Overview & Reviews

Ever diligent in its "Relentless pursuit of perfection," Lexus completely revamped its RX 300 midsize luxury crossover SUV for 2004. This already popular model in the Lexus lineup received a radical makeover that included a new 3.3-liter V6 and a resultant new name: RX 330.

With the first-generation RX's style being deemed a bit too soft, stylists gave the new Lexus RX 330 a more aggressive character. A sharply angled grille and rearmost roof pillar gave the RX 330 more visual attitude, while more power, more backseat room, a number of new high-tech features and tighter handling made the RX better than ever before. Still, the folks at Lexus were careful to retain the beloved features of the previous model, and this meant keeping a plush ride, a rich cabin, fantastic build quality, a serene demeanor on the open road and a strong reputation for reliability intact.

Those who think driving is a passion and not just a necessity should know that the Lexus RX 330 is still not a sport-utility vehicle with a sport sedan personality. If you're looking for thrills on twisty roads you'd be better suited by a few other choices that trade off practical aspects such as passenger and cargo space for a sportier drive. But for the greater majority of used luxury SUV consumers who just want as trouble-free and comfortable an experience as possible when dealing with commuting, shuttling the kids around and taking weekend road trips to see the relatives, the RX 330 is hard to top.

Most Recent Lexus RX 330

Available from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX 330 brought more power, more room, more luxury features and more aggressive styling to Lexus' popular midsize luxury SUV.

Still loosely based on the Toyota Camry platform of the time, the RX 330 benefited from the same new V6. At 3.3 liters, the newer V6 produced 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, increases of 10 hp and 20 lb-ft, respectively, over the RX 300's V6. A broader torque curve along with a new five-speed automatic transmission gave the RX 330 more kick off the line as well as more energetic passing and merging performance. Once again, buyers could choose front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, was unchanged and still relatively meager compared to truck-based SUVs.

Standard luxury content increased slightly, as in addition to the expected automatic climate control and full power features there were now larger (17-inch) alloy wheels and a CD player. In addition to available leather seating, power moonroof and navigation system were new options that included a DVD entertainment system, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera and adaptive headlights.

Safety was also improved, as in addition to stability control there were now larger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and a tire-pressure monitor.

While it retained the quiet and refined demeanor of its precursor, the Lexus RX 330 was more athletic. Acceleration was noticeably stronger (at 7.8 seconds, it was a full second quicker to 60 mph than before) and, when equipped with the optional air suspension, handling was tighter. The RX was still not as involving a drive as a few of its German and home country rivals, which provide superior steering feel and communication to the driver.

Shoppers looking for a used Lexus RX 330 won't go wrong with any year, as changes were minimal throughout its brief run. The most notable upgrades occurred in 2005 when Lexus made the power rear hatch standard and the navigation system gained voice control. The final year of the RX 330 brought power lumbar support for the front passenger, while revised SAE testing procedures changed the engine's output rating from 230 hp to 223, though no actual performance was lost.

User Reviews:

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  Wife loves it, I drive AMG - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jshoes - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus is a comfortable and practical ride. My wife loves everything about it especially the interior. I drive AMG Mercedes and it is hard to go from one to the other. The Mercedes is incredible performance, the Lexus is more mainstream, so I am ambivalent towards the Lexus except I admire the comfort.

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  Smart purchase - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By blautens - November 12 - 3:03 pm

  Great midsize SUV - especially if youve decided you cant really use a 3rd seat that might be too small anyway. Very comfortable, great resale, looks great, and the only one we found with the power tailgate (for those who might not have the reach or strength for closing it sometimes). Easy to get in and out of.

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Patti White - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall this SUV is wonderful. It has excellent turning radius compared to the RX 300. The automatic rear door is a beneficial feature because the door opens via remote from the key fob. Lexus also gives excellent service.

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  Best of two worlds - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tillmanhb - October 23 - 10:00 am

  My 330RX has the best features of an SUV without the needless bulk: Its built on a 2 wheel drive sedan platform and gets tolerable mileage-- 18 to 24mpg. However,the SUV configuration of higher seating and accessible cargo area make the large sedan obsolescent. The 330RX is enhanced with creature comforts. It does not handle at speed like my 2001 Mercedes E, but its more comfortable, sumptuous,trouble free and useful a vehicle. The Mark Levinson sound system alone puts the car ahead of any close competitors.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MDX_or_XC90 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I compared this car on multiple test- drives against XC90, X5, MDX, Highlander, 4-runner, ML350. Off-road (dirt/mud) and on-road, the Lexus shines. MDX has more hp, cargo-room. X5 was more fun. XC90 had the most potential. But the Lexus was the smoothest, quietest, and (hopefully) most reliable. Perfect balance of handling/comfort, Power/Gas Economy. Beautiful exterior with stolen touches of X5 mixed in.

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  My Third RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TengPresby - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third RX (previously 99 and 01) and love every inch of it! In order to fully appreciate the 330, itd help to have owned a 300. The quality of design and larger dimensions and engine power improve tremendously what was lacking. The dual zone A/C, better audio controls, getting rid of the old- styled telescopic radio antenna and steering column adjustments are all welcomed improvements. Even though I had to wait over two months for the Performance Package version, it makes the RX that much more enjoyable!

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  Luv my Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By donsandiego - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The car is everything I expected in a Lexus. Quality and comfort. No problems.

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  More than just great - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By moouth - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is the hottest suv on the market. I tis fantastic to drive and even more beautiful to look at.

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  Sexy Lexy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sexy lexy - October 5 - 10:03 pm

  Great car! For the price I got many more bells and whistles with the GMC Envoy, but no where near the smooth ride. This is a MUCH BETTER BUY!!!

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  I love this car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexuslover - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a SUV before but in comparing everything on the market, including all sedans and SUVs under $50,000, I decided to break from my sedan habit & join the new world. My #1 criteria was putting a mountain bike through the back. Only the BMW 525i was in contention after many test drives. In the end, dealer attitude was a huge tiebreaker. Lexus beat BMW on price, had the least flaws & unbeatable follow-up after my first visit. The in-dash 6-cd player was great. I now ride looking down on every sedan on the road...and all other SUVs too!