Base price: $39,590; 4wd, $41,390
Vehicle type: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive; 5-door 5-passenger wagon
Interior volume, F/R (cu ft) 52/46
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 31–40/75
Wheelbase 103.0 in
Length/width/height 180.3/71.5/65.7 in
Turning circle 41.3 ft
Curb weight 3700–3900 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 18–19/22–23
Fuel-tank capacity/range 19.8 gal/356–376 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6, 220 hp; 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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LEXUS RX300
The RX300 was one of the pioneers in the crossover-vehicle market, combining the characteristics of a luxury sedan with those of a sport-utility vehicle. It has a unibody design based on the front-drive ES300 sedan platform, including its 220-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. The design gives the RX300 an edge in weight and rigidity, as well as performance: 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. It’s also phenomenally quiet—67 dBA at 70 mph. The RX300 is not intended for serious off-roading. Though it’s fine for dirt roads, mud, and snow, highway cruising is its stock in trade. It’s smooth, and its seats are comfortable. Cargo space is modest compared with the Acura MDX, and LCD-operated audio and climate controls turn simple functions into complicated ones, violating our KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule. A power sunroof changes from optional to standard equipment for 2003.
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