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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  Talk to People in Ivory Tower - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Audrey Fallowes - January 21 - 4:23 am

  RX 330 is bought by women. Why did they have to make it higher than the 300? Cant hear directional signals when on (safety hazard.) Blind spots on both sides right & left rear. Gas filler hole too high. Map pocket redesigned to be useless. Cant open remote hatchback when car is locked--need 2 hands to silde back trunk cover (has latches). Guidance sys- seeing reverse usless-needs beeper system-300 guid/sys much easer to work. Climate control/blower to powerful at lowest setting/have to look constantly at screen to change settings/remote starter when on-cant unlock car doors.

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  Blind spots - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By NYC Suburb Driver - January 18 - 8:16 am

  I love everything about this car, except the design of the back creates large blind spots when looking back and to the side. This is confounded by the drivers headrest further visually blocking the small windows between the back and sides of the car. This creates pretty thick spots where you cant easily see what is behind you and to the side.

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  So Happy! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ellie1960 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Today I brought home my new RX330 and could not be happier! Prior to my purchase, I did a lot of research and compared it to the other SUVs in its class. All arrows pointed to the Lexus. However, the deal maker was the consumer ratings and comments. Ive heard nothing but great things about this SUV. After test driving, I was able to see it for myself. It looks as great as it drives. Not to mention... I feel pretty special in it!

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  Great Suv - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By marylandstar - January 8 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I would ask for would be a V-8. Dont use shiny armorall on the dash,it will cause real bad glare. Idrive this Suv alot and its Great no Problems. 40,000 miles since last sept when purchased only reg maintance.And much better service than american suvs like Lincoln.

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  Its been 4 months - Still Happy! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By tony - January 3 - 12:26 pm

  Bought this new in January - 4 AWD, Love this car. You get used to the transmission lag, gas mileage is acceptable. Ive run the tank down to about 16 miles left in the tank and it only cost about $33 to fill it completely back up with CA gas prices- less than $10 bucks more than the Camry I used to own. Tried everything else but this is the category killer - Consumer Reports also names this their best pick. Braking is the best Ive ever seen and the navigation and rear back up camera are indespensible - they may seem like trivial expense items but are actually very very useful and helpful - youll use them everyday.

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  Love my RX! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By JC - December 29 - 3:33 am

  This car feels safe, is comfortable, and has a lot of features I never thought about before, but cant live without now. Overall though, its my favorite car out of the ones Ive had, and Ill be driving Lexus in the future.

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  Good drive - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By phil - December 27 - 8:03 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Second lexus I have purchased. Typical lexus quality overall. I drive this vehicle in some awful weather conditions in Canada and find that the electronic gear inherent in the vehicle makes for a very safe ride, quite pleased.

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  First time owner of a lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Stefanie - December 23 - 5:16 pm

  I have owned my Lexus RX330 for 2 years. I love it! I am a petite woman and the adjustable seat and steering wheel are WONDERFUL! It handles beautifully like a sedan. The backseat holds 3 adults comfortably. The automatic rear door lift is the greatest, especially with your hands full! I have had a few problems with the motors in my automatic windows, but the dealer has resolved most of those issues. I would highly recommend this car to anyone! I plan on keeping this vehicle for many years.

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Robin Pires - December 21 - 12:33 pm

  2004 RX 330... love the style... very comfortable... IO currently get 18 mpg.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By LP - December 8 - 1:30 pm

  Lots of rattles, the brake pedal makes a constant irritating thumping noise everytime I even tap it. Windshield wipers get frozen to the windshield and rip off and inevitably scratch the windshield before Ive had a chance to replace them. A heated windshield would be appropriate. The most astounding thing that shocked me was that I had to purchase 4 expensive snow tires for this AWD SUV. The all season that came with the sale of the vehicle did not perform at all in the snow. I was literally sliding all over the road and had no choice but to spend $1000 to buy "snow blizzaks".