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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  Always impressive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By desmond bell - June 9 - 6:06 pm

  Extremely comfortable, excellent handling and improved turning ability over prior years models.

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  RAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By DON HENNEL - June 7 - 10:00 am

  HAVING HAD 01 AND 03 OUTBACKS I CAN SAY I WAS PLEASED WITH SUBARUS BUT THIS BEING MY 6TH LWEXUS I WOULD SAY THE EXTRA 10K IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY DIFFERENCE

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  RX330 new - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nmsss - June 7 - 10:00 am

  As close to perfect than anything I have owned. Acceleration is no problem, something that I worried about given 3.3L engine vs larger in competitors. This is the quietewst care I have ever been in. Great for commuting.

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  RX330 dont think of anything else! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mr. HWY - June 7 - 10:00 am

  If youre thinking of a BMW or BENZ suv, dont bother! The RX330 rides smooth, comfortable, and is a pleasure to drive. I was pleasantly surprised by the 26.4 mpg on my last road trip. Both the BMW & Benz looks outdated. The Benz dont even have a locking gas door, what a joke for a expensive vehicle! My suggestion - Buy one, there is no substitute!

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  Lexus RX330 is the world SUV standard - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RF - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car now for almost 4 months and it gets better every time I drive it. Lexus has created the new standard for all companies to copy. The copies always never have the same quality and class of Lexus. Cadillac refered to one of their own cars as the Lexus of Cadillacs. Do they know something we dont?

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  lexus RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jossad - May 24 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive. responds well and fast pick-up. could be a little more headroom when entering drivers door

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  Bad HID - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By R. Lefleur - May 2 - 10:50 am

  I find the HIDs very bad in hilly driving. I constantly have to put on the high beams to illuminate the road properly. They are nice and bright but set too low. I find no fault with the transmission. In town mileage is poor... avg 16- 17/mpg. Highway is about 22mpg. Dealer service is excellent, build quality excellent. Had a chance to use the AWD this past weekend in snow and ice... very good!

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  Outstanding Small Touring - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By danrhiggins - May 1 - 11:13 pm

  Intelligence, style, comfort. Makes me want to go on a road trip! Plenty of power. Not as tight or flat in turns as BMX X5 or Acura MDX but more than enough when very good hanlding when driving no more than 20% over the speed limit and for accident avoidance. FAR more comfortable and drivable for long trips, especially when you consider that more than 95% of our driving is straight ahead. Roomy, 4-adjustable steering column and 8-way adjustable drivers seat. Very comfortable rear seat. Sensible instrumentation.

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  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Clever - April 23 - 4:06 am

  You have to test-drive one to understand how great they are.

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  Lady Driver - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lady Driver - April 7 - 10:50 pm

  I researched alot of SUVs before chosing the Lexus RX 330. Ive had SUVs in the past, from a Hummer to an Escalade to an Expedition. Of all, this one is obviously the best gas mileage, but it also drives and handles great. I read all the reviews, and yes there is a slight blind spot, but as long as you look over shoulder, its great. Also read about slow gear change. I tried it on test drive and could not get it to miss a beat at any speed. I drive 75 miles round trip to work and love the way it handles. Only thing Id change is the arm rest, its just a bit awkward to me. Most of the so-so reviews are by men, and I think this is a definite ladys vehicle. I love mine!