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:

• 

  Best RX Yet - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By hmthrco - September 2 - 7:50 pm

  A real pleasure. Everything works. Even the Nav System which is difficult to master is better than the last I had. Performance is very good and handling is outstanding.

• 

  bang for your buck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexusbuyer - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the new RX330 for about a month now and all i can say is awesome. Its everything I expected and then some. Its comfortable, roomy, and fun to drive. I get a kick out of some the reviews ive read about towing capacity and off roading ability....why would you buy a lexus to go offroading or towing? save your money and go buy a Ford. If you want the room of a small truck and the luxury of a car then this RX330 is the best option. I checked out the X5 and MDX and found that you got much more for your money with the 330. Great little SUV, I would recommend it to everyone.

• 

  What have I done to deserve this - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RX330Guy - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought my RX330 with the thought that this car would last me for years. Thought the Lexus name stood for quality but I have experienced the following problems: DASHBOARD - The COWL rubs against the dashboard and makes popping and rattling noises. Though there is a COWL kit that now exists for this problem, it has not alleviated all the problems. I have taken my car in 4 times with no avail. Also, the glove box rattles when going over bumps. Lexus lined my glove box with felt and has helped to some degree. FAULTY TRANSMISSION Drive a loaner car and listen for the dashboard noises.

• 

  Small SUV size, handles like a sedan. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Kitchenman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have our Lexus RX 330 since December, we are very pleased with it and the way it handles in all road conditons and situations.We tooki it on our honeymoon and it waqs packed with clothes, gifts, (2 cases of Champagne)and we drove from L.A., to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Sedona, and back to L.A. it performed as good as I did on the Honeymoon! Wife rated me and the RX 330 a ten plus!

• 

  Loving my Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Donna Reiter - August 23 - 8:33 pm

  I shopped on line to get reviews, ratings, pricing and features. I do lots of long distance driving and arrive rested and ready to work. I decided on the Lexus after research in safety features first and then the rest of the features confirmed this was the best choice for my lifestyle. Its a pleasure to drive with good visibility and rides more like a luxury sedan than an SUV. One of my requirements was an SUV on a sedan wheelbase for comfort and handling. I got everything I was looking for and more when I purchased my Lexus.

• 

  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?

• 

  My SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Legalwizard - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Best I have driven

• 

  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.

• 

  Best car ever - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Bayburt - August 8 - 4:03 pm

  This was my dream car. It is beyond my dream. Allways fun to drive. Trips are more exciting.

• 

  One Awesome Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By trespinosranch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I call it a car, because it handles/performs better than my 99 Acura TL. I got the Breakwater Blue color, NAV, DVD, heated seats, Premium Plus Pkg, tow pkg, & 18" wheels. Ive always wanted a Lexus based on everything Ive read. And now I know why these cars are rated so high. The build quality is fantastic.