Lexus RX
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| Manufacturer | Lexus (Toyota) |
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| Production | 1998–present |
| Class | Compact SUV (1998–2003) Mid-size SUV (2003–present) |
| Body style | 5-door wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive Front-engine, four-wheel drive |
In the Lexus model lineup, the RX sits below the company's other SUVs, the GX and LX, but remains the brand's only crossover model. As one of the earliest luxury crossovers on the market, the Lexus RX has inspired similar competitors from rival marques. Based on the unibody front-engine, front-wheel drive multi-model platform used by the Lexus ES, the RX is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with ride and features of a luxury sedan.Its commercial success as the best-selling Lexus model has been partially attributed to the strong reliability reputation held by Toyota and in turn Lexus.The success of the RX has been particularly strong in the United States where it has been the best-selling luxury SUV since its introduction. Manufacture of the RX has occurred at the Miyata plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan since launch. However, the RX remains notable as the only Lexus model to be also manufactured outside of Japan, with North American market non-hybrid versions produced at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant in Cambridge, Ontario since 2003.
Currently in its third generation, the RX series has comprised both front- and four-wheel drive configurations and offered several gasoline powertrain options. Lexus fitted original RX series from 1998 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and marketed this model as the "RX 300". The Japanese market Toyota Harrier also offered a 2.2-liter inline-four, later uprated to 2.4-liters. Lexus released the second generation in 2003 as the "RX 300" (3.0-liter V6) or "RX 330" (3.3-liter V6), depending on the market, although both variants were supplanted in 2006 by the more powerful "RX 350" (3.5-liter V6). Like the previous series, a 2.4-liter inline-four engine sold alongside the 3.0-liter V6 in the Japanese market Toyota Harrier. In 2005, a hybridized gasoline-electric version of the 3.3-liter second generation model was made available as the "RX 400h" in export markets and as the "Harrier Hybrid" in Japan. For the third and current iteration released in 2009, Lexus initially offered both "RX 350" (3.5-liter V6) and "RX 450h" (3.5-liter V6 hybrid) models, with an entry-level "RX 270" (2.7-liter inline-four) offered since 2010 in some Asian markets.
First generation (XU10; 1998–2003)
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| Also called | Toyota Harrier |
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| Production | 1997–2003 (Toyota Harrier) 1998–2003 (Lexus RX) |
| Model years | 1999–2003 |
| Assembly | Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka |
| Engine | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
Main article: Lexus RX (XU10)
1998–2000
In February 1997, Lexus debuted the "Sport Luxury Vehicle" (SLV) concept, a prototype crossover SUV, at the Chicago Auto Show. This concept, which appeared close to production, combined the characteristics of an SUV, wagon, and sedan. In Japan, the SLV concept appeared in first-generation Toyota Harrier form in December 1997 (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the front-wheel drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the all-wheel drive models). The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in America in March 1998 as a 1999 model (codenames MCU10 and MCU15) following its premiere at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. The first RX was built on a modified front-wheel drive sedan platform, derived from the Lexus ES,while having its own floorpan.
On the exterior, the RX 300 featured heated mirrors, automatic light-sensing headlights, a low step-in entry height, and an overall drag coefficient of 0.36 Cd. The front and rear lights were similarly styled, being mounted inside translucent housings, the rear liftgate had a top-mounted spoiler, and small quarter windows were located by the side-view mirrors. Ground clearance measured 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
Safety features included front seat-mounted side torso airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard, while Vehicle Stability Control was optional. The IIHS rated the RX 300 "Good" overall in their frontal offset crash test. Upon release, the Lexus RX was an immediate hit, and sold over 370,000 units in five years. In Japan, the first-generation Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports.
2000–2003
In 2001, the RX gained further options, including a DVD-based automotive navigation system, a wood and leather trimmed steering wheel, and tow hitch receiver. Cabin equipment options were grouped into new package offerings. For safety, Vehicle Stability Control became standard.
