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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  Lovin It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beachin - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Drove it to Oklahoma this summer, and its comfort was unsurpassed by previous SUV trips. Kept my back and legs at ease the whole time.

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  Great SUV - Need 7 Passenger Seating - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AZBuyer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle from the cutting edge exterior design to the luxurious interior. But how about a stylish crossover SUV for families? Lexus would have the market cornered if they offered this fabulous vehicle with a third row sear. For those without kids, imagine all the extra cargo and passenger room!!!

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Richard Sears - July 19 - 5:10 pm

  I had one mechanical problem at 6,000 miles -- ABS failure. Dealer repaired it under warranty and provided me with a loaner. The vehicle performs well and no other problems -- 11,800 miles now. The car handles well and I like the workmanship -- excellent both interior and exterior. Transmission shifts very smoothly except from 1st to 2nd gear. This should be corrected in future models. The gears are easy to shift manually. It is fun to drive. Dealership is the BEST! I would prefer the wood grain interior around the dash rather than the chrome metal.

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  At home on the road - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By perdel - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Every thing is smooth. From the leather seats to the engine. No rough edges when it comes to comfort. This includes the ride. Ours came with the 18" wheels. No air suspension. Test drove with regular wheels. 18s cost a little for the handling improvement. You need to sit in it for a while before you can really understand all the controls. We traded a 03 Honda Pilot. It was very straight foward when it came to controls. Pilot was great we just did not need the extra seats.We would rather have the extra MPG. Lexus is a wonderful machine. Driven MB, BMW, VW, SUV but this is refined.

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  Asbury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By elno - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Very confortable. Excelent ride for a suv. Lots of leg room. power trunk is used every day. Auto lights & winshild wipers are also on daily. I would recomend it to anyone considering a SUV of this size to eveyone. The one draw back is the gas milage. I hope that there will be a hybreed modle avaiable for my next purchase.

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  RX Eval - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By pburke - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Pleasant surprise from my Caddy DHS. Easy to drive. Kind of a personal vehicle.

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  My Favorite Car ever!!! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Theresa Bartick - June 6 - 12:03 am

  I shopped til I dropped on this one. I was trading in my Chrysler Van for a more gas conservative car, and in general a smaller car. It was my first Lexus, and I am now a permanent Lexus owner forever. I am so happy with the RX 330, gas mileage is better than posted on car! City I average 20.5 MPG, highway easy 25MPG plus. The 18" wheels are a must in this car. I believe with that the car has a smoother ride. Love the nav sys, along with Bluetooth, once figured out and set up, very easy to use. Love it, Love it. BTW~I am the pickiest of pickiest buyer. This is the first car I have bought and not had to return to the dealer for anything yet... go buy one..

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  great vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dale Mayhall - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2002 RX300 for 2004 RX330 and the difference is amazing. New engine and transmission well matched and high speed passing does not take forever. Well done

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  Love This Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By aronsons - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The RX330 has a wonderful ride, handles well on the highway and it stop and go traffic. I have made several trips to Binghamton and Boston from my home in Westchester,NY. One long trips average 25+miles per gallon. My RX330 has Navigation and the rear camera. My last car had navigation but, this one is even better. The camera is helpful too. The interior is beautifully appointed and controls are well located. The rear seats can be adjusted foward and backward as well as upright and varing positions of incline. I have had my 5000mile service and Ray Catena in Larchmont was terrific. I am truly delighted.

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  Uncompromising Quality - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Frank - May 11 - 2:53 pm

  This my 2nd Lexus SUV...We had a 2001. The latest edition 2005 is a sound performer & exudes quality with contemporary design. Lexus service is 2nd to none. Were looking forward to ongoing reliability of this Lexus product...