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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  4 month review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dick - May 11 - 1:00 am

  Plenty of power and acceleration; rides firm but comfortably. Found my wife and I are relaxed after a 500 mile trip. Notice some wind noise above 80mph; almost no wind noise below 70.

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  I Didnt Think It Could Be This Improved - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By johnp - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded our 01 RX300 for an 04 RX330. The improvements are astounding from an already excellent vehicle. The tilt and telescope wheel, tighter handling, more HP, steering wheel mounted stereo controls plus other subtle changes make the new RX just outstanding. The NAV system is excellent and very intuitive. The Levinson sound system is superb. The backup camera is an excellent addition. The DVD entertainment system is very good, but just a bit overly complicated to use. The dealership is outstanding. If you go in with reasonable expectations, you quickly come out with a fine vehicle and no heartburn.

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  2004 RX330 AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By jodar96 - May 6 - 11:52 pm

  This RX is my wifes but I drive it on trips or when we are both in the car. Purchased ours in Nov 2008 with 35K miles. Had the condensation in right headlight when we bought it. While outside warranty, Lexus agreed to replace it and I paid $500 off $1800 bill!!!!! Radiator leaked. I replaced it myself but found out lexus had extended warranty that would have replaced it free. The same side hedalight had condensation again. Fixed it this time by applying silicone around the lens. It has worked perfectly. Very comfortable seats/driving position on long trips, quiet, roomy. It has aged very well. leather in seating area is top notch. Currently at 95K miles and ready to sell it.

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  Lexus Engine failure at 23K miles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ikanutlose - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Not only did this piece of garbage blow upwith little mileage, the dealer would not honor the warranty. The Toyota leasing company promised to inspect the vehicle but didnt see fit to do so after 6 months of calls. I will never buy another lexus or toyota product again. Btw, on the toyota website they mention the engine design flaw which caused this problem but take no responsibility for it. Just bums.

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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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  The Best of the Best - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By FLPanther - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving SUVs for about 14 years. I didnt know what fun I was missing until I leased my first LUV. The ride is quiet and smooth, the handling is great. Its sleek and responsive - 2 things that were missing from my other SUVs. Im sold! Once you drive a Lexus - youll never drive a regular SUV again.

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  Fantastic RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Larry Jayne - April 19 - 10:06 am

  Best car I have ever owned (and I have owned all kinds). Drives and rides like a sedan but has the features of an SUV. You can see extrememly well when driving since it is higher up than a sedan. GREAT JOB LEXUS - I have ordered an H400 already.

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  Must-buy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By BRF - April 14 - 7:30 pm

  I did my homework before purchasing an SUV. I drove the VW Touareg, the Infiniti FX35/45, the Volvo XC90, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes ML350. I ended up buying the Lexus RX 330 and I couldnt be happier. The drive is incredibly smooth, the interior is perfectly equipped without having too much clutter, and the price is incredible. I cant recommend this car more. Its versatile, roomy, and impressive to drive.

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By arin mcclune - April 11 - 3:40 am

  Toyota/Lexus makes the best vehicles ever. The performance, reliability and service are in a class that no other auto maker can possibly compete with. I have an RX 330 that has 35,000 miles on it that still performs like its brand new. I purchased a new Toyota Land Cruiser in 02 that presently has 150,000 miles on it and also feels like it is still new. I have never held on to a car that has mileage past 100,000. I will never purchase any other brand!!

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  Outstanding - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Sharon - March 31 - 5:56 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus RX and they just keep making them better with each model. The new RX330 has comfort and styling while maintaining safety to the highest level.