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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  2nd time around - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Pete in Rome - January 23 - 8:53 am

  This is my second RX. First was the 300 and I have loved both. Top quality of build, no problems at all, and just the best overall quality around. I love the treatment at the dealer, and love that I just never have to go back! I am tempted to buy my third one in a row. That is the best compliment I can think of.

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  More problems since 8/13/07 review - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By retired - January 10 - 5:13 am

  Toyota dealer advised @ 30k service that vehicle needs to go to Lexus (100 miles one way) for oil leak "back 1 cam seal leaking." If it were off warranty itd be about $500. This combined with problems stated 8/13/07 will force us to switch makes next trade - have NO confidence in running the vehicle past warranty. This is still a young vehicle for the problems weve had.

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  Lighting Problem of Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Perkins - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Due to exterior lighting problems, I cannot drive my new Lexus at night. The dealer seems unable or unwilling to fix the problem. I am told that I am not the only one with this problem. As of this date, I will sale my Lexus and purchase something without this problem.

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  Poor door design - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TSPHOGG - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought a brand new Lexus RX330 5 days ago. Although I love the cars overall design, features and handling, Lexus really didnt think through the door design. The roof line over the door is set back over the seat. There is no channel on the roof to force the water to drain properly. Water drips off the roof on to the seat and floor when the door or window is opened. Water is also trapped between the door and frame of the car (even from road spray). I have contacted Lexus directly about this problem and await their answer.

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  Bad Transmission - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Peter - September 21 - 10:36 am

  I am very disappointed with the transmission on this car. It seems that it takes a good second to shift and sometimes it has a hard time finding the right gear.I am very surprised that Lexus would put such a poor quality transmission in one of there cars.I am returning the car to the dealer.

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  Excellent and Elegant - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Steve - September 20 - 4:33 am

  Great ride. Reliable, fund, and class from bumper to bumper. First Lexus and would buy again right choice. Outstanding service and dealership customer relations. Treated with respect and handled like you are only customer in the shop. Sales staff was excellent to work with and knew the product. Car is the buy for SUV / LUV in its class. Impressed with safety features and workmanship.

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  Vehicle Sway - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By biana - August 23 - 10:26 am

  Our 2066 RX330 has 60K miles and has just recently started swaying slightly on straight roads. The wheels do not move but the body feels like it is swaying on the chassis. has anyone else experienced this?

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  Disappointed Driver - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Kiichiro - August 10 - 8:13 pm

  Typical Toyota high build quality and reliability but feels soul-less on the road. Front seat passengers seem to enjoy the vehicle more than I do. Rear seat passengers, aside from the low seat, also seem pleased. But behind the wheel, the steering is dull, the transmission/drivetrain seems to hesitate before doing your bidding. Normally, disappointment in the driving department is made up at the gas pump but not here where I see 16-17 MPG in the city and 20-21 on the highway. Oh well, at least with the Lexus name and good resale value I can probably get out of this vehicle for not much less than what I paid for it pre-owned.

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  Lexus is Quality - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Grover6 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this SUV mainly for travel comfort and storage capacity. Definitely very comfortable for traveling. For the first time a 12-hour drive was enjoyable. Both drivers and front passenger seats can be positioned so anyone can find the right adjustment for comfort. The rear seating can be folded down easily for extra space. Only wish we had included the navigation and heated front seat options.

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  Seating comfort Lacks! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jkyker - June 22 - 8:06 am

  The Lexus is a high end suv and I am satisified with all but two things. The seats are not very comfortable at all, too flat with no side support and lacks much comforts. The other is there is no place for change storage and design or layout does not allow for satelitte radio. Iluminated lighting for controls on steering column.