Second generation (XU30; 2003–2009)
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| Also called | Toyota Harrier |
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| Production | 2003–2009 (Lexus RX) 2003–present (Toyota Harrier) |
| Model years | 2004–2009 |
| Assembly | Canada: Cambridge, Ontario (TMMC) Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka |
| Engine | 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
Main article: Lexus RX (XU30)
2003–2006
In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury crossover SUV at the North American International Auto Show, featuring a newer, sleeker body style with a 0.35 Cd figure and new LED tailamps. The basic chassis was shared with the Highlander SUV, with underpinnings derived from the MC midsize front-wheel drive platform.The second generation RX, called the RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, began sales in March 2003. The RX 330, codename MCU33 and MCU38 arrived in the US as a 2004 model year vehicle.
The second generation Lexus RX launched in Europe and Asia markets in early 2003 (including Singapore, where it succeeded the previously sold Harrier, South Korea, and Taiwan). It was still the RX 300 and made in Japan. Mechanical specifications were more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Harrier, with only the all-wheel drive version available, and air-suspension optional. All North American models were also built in Japan until September 2003, when RX 330 production began at the TMMC plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
2006–2009
In 2006 for the 2007 model year, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 replacing the 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine on non-hybrid models, updating the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350, with new model codes GSU30 and GSU35. In 2007 for the 2008 model year, the RX received a revised grille, chrome door handles, available new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and new exterior choices.Sales of the second generation Lexus RX continued the success of the RX series for Lexus. In 2006, the RX series sold over 108,000 units, making the Lexus RX the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States.
Third generation (AL10; 2009–present)
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| Production | 2009–present |
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| Model years | 2010–present |
| Assembly | Canada: Cambridge, Ontario (TMMC) Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka |
| Platform | K platform (AGL/GGL/GYL) |
| Engine | 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (gasoline hybrid) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic U660E/F |
Main article: Lexus RX (AL10)
2009–present
At the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the LF-Xh concept was unveiled, hinting at the styling direction of the next RX. Later in November 2008, the redesigned third generation RX premiered at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, appearing as the standard RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and hybrid RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). The Japanese market Toyota Harrier was discontinued, with previous generation sales held for several months following the third generation's debut. The move to stop re-badging of Lexus models in Japan as Toyotas was because Toyota was starting to introduce the Lexus brand in Japan (prior to this, the Lexus brand was limited to overseas markets).
In August 2010, Lexus began offering the RX 270 (AGL10), a front-wheel drive model with a 2.7 L 1AR-FE four-cylinder engine, in Japan, China, and Russia. The RX 270 was a new entry-level offering for the RX lineup, produced with a lower base price and fewer emissions.
Starting in mid 2006 (2007 model year), and with updates to the navigation system after this date, the Lexus navigation system disables specific features, including access to the address book, when the car is moving. Lexus states this is a safety feature and offers voice commands for access of certain otherwise blocked features while in motion.
Awards
- J.D. Power and Associates presented the Cambridge South Plant where the RX is built the 2010 Gold Plant Quality award to the employees of the best automotive manufacturing facility in North & South America.
- 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year gave the 2010 RX interior the Design Harmony award.
- J.D. Power and Associates named the Lexus RX the best entry luxury SUV in its 2001, 2004, and 2005 Initial Quality Surveys.
- Winner Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2004 – Lexus RX 330.
- R. L. Polk & Co., automotive marketing research firm, gave the RX series its Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle category in 2005 for customer retention. The RX series received this award again for 2006.
- The Lexus RX was named most appealing luxury SUV by J.D. Power and Associates in 1998 and 2004.
- Intellichoice named the Lexus RX the Best Overall Value in the SUV market over $30,000 in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
- Australia's Best Cars competition named the Lexus RX as Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2003 and 2004.
- Kelley Blue Book gave the RX its Best to Hold Value Award in 1999, 2000, and 2001.
- Money magazine named the RX 300 the Best Deal on the Road in the SUV class in 1999.
- The RX 300 was Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year for 1999.
- The Lexus RX came 3rd in the Top Gear Satisfaction Survey 2005, beaten only by the Lexus IS, and the Honda S2000.
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