new tires on it and keep it until things change. I even would have considered the LS 460 but that won't be here for another year. OTOH, I''ve seen some ads for the new 320 hp Infinity FX. Hummm.

RiNsE_OuT

My 350 has that stitching in the door and arm rest. Perhaps you need the Premium Plus Pkg to get this?? Hmmm

nc-newbie

I have a RX350 premium and it has stitching on the arm. This is my first Lexus so I'm no expert but this car is so quiet and has great pickup. My first two tanks of gas I have averaged 28mpg. I wonder if that'll last. From what I have read the main differences between the 330 and 350 are the engine, the increased insulation and the passenger seat has lumbar. Anyway, if you're happy with your car - why change? Those of us new to the RX hope to keep ours may more years.

Traturn

Door panel part numbers remain the same 06-07.

Possible a pre-production vehicle!

Frankr66

my 06 rx330 has lumbar on the passenger seat

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Well, that is good news if RX350 owners have the same interior details. I guess that car very well could be one of the pre production models making its way around the auto shows. Kind of odd though since the parts are already created for the RX330. I wonder if it was damaged sometime somewhere during its press rounds and that was just a quick simple fix?

Anyway, for anyone that checked out the RX400H in their area, what about the LCD screen? Has anyone seen the 400H without the large LCD screen or is it only a Hawaii thing?

nc-newbie

Sorry about the wrong lumbar info. If you are interested in the 350 you might want to read :

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm...rx350-in-depth
Lexus RX350 in Depth

I'm not sure if everything mentioned is new to the RX350 but it does address the engine and some sound issues.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Keep us posted on this one. If you continue to average 28 MPG, or anything above 25 MPG that would be very interesting to compare to the RX400H MPG as there are reports of it getting an average of about 25 MPG with some getting higher at about 28 MPG. Eityher way, it could make a serious case in favor of the RX350 since it is just as powerful and possibly just as fuel effiecient.

MPP

It was tough deciding between the 350 AWD and 400h. We went with the 350 the NAV sold me, but if you like the idea of the Hybrid "Factor" you can't go wrong.

25 MPG on the highway at 80 MPH.
Combo driving is 22.5 MPG
City driving for me is 17 MPG.
I do have a lead foot so you could probably get a little better if you baby it.

Also I use Premium fuel and notice about a 2 MPG increase over mid-grade gas

videoredo

My new 400h does not have the stiching. Didn't even realize it was missing until I read this thread.

GFerg

Well thats interesting. Some models have it and some dont. Wonder why/how this happened. The non stitched leather doesnt even look like real leather.