The XU30 type Lexus RX corresponds to the 2nd generation of the brand's luxury SUV (although sometimes confused with the 3rd generation depending on the market, the true 3rd being the 2008 AL10). Launched in 2003, it redefined the premium SUV segment by prioritizing comfort, ride silence, and unparalleled reliability compared to its German competitors. It is especially famous for introducing the RX 400h in 2005, the world's very first premium hybrid SUV. Facelifted in 2006 (introduction of the 3.5L engine on the RX 350), this model ages exceptionally well. Its build quality (notably the factory assemblies in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge, Canada) makes it one of the most robust used vehicles of its decade, despite a few peripheral weaknesses related to age.
The second-generation Lexus RX (XU30) is a true monument of reliability. If you are looking for a used premium SUV on a budget, it is one of the safest choices on the market, far ahead of its European counterparts from the same era. The RX 300 is a sensible choice, indestructible if maintenance is kept up. The RX 350 offers superior driving pleasure but requires strict verification of the VVT-i line. Finally, the RX 400h remains an excellent choice to reduce fuel consumption, provided you budget for a potential reconditioning of the high-voltage battery given its age. Avoid models equipped with air suspension if possible to limit costs.