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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  Wow. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spacedude86 - March 7 - 11:30 pm

  If youre looking for a small luxury SUV, I high recommend the RX 330. The AWD allows maximum traction during all sorts of weather. The interior is beautiful, the polished wood steering wheel feels amazing to control. The sound system is hot, the style is hot. If youre also looking at the Acura MDX, let me tell you what the differences are: MDX has more power, more towing capacity and more storage space. It isnt as luxurious, refined or reliable as the RX 330. So it depends on what youre looking for. If youre looking for a hot SUV, take the RX 330. If youre looking for something to camp with or tow with, pick the Acura MDX.

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  First SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Johnsinker - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is an absolute dream! Only "negative" is some wind noise due to the large Rear View Mirrors and Luggage rack. Drives like a car, and feels safe. Not like many other SUVs that do not drive like a car. Expect Reliability to be excellant. this redesigned RX has so many features, I have not been able to find them all

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  First Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tiger2 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle but have one reserviation, the ride is smooth until you hit a bump, then it sounds like its bottoming, have heard about the soft great ride but this SUV exhibits a noticable thump everytime you hit a bump in the road. Am hoping its something that can be adjusted/fixed. Wonder if other owners have experienced this. Am going in to talk to Service Department today.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By SJP760 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Anybody considering buying a SUV really should take a look at the Lexus RX330. This car is the most comfortable, reliable and over all gorgeous car I have ever been in. I knew the instant I got in to test drive it that I would be driving it home that day. I did, and have not regreted it for a moment. Im so pleased to FINALLY have a car that I am thrilled to drive!

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  Goodbye Acura..hello Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By TODDNDEB - January 26 - 2:23 pm

  My wife and I have driven Acuras for years. We had a TL and wanted an SUV. The MDX couldnt compare to the RX 330 when it came to luxury and ride comfort. This is a great vehicle that manages to provide a pure luxury sedan feel with the ruggedness of an SUV. It offers great handling and style.The Lexus cache cant be beat, and as good as Acura is, it doesnt make the "luxury" impression that Lexus does.

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  RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By consumer - January 15 - 2:40 pm

  We bought a 2006 RX 330 in November, the mileage is over 3000 and we only went to the dealer for a oil change. Nothing is wrong and the comfort is great. The front seats can lay back flat and the back seats can recline to. There is a back up camera and sensors. There are I believe eight airbags but I did not fully count it. The GPS is great but sometimes will lose its accuracy. Very very reliable. I am waiting for the 2009 Lexus RX 350.

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  Js review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By j powell - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent automobile, fun, sporty, great gas mileage - only flaw is DVD screen blocks view.

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  Performance Package Flint Mica - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tommy429 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The air suspension and auto-stick are great fun to use. The automatic back door is definately a plus.

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  9.9 or better - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By conn34009 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV on the market. Nothing comes close, I know I test drove them all, and I do mean ALL.

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  Best SUV for the $ - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By RG - January 4 - 2:06 pm

  Does not ride like an SUV, it rides like a luxury car. Very smooth and quiet, handling is responsive and the vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Very happy that we purchased the Lexus 330 AWD.