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:

• 

  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chito Jacinto - November 14 - 4:43 pm

  Exellent suv, ride like a luxury car, very quiet ride cant hear any wind draft even at high speed. Has an easy handling,responsive to turns.

• 

  great vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jim oneill - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the third RX that we have owned and the best so far. These vehicles are trouble free and feel like luxury cars. Lexus has combined great style and handling in a comfortable cabin with plenty of room. Cant imagine them improving this one but they probably will.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Batteryman - November 1 - 12:20 pm

  This is the best car we ever had. You sit up high and get the SUV feel, but still get pretty much the 18/24 mpg advertised. It may be slightly under- powered for some, but thats the price of decent mileage. It has been completely reliable. The controls are ergonomic - placed logically just where they ought to be. One exception: the GPS navigation system is complex and somewhat counter-intuitive. Expect a learning curve of some weeks. The low-profile tires are more expensive than the regular kind, but they look great. I replaced them at Walmart in 2009 with top-quality for about $1,000. Groceries tend to slide in the cargo area - the "cargo net" sold as a $60 option is useless.

• 

  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.

• 

  Brians RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bgreenjr - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my RX, the ride is smooth and quiet, my gas mileage has been around 18 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. I get excited every time I get in this vehicle. This is the nicest vehicle Ive ever owned.

• 

  Forget about other Crossovers - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Chags - September 24 - 7:13 pm

  This has been an excellent driving experience.

• 

  My First Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Percell - September 23 - 1:40 pm

  Ok... Im in the army and have heard and listened to the hype, now I own one. This is a great SUV with many of my soldiers standing in line for a drive around the block. Lexus service is outstanding. They really make you feel like you are part of the family.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  This thing rocks! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ken - September 7 - 11:06 pm

  This thing is awesome! Ive been driving it for just over a month and the handling and empowering feel you get driving this thing is second to none!I Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a fantastic driving experience!