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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  good car, just not a drivers car... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By zimco - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I beleive that SUVs are overrated in general, but despite that, the RX330 is a comfortable, well built vehicle with many features and relatively decent pricing for the class. Fuel economy, though only acceptable, is good for the class. However, it is not a thrill machine for the driver. Overall, quality and luxury are the selling points in this car

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  LOVE the RX........ - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By nahbm - August 17 - 2:43 pm

  The Rx 300 is an excellent SUV. It drives very well on the highway and in town. It still maintains its style, the older it gets.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By NY RN - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Second Lexus so far, went from the IS 300 to RX 330. Great car, love the interior makes me feel like I am at home. Disappointed in the stereo system. Also when the sun roof is open I hear a flicking in my ear with the pressure of the windows. Also have some trouble when I start the car, I have to restart it at times. Do not like that the Transmission can be funky at times but the IS was the same. But I do enjoy getting into it every morning. Would never buy another vehicle other than Lexus. Family memebers have the BMW X5, mercedes ML, land rover Discovery and Acura...all have a BOXEY RIDE. Looks like a Honda inside. Lexus=Luxury

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  Lexus RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By AGenuinebrat - August 11 - 11:03 am

  This SUV is great fun to drive. The only negative is a blind spot on the sides. If you are extremely short, like I am, this is alittle troublesome when changing lanes.

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  It could be better - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By catbluesky - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I really like the look of this vehicle and the seats are comfortable, for front and back passengers. (I wish the back seats were heated, too!) The gas mileage isnt what I expected, and the ventilation system leaves lots to be desired - ie: better rear controls, weird working defrost, and intermittent odor with use of heat and defrost system. Not what I expected of such a high end vehicle - just goes to show me that a car/SUV, etc is a car/SUV, etc.

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  Inferior - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LHB - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This is our third RX. and it might be our last, It does not have the quility of our previous RX300s, wind noise and road noise is excessive.

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  First SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Joyce - March 22 - 5:43 am

  I like the feel of driving it... it is a comfortable ride that feels more like a car than a truck.. as some SUVs do. Decent amount of loading space for most items.

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  Bit disappointed - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AndyH - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Poor performance, not enough horsepower. Poor fuel economy. A MB V8 has better fuel economy not what I expected from Lexus. Also quite noisy. Too much body roll. Should have bought MDX or MB.

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  Great car, but ....... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By mahesse - January 29 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car, but underpowered. And dont buy it if you care about gas mileage. My biggest complaint however is with the navigation system. It does a poor job of routing often recommending roads that dont exist. Finding destinations is inconvenient. Not being able to operate it while moving makes it almost useless in many circumstances, when there is more than just one person in the car. Our other car has a Garmin that plugs into the lighter, and while not as pretty it is MUCH, MUCH better. I can look for restaurants or gas stations while driving, and we dont have to pull over. BTW, the Bluetooth doesnt always work either.

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  My first Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BJ9000 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very well proportioned vehicle and comfortable to drive. Nav system is adequate but not nearly as easy to use nor is it as intuitive as the voice activated nav system in the Honda Accord. Wind noise is very noticable but source of noise cannot be determined. My previous two vehicles had much less wind noise and each cost thirty thousand less (02 C230K and 03 Accord). The RX330 handles the notorious winter side roads of New Hampshire well without bottoming or excessive road noise.