Lexus RX (XU10)
The
Lexus RX (XU10) is the first generation of the
Lexus RX series of
crossover SUVs that was sold by Lexus from 1998 to 2003. First previewed as a
concept vehicle in February 1997 at the
Chicago Auto Show, the RX 300 (MCU10/MCU15) went on sale in March 1998, offering V6 power and
front- or
all-wheel drive. A
Japanese domestic market
version, the Toyota Harrier (SXU10/SXU15; MCU10/MCU15), went on sale in
Japan in December 1997, and was equipped with either an
inline-four or V6
engine. The first generation RX was highly successful in sales, and
became the best-selling Lexus model shortly after its introduction.
Its popularity contributed to the growth of the premium crossover SUV
market, with several rival makes launching competing models in response
to the RX 300.
The first generation Lexus RX was built in
Kyushu, Japan.
The RX 300 retained the same powertrain for its entire production run,
while the inline-four powered Harrier received a larger-displacement
engine in November 2000 (ACU10/ACU15). Export sales of the first
generation model continued until 2003, after which the second generation
RX 300/330 was introduced as its successor.
History of development
Concept (SLV)
A concept sport utility vehicle, the SLV, previewed the first generation Lexus RX at the
Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 1997,
a year before its introduction. The SLV name stood for
Sport Luxury Vehicle. The production-ready concept combined the characteristics of an SUV, wagon, and sedan,
and featured high-ground clearance and an elevated seating position.
The concept's overall design intent was to be commonly used for suburban
driving.
At the debut of the concept vehicle, it was reported that the crossover was to be based on the ES 300 sedan, and would go into production with an entry-level price of over US$30,000.
Exterior and interior
Side view of the RX 300 (U.S.)
The RX 300 was built on a
unibody chassis.
Its exterior design was not typical of existing four-door vehicles at its introduction.
Among design features, the vehicle featured front triangular
quarter-windows, door-mounted side mirrors, a rear liftgate with
top-mounted spoiler, and translucent front and rear light covers with
round lenses.
The exterior color scheme was two-tone, with the bumper and lower body-side cladding a gray color.
Overall dimensions were close to the
Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as minivans, but with closer ground clearance than the Jeep at 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
The RX 300 carried a drag coefficient of 0.36
Cd.
First generation Lexus RX interior
The RX 300 interior featured leather trim, two rows of seating, and a rear cargo area which could be concealed beneath a
tonneau cover.
The center dashboard was dominated by a central
liquid crystal display (LCD) multi-information screen for audio, climate, and performance data,
along with a U-shaped wood trim piece and a pair of air conditioning vents.
The gear shift was mounted at the base of the center console, thus
leaving open space below for additional storage space, legroom, or
movement to the passenger-side seat.
The rear seats could be adjusted forward and back, as well as fold flat for increased cargo room.
Total cargo volume with the seats folded was 130 cu ft (3.68 m
3).
Safety systems
Safety features included driver and passenger front airbags, front seat-mounted
side torso airbags,
anti-lock brakes, side impact door beams, daytime running lights, and five headrests as standard.
Vehicle Stability Control, an electronic stability program, was optional at the RX 300's debut,
and became standard in 2000.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the RX 300 "Good" overall in their frontal offset crash test.
Models
SXU10 / SXU15 (1997)
Introduced in Japan in December 1997 along with V6 powered versions, the four-cylinder powered Toyota Harrier was available in
front-wheel drive (SXU10) and
all-wheel drive (SXU15) form. The 2.2 L
5S-FE I4 produced 102 kilowatts (137 hp)
JIS and 191 N·m (141 lb·ft) of torque.
Both models were fitted with a 4-speed
automatic transmission.
The Japanese-market Toyota Harrier could be optioned with JBL sound system, sport seats, and a leather steering wheel.
The Harrier found success in the Japanese market, and was also shipped as
grey imports to right hand drive markets in
Asia.
MCU10 / MCU15 (1997)
1997–2000 Toyota Harrier (Malaysia)
The V6-powered model was available in front-wheel drive (MCU10) and
all-wheel drive (MCU15) form, which comprised all RX 300 sales in export
markets from March 1998 to 2003, and Harrier V6 sales in Japan from
1997 to 2003. The 3.0 L
1MZ-FE V6 was rated at 164 kilowatts (220 hp) and 301 N·m (222 lb·ft).
The transmission, a 4-speed automatic unit, offered a "Snow" mode which
started the vehicle in second gear for better traction in adverse
weather conditions.
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For the RX 300, a 240-watt, 7-speaker
Pioneer sound system was standard, while a premium
Nakamichi
customized sound system was available as an option. Interior features
further included Walnut wood trim and an optional in-dash six-CD
changer.
The overall RX 300 concept, which directed SUV qualities to an on-road
vehicle, was based on market research which found that merely 7 percent
of SUV owners drove off-road.
2000–2003 Lexus RX 300 (Europe)
In 2000, the RX 300 was refreshed with revised headlights and
taillights, along with the option of high-intensity discharge (HID)
headlamps.
The interior also gained the option of a DVD-based navigation system.
A burgundy exterior color, Venetian Red Pearl, was also offered on 1999–2000 year models.
The RX 300 sold over 370,000 units in its five years on the market.
The RX 300's success attracted rival makes to produce competing models, with subsequent debuts including the Acura MDX and BMW X5.
ACU10 / ACU15 (2000)
In November 2000, the 2.2 liter
5S-FE engine in the Harrier was replaced by the 2.4 liter
2AZ-FE four-cylinder engine, producing 117 kilowatts (157 hp)
JIS and 221 newton metres (163 lb·ft) of torque.
As before, the engine was offered with either front-wheel drive (ACU10) or all-wheel drive (ACU15) versions.
A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. Options included sport-tuned suspension and DVD voice navigation.
Limited editions
In 2001, a limited edition "Silversport" was offered that included a
monochromatic paint scheme in Millenium Silver or Black with an all
black interior and perforated leather seats.
Exclusively for 2002, Lexus introduced the limited RX 300 "
Coach Edition,"
featuring perforated leather trim in the interior, honeycomb grille,
Coach badging on the exterior and interior, and a set of Coach luggage.
Awards
Awards won by the first generation Lexus RX include most appealing luxury SUV by
J.D. Power and Associates in 1998,
Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 1999,
Money magazine's Best Deal on the Road in the SUV class in 1999, and
Kelley Blue Book's Best to Hold Value Award in 1999, 2000, and 2001.
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