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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  Bit disappointed - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AndyH - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Poor performance, not enough horsepower. Poor fuel economy. A MB V8 has better fuel economy not what I expected from Lexus. Also quite noisy. Too much body roll. Should have bought MDX or MB.

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  Never again will I buy it again. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MT X - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The AWD software cant decide between 1- 3 gears through 30 mph. Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria, VA couldnt get the replacement software. The power socket and the instrument panel pulled out with my phone charger. The AWD system is useless when going up icy roads even when the wheels on either side are on "DRY" pavement. The brake lights are unsafely high. It takes a long time to accelerate when merging and changing lanes. Metal strips on floor of every door step/entrance get dented easily. It is not fun to drive. Im averaging 16 mpg for the first 3500 miles.

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  Great car, but ....... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By mahesse - January 29 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car, but underpowered. And dont buy it if you care about gas mileage. My biggest complaint however is with the navigation system. It does a poor job of routing often recommending roads that dont exist. Finding destinations is inconvenient. Not being able to operate it while moving makes it almost useless in many circumstances, when there is more than just one person in the car. Our other car has a Garmin that plugs into the lighter, and while not as pretty it is MUCH, MUCH better. I can look for restaurants or gas stations while driving, and we dont have to pull over. BTW, the Bluetooth doesnt always work either.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jorymj - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The RX 330 is fun to drive, very comfortable, and it drives like a car. The interior is beautiful, and the features are endless. The only complaints I have are; not having a chime when the fuel is low, and not having a coin holder accessible to the driver. The only problem has been the power lift gate motor. Lexus replaced immediately with no problems since. Maintainence is expensive, however the oil only needs to be changed every 5,000 miles. My next vehicle will most likely be the same, but newer.

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  Never a problem, luxury drive - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By sscott - January 25 - 9:56 pm

  Everyone that drives my car says what a "nice ride" it is. I love its turning radius, comfort, features, visibility, styling, performance and most of all, reliability. I have had zero problems in 25 months of ownership.

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  more power& better option packages - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BENNY G. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  this car is great you guys have done it again.

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  Excellent!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Happy Camper - January 16 - 10:40 pm

  Extremely comfortable! Get 17-19 in town. 27-28 on highway. AMAZING marriage of mileage, performance, comfort, luxury, reliability, and ergonomics. All considered, very well worth the extra dollar or two, but dont confuse cost and value. This is an excellent, efficient, versatile, ultra-reliable vehicle!

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  Lexus = Luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By friday9 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I am so very pleased with this car! I had to special order the vehicle to get the options I wanted, but it was well worth the wait. Nifty gadgets abound, and the ride is ultra smooth and quiet. Gas mileage is averaging around 20mpg with mixed driving (and premium fuel), which is better than I expected.

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  Best SUV ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dsgsdg - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV out there in the SUV class. Alot more options in less amount of money compared to the ML Class of Mercedes-Benz. I would also include that it is smart of them not add a third row because they know others that have third rows do not have alot of safety as the safety passenger compartment framing is only the first two rows, the third row is very dangerous to sit in, this is where Mercedes-Benz ML Class lost marks for in safety. I would like to give credit to Acura for thinking the same way.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Rob McCracken - January 6 - 11:30 am

  My RX 330 is a nice vehicle wich receives comments where ever I go. It is comfortable, drives well, and luxurious. All in all, I am very pleased.