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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  5 Stars - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Trinity - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We test drove a number of vehicles including the Acura MDX and Volvo X70 and nothing compared to the RX330. From sleek exterior styling, updated dashboard, ride comfort, etc. - this vehicle certainly lives up to the standards set by Lexus.

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  Enjoying it Even More than anticipated - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Benn - September 24 - 6:16 pm

  Really comfy car; nice all-around; nice mixture of everything. Just noticing the hesitation everyone is talking about but doesnt seem like a HUGE deal to me. I have the black and chromed the 18s and it looks a lot more sporty--not so "grocery getter" like. Front seat a little short? Wish the base stereo was a little nicer (ML didnt sound much better when I listened--at least not for the money). A sub would be nice. Some body roll in turns, but nothing thats bothersome. I came from a Sport Trac, so that might have to do with it. The headlights do seem to cut off, but they are nice. AFS seems cool--but not sure if its really ground-breaking in usefulness. Like it more than anticipated.

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  Fun for work and very safe - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By barnacle - September 17 - 4:06 pm

  It is by far one of the most fun vehicles I have ever owned. I now have about 12000 miles on my RX 330 and I have enjoyed every mile. One day the speakers sounded funny, I brought it into service. Service replaced all the speakers due to one which was cracked. You cannot beat that feeling you have finally purchased a quality car/suv. My car/suv rides like a car and completes all of the requirements of the suvs that I have owned in the past 20 years. I would buy again.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spindoctor10 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very refined and plush. The driving is unbelievable and the amenities are incredible. Before you purchase any suv you have to at least drive the RX!

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  My car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By June - September 1 - 8:20 pm

  The Lexus RX330 is my second suv. I drove a Lexus RX 300 for several years and found it most satisfactory. The RX 330 performs beautifully, is absolutely reliable, and is ergonomically the best car for me. The size is right; I can do some off-road driving; it performs well during rainy weather; the backup camera, and the navigation system make my driving so much easier. I find loading and unloading this vehicle is easy on my back.

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  Spice it up a little more.... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By b ball - September 1 - 10:00 am

  just buy it. all it needs is a little more power.

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  A Diamond in the rough - Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By George Eric - September 1 - 10:00 am

  It looks and rides like a dream. The fit and finish is flawless. No other vehicle has the build quality and reliability this vehicle has.

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  No. Va. RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Don in Va. - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The car is quiet, fast, and comfortable for an SUV. I have yet to find anything to complain about in the RX 330s bodywork, interior or engine. I do, however, have a complaint about the transmission. At very low speeds (common when commuting in the Washington DC area), the transmission seems to slip into a sort of nuetral. It does this with a pronounced clunk, and re-engages with another clunk. Three trips back to the dealer have not produced their acceptance that this is a problem. Hopefully they will acknowledge that this is not characteristic of a luxury SUV, nor is it symblomatic of Lexus reputation for quality and customer service.

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  First experience with a SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nsj - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, smooth ride and easy manueverability like a car. Dash functions are easy to use. My wife loves it too. Comfortable for even two adults in the rear with an infant car seat in the center. Would definitely recommend it for someone looking to upgrade from a car.

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  Transmission is Dangerous - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jrat - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Do yourself a favor and read all of the boards on the web that discuss the awful and dangerous transmission. There are severe hesitations and failure to engage when accelerating. There are also reports at www.dot.gov of this problem. Just do a search on the vehicle.