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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  Second Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By RDJamison - July 11 - 10:53 am

  This is by second RX, I previously had a 2000. The 2005 model had greatly improved acceleration performance and turning radius. I love this car!

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  Best car ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By retilogic - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best I have come into contact with. Top notch highly recomended.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DougieH - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent quality. Overall mileage (combo of city and hwy) is about 18 or 19 mpg which is significantly less than my Mercedes C220. However, the difference in quality is striking. Lexus has it all over Benz. So what I give up in fuel economy, I more than gain in ride quality, reliability, fit and finish, comfort and wonderful appointments.

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  Great luxury SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Karim - June 14 - 4:03 am

  This vehicle has everything I wanted inside of a SUV. It rides smooth. The accessories are easy to reach. And the nav does everything the drives tells it to do. Great SUV would not trade it for any other SUV.

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  Sold on the Test Drive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By ERDELL - June 2 - 7:26 pm

  It has a quiet, smooth as silk ride and handles well, taking turns much better than my 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXi. I only have 3 complaints, although they are minor. The rear passengers complain that they have no room for their feet, as the front seats are low to the floor. Second, why cant the Japanese make seats comparable to those in American cars? My Chrysler seats were much better padded and roomier. 3rd, Toyota Sienna is much better appointed with tiny things that make a difference, like a little hook you can flip out to hold a garbage bag. The Lexus doesnt even have a compartment for sunglasses, which even my husbands Sentra has. For $38,000+ I expect more details.

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  Relatively the best - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By owner2000 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Owned for about 2K Miles now and no problems. Checked out every major competitive brand and chose this one because: Best combination of - safety, design, fit & finish, economy, quality. Only BMW top end uses better materials but fails in quality (dependability) and economy. Not to mention it is too small. Mercedes is was a disapointment. Volvo needs to re-think engine/trans. design. VW would have been too big a risk in dependability, also poor economy. RX 330 could use a few improvements but that would make the car perfect and nothing is perfect...right?

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  Quality not as good as with the 300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hlubick - May 31 - 10:00 am

  If all the goodies were taken away, you would still have an SUV that does not have the best working transmission, and brakes that fade.

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  Wow! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Sid - May 30 - 7:10 pm

  *** Price *** Amazing value for money. *** Ride *** Havent experienced a smoother ride in an SUV so far. The road noise is almost non-existent. *** Performance *** Somewhat lacking in performance as compared to the MDX, but the styling and all the rest of the features make it a much better buy. *** Dealer *** The dealer was very courteous and helpful in our buying process. *** Finally *** Our 1st Lexus and dont think this will be the last.

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  Flint Mica RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SPG - May 19 - 9:30 pm

  The vehicle is extremely reliable - no problems. Just follow the scheduled maintenance. Maintenance is pricey at 30K, 60K, but still less than Mercedes or Volvo. We really enjoy the vehicle. We will buy another Lexus.

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  I love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Helen - May 18 - 2:43 pm

  I always wanted this SUV but I just got it this past December. I absolutely love it. I had a ML 320 but this car is just so much nicer. It is great in the snow and handles well. No complaints yet and I dont expect any.