Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Lexus RX I 300 4WD (201 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lexus RX:
The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV sold since 1998 by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Originally released in its home market of Japan in late 1997 as the Toyota Harrier, export sales began in March 1998 as the Lexus RX.
Considered as the first luxury crossover SUV by many sources, five generations of the RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter classified as mid-size. Both front- and four-wheel drive configurations have been used on the RX series, and several gasoline powertrain options, including V6 engines and hybrid systems, have been offered. In the Lexus model lineup, the RX sits below the larger Lexus LX , and below the body-on-frame, but also mid-size GX SUV. The name "RX" stands for "Radiant Crossover". It has also been labelled as "Recreational Cross Country" in some markets. The RX's current Toyota counterpart is the Highlander/Kluger; past counterparts included the Harrier and Venza....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Lexus RX (I). With 283 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1790 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Lexus RX I generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it generally offered a robust structure and standard safety features for its era, including ABS and multiple airbags, performing well in US crash tests.
300 4WD (201 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth, adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising. The 201 Hp V6 provides decent acceleration for its class and era, especially with the added traction of 4WD.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a notable drawback, particularly in urban settings, reflecting the vehicle's weight and the technology of the late 90s. Expect high consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and build quality
- • Smooth and refined V6 engine
- • Comfortable and quiet cabin
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption across all variants
- • Dated interior design by modern standards
- • Limited off-road capability despite SUV styling
- • Soft suspension might not appeal to all drivers
- • No diesel engine option
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lexus |
| Model: | RX |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 4WD (201 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 201 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 67.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 283 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1MZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 2995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 112.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1790 |
| Max. weight: | 2270 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1725 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 489 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4580 mm |
| Width: | 1815 mm |
| Height: | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2619 mm |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1550 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is the Lexus RX your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!