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:

• 

  A van in SUV clothing - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Zac in Jax - November 12 - 5:53 am

  The RX 330 is a great vehicle for running errands around town. It is extremely comfortable and its looks are eye-catching. Load carrying capacity is limited by the sharply angled rear door. It doesnt hold as much as you would expect for an SUV. On the highway, it handles like a mini- van. The car-based construction makes for a too soft, underpowered ride. With cruise control on, the engine constantly downshifts at the slightest rise in the road, such as going over a bridge. Definitely needs stiffer suspension and more power.

• 

  2006 RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lakeend - November 3 - 2:16 pm

  Great all around vehicle. Plenty of room in back and for luggage. Rides very nice. As trouble free as an car on the road.

• 

  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jeff Hopkins - October 30 - 2:40 am

  We love our new 2005 rx 330. It is a great car and is the best driving car that we have ever had. We love the Lexus navigation system in the car, although it does not have all of the destinations that should not be hard to find in it. It is a very comfortable car and i would suggest one for anyone! The cargo door can be opened with the push of a button on your key and that is a great feature.

• 

  The "Perfect" Vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By lexusguy311 - October 24 - 2:10 pm

  In searching for the "perfect" car I found at that their was no such thing. However, I feel that the RX330 came as close to perfection as one could get. The RX330 has beautiful lines, decent power, good fuel economy, and an interior that one could live in. The RX330 doesnt have the sporty ride of my "perfect" vehicle, yet it makes up in other areas. Being my first luxury car I can not say enough about the interior of a Lexus. The leather is soft and beautiful, the maple trim is very classey, and the navigation system w/rearview camera is awsome. The interior space complements my 63" frame and gives plenty of room for an average size adult in the back.

• 

  Hard to beat - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lou - October 14 - 1:26 pm

  This vehicle is probably the best I have ever owned and Im 80 yrs old and over this many years Ive owned a few! Its been a while since Ive liked a car well enough to just sit in it in my garage! Buy it youll love it !!!

• 

  Best SUV for the money - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By davduf - October 8 - 6:40 pm

  Consumer Reports and reading Edmunds owner reports were very helpful in making my decision to buy the RX. Hopefully, the Lexus will be reliable and pretty easy on the wallet. The Hybrid would be a fun toy but I couldnt make the math work. They make you take the NAV and back-up camera so the price is actually $6000 more than a regular well-equipped RX. ($41,171 MSRP in Socal)

• 

  Not that great! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By AT - October 8 - 4:10 pm

  The issues with my car: the rear door wouldnt open with the remote, the roof rack wouldnt move back and forth, the leather under the head rest was torn, the wiper mist was not working. They dont charge me for fixing these issues. But my understanding is that some of these issues are not supposed to be issues because they are supposed to get inspected before they certify it. So I guess you can not really believe the Lexus certification process. Also the rear door issue seems to be a recurring issue. It still wouldnt open some times after 3 attempts to fix this.

• 

  Love/Hate - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tuomala1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall I really like this car but it developed an annoying clunking noise on downshifts after about 5,000 miles. Lexus says this is normal for this car. If this type of problem would bother you, ask the dealer about it before you buy. If they dont acknowledge knowing anything about it, think twice or you may regret it later.

• 

  Even more impressive in the snow - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Snow monster - September 29 - 7:40 pm

  We have owned our RX330 for about 6 months and have only good things to say. It is the smoothest driving suv we have ever seen. The navigation is great and is user friendly. It looks amazing and we are always getting compliments. It also has the BEST gas mileage of any suv with its amount of power. 21/25.This is the best vehicle i have ever driven in the snow. Coming from a Jeep, the Lexus didnt even slide once. We would see larger suvs sliding around in front of us, as the Lexus drove perfect

• 

  The RX 330 "has no clothes!" - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By "..has no clothes!" - September 27 - 8:16 am

  Seats do not compare to our Porsche or SAAB. Tilt function is simply inflation of seats leading edge. Arm rest way too short to be useful. Major fatigue on long trips, never really get adjusted. Lines of sight to check for vehicles in prep for lane change are awful. Again, comparison is to SAAB and Porsche. Throttle response delay is shameful and dangerous. Toyota excuses it as computer seeking correct response -- lame. No road feel. Wind noise and engine noise unacceptable for Lexus -- had an LS 430 that was whisper quiet. It was great in all respects -- this 330 is not great in any respect -- below average in many. Sorry we bought it within a month of purchase date.