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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  wish I had my RX300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By D Johnson - August 14 - 10:00 am

  seats on the RX330 are too hard and the 18 inch wheels are too high to get in car comforablty

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  A review from the desert! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Irvine Robbins - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The RX330 is a keeper! Formerly drove the RX300 and difference is quite apparent. Much quieter, smoother, and easier to drive. Turning radius improved, and larger gas tank is an advantage. They will have one hell of a hard time improving on this model.

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  Luxury on Wheels - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tameko Moss - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride. The car seems to glide down the road. I love the interior design. The leather interior with the wood trim and chrome is excellent! I think I could become a lexus driver for life.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JMLarson - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic Vechicle

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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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  2004 lx - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tete - August 8 - 2:00 am

  smooth ride, good mileage, quality, excellent service.

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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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  Lexus Nexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sstix - August 3 - 9:20 pm

  The comfort, the drive, th design and functionality of this vehicle make it one that is a pleasure to drive and own. It is also a bit more family friendly - with rubber cargo mat, gently reclining back seats and places to hold the familys "stuff".

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jennifer Arunyon - July 28 - 12:36 pm

  Very excellent car. Drove Mercedes for years now Im hooked on Lexus. Their service is way superior to Mercedes. I am very happy with my car and plan on buying more Lexus in the future.

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  Lexus RX 330 - Perfect Fit - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lisa R. Kaplan - July 25 - 5:53 pm

  I love this car. It looks small on the outside but dont judge a book by its cover, the inetrior cabin is very spacious and roomy and luxurious luxurious luxurious. Its a great performer and feels like a sedan on an SUV frame. Drives like a luxury automobile but your sitting raised up like an SUV. The crossover fashion that is in style now fits this auto.