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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  Will never own anything else - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Allie29445 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 3 months now with about 5,000 miles on it and have had no trouble with it at all. It is an extremely comfortable car both around town and on the highway. The folding rear seats make it very useful for trips to the hardware store. The Navigation system very useful, I have used it more than I ever imagined I would.

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  Jens Review - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jenn - August 12 - 5:53 am

  Love to drive, love the design, had problems w/ tires & radiator, so many features in the cargo/ truck area, like first aid kit. You dont close the trunk it automatically does it for you. The sound sytems is great. The leather is very soft. Overall, it was the best car I ever bought in my lifetime.

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  Great Car/Great deal - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Simi Ron - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 99 RX300 for a year end terrific deal on a RX330 AWD fully loaded. I cant say how happy I am with this car! Compared to the 99 the interior is a little smaller and there is less wood trim that looks so good. But ALL other features are better/nicer/tighter/sharper. I went from LA to Pismo beach this weekend on all the backroads I could find and this car handled so well and was very responsive. The 330 is the perfect combination of luxury and performance in a mid-size crossover SUV. I test drove the BMW X5 and X3 and neither of them compare to this car!

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  Smooth as silk - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By CMaria Inc - August 9 - 10:00 am

  After telling my husband, "Dont even take me to the Lexus dealership! I want an MDX!", I should have known Id eat those words! The ride is smoother, the features are how Acura based their MDX model, and it takes regular gas (I avg. 390-400 per tank)! My mom has an 03 MDX & she even concurs. Despite missing my Bose speakers, I love the car & wouldnt trade it for the MDX for anything. I lucked out & got an 04 used model before it even went on the lot (advice-check in with the used salesmen early in the AM as many of the 04s and even 03s are scooped up before the previous owner even officially hands over the keys). Preapproval never hurts, either.

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  Nice!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BruceM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Had an early RX300 - sold it and bought a Range Rover 4.6 HSE after 2 years. Big mistake. 3 years later, got one of first RX330s. Far beyond my fondest expectations. Loved the RX300 - this is so far ahead of that, its unbelievable. This is a keeper!!

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  been only 3 weeks - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By daniel - July 28 - 7:06 am

  and so far I LOVE this car. Granted its my first lexus ever... I feel like im doomed to buy lexus forever now. I really like the smooth ride, the fit and finish of the interior is very nice, and its surprisingly quite roomy inside. There are some minor complaints - inflexible option packages (not too many stand alone options), couldnt get the price lower than the msrp, where are the running boards?, where are the coin holders? Trash tray? And someone already mentioned this - this car is waaaaay too common. Mines the 4th in my cul-de-sac of 9 houses.

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  LOVE MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DEBBIE - July 27 - 12:00 am

  BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF MY NEW HOME I GAVE UP THE SPORTS CAR AND BOUGHT THE SUV. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH ( I WAS LOOKING FOR A SMALL, DEPENDABLE, FUN TO DRIVE, AND MOST IMPORTANT, COMFORTABLE SUV)THE LEXUS RX330 KEPT COMING UP AS A REAL WINNER. UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS ONLY ONE DEALERSHIP IN NH (ONE I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE). ALL IT TOOK WAS ONE TEST DRIVE TO CONVINCE ME THIS WAS THE VEHICLE FOR ME. IT DROVE LIKE A LUXURY SEDAN. CORNERING WAS COMFORTABLE AND SECURE, SEATS ARE GREAT, INTERIOR VERY ATTRACTIVE, IT RIDES QUIETLY, FEELS SMALL AND COMPACT YET HAS MORE THAN AMPLE ROOM. WINTER COMMUTING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE IS WORRY FREE WITH MY RX330.

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  First class SUV - Beats the others - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Gatman - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the new styling (gets lots of compliments), the build quality, the ride and most of the new features. While I wanted certain options like NAV system and Mark Levinson stereo, they only came with other options I didnt want or need. Heated seats in California? Rear seat DVD player for someone with no kids? Also looked at Mercedes (rode like a truck and not very reliable), BMW (great performance and actually more fun to drive, but also questionable reliability), and Acura MDX (it was nice and might have bought it but interior just looked a lot cheaper in comparison with RX 330).

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  My Return to Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ryrap - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Having been a BMW driver and faced the reality when the car left warranty that every fix is potentially a bank breaker, I returned to Lexus with open arms and a more closed wallet. The RX 330 takes everything the RX 300 had and made it better. While previously not an SUV fan, this one changed my opinion quickly. It comfortable, quick and masculine (in darker colors) as compared to other mid-size SUVs. Then there is Lexus the company which is better than all others put together. I am pleased to have returned especially in this car

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  Not too thrilled - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By miami1 - July 16 - 10:20 am

  The car handles beautifully and the ride and acceleration is good. I was in a VW Toureg before and miss the weight. It is too light for me.