The 2004 to 2006 RX330 remains one of Lexus's most popular vehicles to date. What some people don't know is that for the North American market, Lexus switched production plants for this vehicle from Japan to Canada, and along with that some differences in how the engine compartment was constructed.

One such case mechanics and DIYers may find themselves confused on is the structure of the radiator. When you look up the radiator for a 2004-2006 RX330, you'll come across radiators of various material with different mount methods.

The RX330 of these particular years have several possible radiators you can use. To narrow down your options, it's best to look at what's on your vehicle's original radiator. You can do this by:
a) removing the radiator completely, which is difficult and time-consuming.
b) contacting your dealership with your VIN# to see if they have any information on this.
c) figure out the differences between each radiator available before doing any of the above.

We at Parts Nation offer three versions of this vehicle's radiator:

1. CD2688 - Radiator For 2688 04-06 Lexus RX 330 3.3L Japan-Build Without Tow Package - All Aluminum, 1-Row

2. CD2689 - Radiator For 2689 04-06 Lexus RX 330 3.3L Japan-Build With Tow Package - All Aluminum, 1-Row

3. CDR13256 - Radiator For 13256 05-06 Lexus RX330 3.3L V6 Japan/USA-Build - Plastic Tank Aluminum Core

At a glance, you may not realize these radiators vary, however the parts listed above are not interchangeable. The differences are minimal, but enough to make installation difficult if you purchase the incorrect part. 

Depending on the construction of the radiator, the mounting bracket can be found in different locations. The radiator with the plastic-tank will have its mount located by the filler neck. In contrast, the all-aluminum radiator will have its mount located on the opposite end of the radiator on the core rail. In the event you purchased the all-aluminum radiator, you will have to make several, possibly major modifications to your vehicle's engine bay, essentially adding triple the amount of work to what was already a tedious repair.

Additionally, CD2688 and CD2689 will look vastly similar, however they differ in size depending on your cooling needs. Vehicles with towing package will want the larger radiator CD2689 to prevent engine burnout or overheating. CD2688 will suffice for vehicles used for regular commute.

Before you purchase your radiator, be sure to double check the part you're purchasing is correct. We wouldn't want even more of a frustration for you. If you're unsure of what you need, feel free to contact us by hitting the chat widget, or emailing us at [email protected]