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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  No Satellite Radio? - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By agroveton - February 2 - 6:36 am

  Love the new European styling on the new RX330... great head-turner! Cant wait to tryout HomeLink with a new bluetooth cellphone. Navigation system and Lexus sound system is adequate but not wonderful. The automatic rear passenger door is great. Mileage is exactly what was promised. Only complaint is that satellite radio should have been an option as on the larger Lexus SUVs.

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  No Satellite Radio? - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By agroveton - February 2 - 6:36 am

  Love the new European styling on the new RX330 ... great head-turner! Cant wait to try out HomeLink with a new bluetooth cellphone. Navigation system and Lexus sound system are adequate but not wonderful. The automatic rear passenger door is great. Mileage is exactly what was promised. Only complaint is that satellite radio should have been an option as on the larger Lexus SUVs.

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  I would not own any other car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Barbara Roth - January 30 - 3:56 am

  I have owned a Lexus since 1992 and have not had one problem with them. However this is my first SUV and I absolutely LOVE this car, I will probably purchase it after the lease. I have turned all of my friends onto them.

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  Allmost perfect.... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By tonyjannetta - January 24 - 10:40 am

  Build quality and driving dynamics excellent. while it is said that suspension is a little soft that is a small inconvenience for the way it glides over rougher B roads. one complaint if any - dealer maintainance costs are high compared to other quality makes....

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tony - January 23 - 12:56 am

  I bought one of the first RX 330s that ever came out I got it on March 2003 Ive nver had series problem with my RX 330 and it has 33500 miles, only oil changes to date and one set of tires. I leased it for 3 yrs and Im thinking of buying it after the lease is over.

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  Love my RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JoshB - January 20 - 8:40 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned or been in. The ride is amazing and the design is unmatched. I have had it for 3 weeks now and it is the best decision Ive ever made. I looked at the Acura MDX and BMW X3, and the RX far exceeds those in every category in my opinion.

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  Great Family Vehicle! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Gail & Andrea - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 17 & 18 year old. We took our RX 330 out with them for "winter driving experience". I tried to demonstrate how to recover from a slide, but we didnt have to do anything -- the car made the corrections! The RX 330 is a great, safe family car. The kids drive it when ever they get the chance. Its comfortable (my 6 tall son has plenty of leg room even in the back seat), responsive, peppy and can haul a lot of gear. Its also a great value -- compare cost per mile to similar vehicles.

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  outstanding - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By carol - January 6 - 6:50 pm

  My husband bought me the beautiful new 2006 RX 330 2 weeks ago. After waiting for its arrival for 3 weeks, I must report I am thrilled with its style, comfort and performance. Especially when two days into driving the car, a deer ran out into the road and I hit it. This car never lost control. Although there was considerable damage to the front and side, I was very impressed with how well the car handle the impact.

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  my second lexus suv - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By m riibner - January 1 - 2:16 am

  Car handles well, has enough power, very quiet, many extras that are useful. Reliability and dealer assistance are great. You know when you turn the key it will work the way it is supposed to.

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  Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jhsfk - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Very Good and good price for mid size SUV because its Lexus. I love it so much......I drive everyday!