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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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Kirk - December 26 - 7:43 am

  Steering is what I would say is over responsive and can cause a swaying sensation when traveling on a straight road. I dont like the response of its acceleration at times. I notice this most when I am traveling at approximately 40 mph and I want to speed up fast, I feel a noticable loss of power, before acceleration begins.

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  nice ride, mdx has better nav/bluetooo - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sf94123 - December 21 - 8:53 am

  its like driving a lincoln towncar on stilts. very comfortable for freeway driving. one complaint is that the navigation and bluetooth features dont work nearly as well or intuitively as the mdx we looked at. the manual for those isnt very good either.

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  A great luxury suv - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tina - December 20 - 1:06 pm

  The RX330 has a quiet, comfortable ride. All the basic functions are at your fingertips. The navigation system is superb and an absolute must. The sound system (standard with navigation) is very enjoyable. There are many neat little features which add to the enjoyment of driving this vehicle.

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  Davids RX 330 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By David Jaffe - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car because the beautiful extirior and luxurious interior designs. The Lexus RX 330 has the best comfort and sport and utility of any car Ive seen. It puts the L in LUV for luxury or Lexus.

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  the best car you can get - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By danzx - December 6 - 10:00 am

  lexus is one of the best cars you can get right know in the market this is my third rx and its the best car ive had the land rover every car you name it this is by far the best in its class.

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  Unhappy - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Itmaybme - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Lexus I have owned with two of them being the RX300 so I was really excited to see the features on the RX330 and the sleek body style. I am very disappointed with this car overall though. The car is very loud and has a constant roar in the rear, the wind noise when driving above 45 is nerve racking, and the comfort of the ride is surely not Lexus quality. This car is certainly not the dream car I expected it to be. I really wish I had kept my 2002 RX300. This Lexus is a big disappointment and if this is any indication of "improvements", then I do think I will look for another brand of car.

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  A fine Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By CW - November 21 - 11:20 am

  Comfortable for driver and passengers with important conveniences e.g. cupholders, multiple seat adjustments. Nav system pretty easy to figure out, rear camera great safety item. Smooth and reliable ride.

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  GREAT - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By marrie611 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  THE LEXUS RX330 IS GREAT IT DRIVE SO SMOOTH YOU DONT EVEN HEAR IT,ITS COMFORTABLE IT HAS GOOD PICK UP AND IT LOOKS GOOD TOO.

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  Riding in Style - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Audreys Lexus - November 7 - 3:43 am

  My Lexus RX330 AWD is everything I wanted in a luxury vehicle. The ride is very comfortable and the interior is roomy, stylish, and appealing. The auto AC is great and I also light the Xenon lights. Definitely worth the money....

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dave - October 16 - 8:46 pm

  Very comfortable and luxury. Quiet and smooth ride. Very good technology features. Very convenient. Very good performance in snow, ice, or rain.