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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  Average looks, above average reliability - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lindsey - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my rx for almost 3 years it has been relatively maintenance free, yet is not that comfortable, very noisy road noise and does not feel that safe as far as handling. Going back to a German car. Not for me

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  worth the added money to get the lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexusowner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a mid size SUV - we originally thought we were going to purchase the MDX - but all of that changed when we test drove the RX330. Although the MDX and Toureg are with out a doubt more capable off road than the AWD Lexus, I decided that I would be spending nearly 100% of my time in a concrete jungle, not the rain forest. We decided the ride of the Lexus gave us the best of both worlds - seating height and a smooth car like ride. Another factor was the price - right in line with the VW. I like VWs but in my mind could not justiy the cost for a VW in terms of the quality rep of the Lexus vs the VW.

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  check it out! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By N Dwyer - March 3 - 6:40 pm

  I love this car. I can stash the kids, the bikes and the dog and yet it isnt WAAY too big to drive like some of the other SUVs. It drives like a car and turns on a dime. EASY to park and a very comfy ride.

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  Go for it - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rx_fan - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been a happy and satisfied owner on the new RX 330 for about a month. Most of its interior features have exceeded my expectations. The exterior features are also very classy. I had never expected an SUV to drive so smoothly and so quietly. It handles curves very splendidly and i feel negligible body roll.

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  JOHN DARVISH DANDY - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Realiz - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This, my 3rd Lexus, is another dandy car! After 22yrs of driving 5 different Mercedes (and paying for 10 of them!) Lexus proves again that it is the best of the best.

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  I love It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TreyRothell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love It!!!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!! ! !! !!! !!! !!!

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  RX Lover - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By vadcja - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The RX 330 performs the way a luxury car should; response when you need the power to accelerate away from trouble, classy interior and quite ride with an excellent sound system. It also performs well on roads less traveled; gravel, composite, shale and non- roads. I have even forded small streams without a problem.

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  review title - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By wayneohio - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our second RX, the first a 300. We had zero problems with that car and so far, none with this one, a 330. It is, by far, the highest quality auto we have ever owned and the dealer service is incredible. The interior is beautiful and very friendly. The ride is elegant & smooth.

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  rx 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By panich369 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  outstanding in every catagory.

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  should have been a Lexus buyer earlier - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Bud Shaffner - January 24 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has been the very best we have ever owned.. the BMW X5 before it was jerky and truck-like... do wish that we had gone over to Lexus sooner