What Is The Best Year For The Lexus RX330?

“What Is The Best Year For The Lexus RX330?” is a very common question. We’ve owned Lexus cars for years, so we can point to the model year that stands out in luxury and reliability.

What is the best year for the Lexus RX 330 among the popular Lexus vehicles? In this article, I’ll walk you through the Rx 330 and show you the best model years to buy. My family has owned an RX for over 13 years and it is still going strong. Let’s get into the details!

What Is The Best Year For The Lexus RX330?

The best overall year for the Lexus RX330 is 2006. However, 2004 and 2005 are great years as well. The 2006 Lexus RX330 has an overall customer rating of 4.8 out of 5, received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, and is highly reliable. Unfortunately, Lexus only produced the RX330 from 2004 to 2006.

Although the Lexus RX330 was only made for three model years, they are highly reliable. More information about their reliability and the cost to maintain said cars is included below.

Are Lexus RX330s Reliable?

Lexus RX330 vehicles are highly reliable. So, what is the best year for the Lexus RX330?

Each year of Lexus’ RX330 has received high reliability and safety ratings from consumers and the NHTSA. 

The 2005 and 2006 Lexus RX330 received the highest overall reliability and safety ratings.

Best Year For The Lexus RX330: 2006 Lexus RX330

The 2006 Lexus RX330 received a 4.8 out of 5 overall rating from owners. 

They praised how reliable this vehicle is and how easy it is to drive.

This model of Lexus received 4 out of 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. 

This model did not receive an overall safety rating, which is typical for luxury vehicles. 

The 2006 Lexus RX330 received high safety ratings in each crash-test category. 

If you purchase this vehicle, it will help keep your family safe in the event of a car crash.

Even though many enjoyed the 2005 Lexus RX330, the 2006 model featured many improvements.

A used 2006 Lexus RX330 costs $8,000. 

A vehicle this cheap with a rating that high is almost too good to be true.

Best Year For The Lexus RX330: 2005 Lexus RX330

The 2005 Lexus RX330 received a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from consumers. 

Owners of this vehicle have praised the comfort of the seats, the interior and exterior design, and how easy it is to drive. 

The 2005 Lexus RX330 received 5 out of 5 stars during the NHTSA crash, except for one category.

In that category, it received 4 out of 5 stars.

Although the 2005 Lexus RX330 did not receive an overall safety rating, it scored above average ratings and will keep your family safe if a car accident occurs.

A used 2005 Lexus RX330 costs around $7,800. 

Since this is only a few hundred dollars cheaper than the 2006 model, you’d be better off buying the newer version.

Best Year For The Lexus RX330: 2004 Lexus RX330

The 2004 Lexus RX330 received 4.7 out of 5 stars when it comes to reliability and overall owner satisfaction.

Owners of this car have high praises for the interior and exterior design, easy handling, the high amount of gas mileage, and the comfort of the seats.

The 2004 Lexus RX330 received 4 out of 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. 

However, in some categories, it scored 5 out of 5 stars.

2004 was the first year that Lexus manufactured the RX330, as it replaced the Lexus RX300. 

Overall, this model started extremely strong and is loved by many.

A used 2004 Lexus RX330 costs around $7,300. 

As you can see, each of the models has retained its initial value well. 

Each model is extremely close in price to the other. 

In other words, it shouldn’t be much of a problem to buy the more reliable 2006 RX330.

What Year Lexus RX330 is Most Reliable?

The 2006 Lexus RX330 is the most reliable model and year of the Lexus RX330, although all years received high-reliability ratings from owners and retailers. 

The 2005 Lexus RX330 is slightly less reliable because it is older and has more issues. 

However, the problems that the 2005 Lexus RX330 has are limited and seem to involve software updates mainly.

How Many Miles Will a Lexus RX330 Last?

A Lexus RX330 will last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use. 

Lexus vehicles are known for being reliable and lasting for long periods.

Cars of this size typically last for 200,000 miles or more. 

However, Lexus RX330 owners have found that their vehicle is still running well, even after almost 250,000 miles of use.

However, some Lexus RX330 owners have found that their car starts to have major issues around 181,000 to 240,000 miles of use.

For a Lexus RX330 to run for 300,000 miles requires proper maintenance. 

Make repairs soon after you notice an issue, and have the oil changed regularly. 

You can change the oil yourself or have a car repair shop do it for you. 

Always take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop when there is an issue.

Before purchasing a used Lexus RX330, ensure the previous owner properly maintained the vehicle. 

If it hasn’t been maintained properly, it will stop working sooner and have more issues that need to be repaired.

Avoid purchasing Lexus RX330s in poor condition.

Are Lexus RX330 Expensive to Maintain?

According to Repair Pal, it costs about $444 annually to maintain and repair a Lexus RX330. 

This is above average for a car of the size and age. 

However, well-maintained Lexus RX330s cost less to repair and maintain over time.

Most of the maintenance that needs to be done to the Lexus RX330 involves various software updates. 

However, there are often issues with installing various software updates.

Other common issues with the Lexus RX330 involve warning lights turning on when there are no issues, brake pedal pulsing, and the rear hatch not working properly. 

Most of these issues are easy to fix and don’t cost a lot of money.

However, there are eight recalls issued for the Lexus RX330.

Before purchasing a used Lexus RX330, ensure these recalls have been repaired.

If they have not been repaired, you may have to pay for the repair in the long run.

Overall, 2006 is the best year for the Lexus RX330. 

2004 and 2005 are also great years for this midsize SUV, but 2006 is the best based on owner reviews and experiences. 

If you want to purchase a Lexus RX330, see if your local used car dealerships have one or more in stock.

Closing Thoughts On What Is The Best Year For The Lexus RX330?

Deciding on the best year for the Lexus RX330 is easy, when considering the overall satisfaction and reliability ratings from owners. The 2006 model emerges as the top pick, combining luxury, safety, and dependability in a package that has stood the test of time.

While the Lexus RX330 was only produced for a brief period, each model year from 2004 to 2006 has its merits, making any of them a worthy choice for buyers. However, with its slight edge in overall satisfaction and technological updates, the 2006 model year is especially noteworthy.

The Lexus RX330’s legacy as a reliable and stylish SUV is well-founded, with each model year offering a blend of performance and luxury that Lexus is known for. Whether choosing the most recommended 2006 model or opting for the slightly older 2004 or 2005 models, drivers can expect a vehicle that delivers comfort, safety, and enduring value.