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:

• 

  In Love with Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Loving My Lexus ! - January 9 - 1:50 pm

  I did not go wrong in purchasing a Lexus. This is the most comfortable vehicle ever purchased or test drove. It does not ride like a "truck" and hate for people to call it that. It is so comfortable to drive on long distance trips. If in need of another car, Lexus will be my first choice!

• 

  Addicted to It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexuspeed - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just instantly fell in love with the RX330. My wife decided to replace her ML320 and not go with 03 ML350, 03 Volvo XC90, 03 Aviator, the Touareg and the MDX. Clearly another winner from the Lexus brand. For the price of this one, you get so much state-of-the- art technos. Undoubtedly another the best-in-class well thought out product from Lexus. She and I now own a Lexus.

• 

  great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jfdoug - December 19 - 10:00 am

  this drives like a dream.. I had the rx300 and was completly happy.. the RX 330 is even better !!! great ride. nice inteirior. faster.. I like it..

• 

  Great All Around Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jgamo - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive always thought the RXwhatever was designed for female drivers. However, this redesigned RX from Lexus quickly dispelled that. From the clean, sweeping lines to the 18" tires, this was one sporty vehicle that both genders can appreciate. The ride was very comfortable - - - better than some luxury cars. Performance-wise, it was very agile and quick. The engine is very responsive and smooooooth! My wife and I are contemplating getting another one so we each have our own.

• 

  awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mammodoc - December 13 - 10:00 am

  awesome car. great compromise between family car and sexy sports car.

• 

  Reliable and good looking! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lexusman - December 7 - 10:00 am

  We previosly owned a BMW X5. The RX 330 runs much more car like at has a less bumpy ride. The X5 was very hard to turn, but the Lexus is an easy car to drive and get used to.It is also a Lexus and very dependable.Has great gas mileage for an suv, and you still have the 3.3 liter engine. IT also has way more trunk space then both the X5 and the Mercedes M-class.

• 

  A Good Car RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom - December 1 - 11:23 am

  The car is very quiet and very comfortable and smooth riding. For a tall person the head room is minimal. Overall it is a comfortable well built car.

• 

  More than we expected - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Ed C - November 26 - 11:06 am

  My wife and I shopped around the top brand SUVs and decided on the RX330. We have no complaints whatsover about this car after a month of ownership. The ride, the comfort, the looks, the navigation and stereo are more than we expected.

• 

  Nice, But Not Great.Quality Has Declined - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Blair - November 18 - 7:36 am

  Although the RX330 has some improvements, there have been some steps backwards in my opinion. The car is much noisier than the RX300, particularly noticeable at speeds over 50. Highway noise is NOT muted as in other Lexus models, wind noise is a constant. Transmission shifting from a start is laborious and loud. The Mark Lev radio is nothing special and its volume controls are make it hard to find a volume that you can keep it on. The radio lite is too bright. The back-up camera is weak: at night the screen "whites out",and there is no useful depth perception. The adaptive headlights gyrate and flit around constantly as you go up and down hills and are of dubious benefit and value.

• 

  Exceptional! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Skandelous - November 12 - 2:00 am

  You wont believe how this vehicle works. Since Hawaii doesnt have much options such as the 18 inch wheels, the only good package there was was the Mark Levinson package (excluding the Navigation). I love the speakers and the gadgets. The acceleration is awesome and the seats and the ride is so comfortable.