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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  Its a Lexus LEMON - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By dan4van - March 2 - 5:09 am

  Nothing but issues with the Transmission slip,jerks,jumps. My biggest complaint is that my Lexus RX 330 doesnt no what gear to use. Now it started to make that whinning noise. My lexus only has 74000 miles and its done. I am more that unhappy with Lexus so much money for a LEMON. Yes its been pampered all of its life and still give me problems. LEXUS NEVER AGAIN.

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  New RX performance edition - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ewa - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Just perfect. Handling , acceleration, smooth ride even on Chicagoland road,milage from galon on highway with suspension on "low" position, clearence under with "high" position and fantastic cargo door open/close operation from inside, remote or button on door.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By homersmama - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The most luxurious SUV I have driven/owned, and very safe to drive in the snow.

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  Looks nice at first but..... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By 2 time RX330 owner - February 24 - 8:03 am

  My 2004 RX330 had 20k miles and was LEXUS CERTIFIED. I owned the vehicle approx 70 day of this over 35 days were spent in the shop. The dealership was nice and offered to replace it with a new one "of course for MORE MONEY". I was assured that this was an "out of the ordinary situation" WRONG! My 2005 Rx330 still has a rattling sound in the rear drivers 1/4 panel at highway speeds (70+), after dealing with the dealer for several months I finally took some fishing string and wrapped it around the flemsy plastic clamp to stop the rattlle. It also has a nagging delay when accelerating from near stop (this is only on AWD vehicles). A 2WD loaner and it drove ok.

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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 15 - 2:23 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.

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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 15 - 1:16 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.

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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 14 - 11:20 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.

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  6th Lexus in 7 years - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By L. Smith - February 10 - 1:20 am

  This is our first front wheel drive Lexus product. To be honest, it will probably be our last. The RX 330 has a very well laid out interior, great leather, good controls. The engine is a little hard to start and loud. There is significantly more road noise with the RX than our previous Lexus SUVs we have owned. We never expereinced this with other Lexus products. For basic transportation the RX 330 is fine. I feel the RX 330 is over rated and over priced.

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  negatives - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By T. J.J. - February 4 - 1:23 am

  Little space if any under fronts seats for minor storage. Backs do not lay flat. These, are the only drawbacks that I have encountered.

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  My Favorite Car the RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marti Ryan - February 1 - 7:26 pm

  Have owned Jaguar Sedans, Mercedes, Cadillacs, and Lexus LS400. This is my favorite car of all time. Great mileage, comfortable to ride in, tall enough to see over the BIG SUVs. Only negative would probably be the quality of the sound system.