The Lexus RX was among the first to introduce a zoomy new design theme to the SUV market and this second-generation model builds on the style set by the original RX 300. The shape of the RX 330 is sharply defined by radically raked, body-colored pillars at all four corners of its cabin, with the window frames and posts blacked out to blend with the ovoid side-window opening. The RX 330's raked-back front fascia and headlamps are reminiscent of the Lexus ES 330 sedan.

A beefy front bumper and pronounced fender flares are designed to suggest the RX is capable of venturing off the pavement. Door handles are of the reach-through type, more hand-friendly than the fingertip-grip variety and offering less opportunity to break long fingernails or snap away from your fingers when you're in a hurry.

The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) uses an on-board processor that calculates the optimum angle to illuminate a turn, then swivels the headlamp closest to the turn accordingly, allowing the driver to see around corners better. AFS comes on all RX 330s with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. For 2006, Lexus has made these pricey headlamps harder to steal.

The rear view of the RX 330 reveals a visor-like spoiler over the top edge of the rear window, a short radio antenna at the right rear corner of the roof (promising better reception in marginal areas than the also-included imbedded-in-glass type), and clear-lens taillamps.

Like the Toyota Highlander, the RX 330 is built on the same platform (with modifications) as the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 330 sedans.

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