The Lexus RX is a crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold since 1998 by Lexus, the luxury division of the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter two classified as mid-size. Prior to the third generation model, Japanese sales occurred under the name Toyota Harrier as the Lexus brand had yet to be launched in Japan.
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 the one of 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)
| Name | First generation (XU10) |
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| Aka | Toyota Harrier |
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| Assembly | Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka |
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| Production | 1997–2003 (Toyota Harrier)1998–2003 (Lexus RX) |
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| Model years | 1999–2003 |
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| Engine | 2.2 L 5S-FE I42.4 L 2AZ-FE I43.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
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| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
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| Wheelbase | |
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| Length | |
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| Width | |
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| Height | |
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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). Two engines were available, the 2.2 L
5S-FE I4 which produced
JIS and , and the 3.0 L
1MZ-FE V6 which produced
JIS and . Both engines could be specified with either front or all-wheel drivetrains. All models came with an
automatic transmission. In Japan, the first-generation Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in
Asia as
grey imports.
The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in America in March 1998 as a 1999 model following its premiere at the 1998 North American International Auto Show, it was powered by an LEV certified 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 producing SAE and of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic in either front or all-wheel drive variations. The front and rear lights were similarly styled, being mounted inside translucent housings, while having its own floorpan. Upon release, the Lexus RX was an immediate hit, and sold over 370,000 units in five years.
The RX 300 interior included leather seats, wood trim, a multi-level center console with storage drawers, and individual reclining and sliding rear seats. A shift lever mounted near the instrument panel freed up floor space for additional storage. A 240-watt, 7-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, while a premium Nakamichi customized sound system was available as an option. All models came standard with front seat-mounted side torso airbags. The IIHS rated the RX 300 "Good" overall in their frontal offset crash test.
2000–2003
In 2000, for the 2001 model year the RX 300 was updated. Distinguishing features for the facelift version included "
Altezza" rear light cluster and larger wheels. This facelift version signified the introduction of the RX 300 in
Europe and
Asia for the first time; the front-wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.
The Harrier continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 liter 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 liter 2AZ-FE four-cylinder engine, producing JIS and . As before, the engine was offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front-wheel drive version and ACU15 for the all-wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier.
In 2001, the RX gained a number of 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. 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. A burgundy exterior color, Venetian Red Pearl, was offered on 1999–2000 year models.
Second generation (XU30; 2003–2009)
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.
In February 2003, the second generation Toyota Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front-wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the all-wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. Mechanical specification was largely similar to the first-generation Harrier, with the same engine and drivetrain combinations (2.4 L and 3.0 L V6 with or without all-wheel drive). The main difference was a new 5-speed automatic transmission with +/- shift replacing the 4-speed item in the 3.0 L V6, the availability of "AIRS" air-suspension on the 3.0 L V6 models, and an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS).
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. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.
The world's first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h premiered at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and went on sale in North America in April 2005,
Third generation (AL10; 2009–present)
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 redesigned RX 350 features a revised 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine producing with a wider power curve, it remains ULEV-II certified and now uses a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. American RX 350 sales began in February 2009 as a 2010 model.
In keeping with L-finesse design language, the new exterior styling includes a rear spoiler which hides the rear window wiper and radio antenna creating a less cluttered appearance. The drag coefficient on the latest RX 350 has been reduced to 0.33 Cd. XM Satellite Radio, a 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES).
The Lexus RX 450h, which went on sale in mid-2009, is equipped with a 3.5-liter 2GR-FXE V6 engine, now running on the Atkinson cycle, which produces ; by incorporating a more powerful inverter and electric motors, total horsepower reaches . Visually, the RX 450h receives a unique grille with modified front fascia, blue-tinted headlamps and tail lamps, hybrid badging, different wheels, and optional LED headlamps. In the US market the RX 450h went on sale in early June 2009.
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.
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.
Sales figures
Sales data in United States for the Lexus RX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:
{| class=wikitable style="font-size:97%;text-align:center"
|-
!align="left"|Generation (chassis code)
!Model no(s).
!Calendar year
!Total sales, U.S. (hybrid)
|-
|rowspan=5 |MCU10/MCU15
|-
|rowspan=4|RX 300
| 2000
| 89,864
|-
| 2001
| 77,426
|-
| 2003
| 92,366
|-
||MCU33/MCU38/MHU33
|rowspan=2|RX 330/400h
| 2005
| 108,775
|-
||MCU33/MCU38/MHU33/MHU38
| 2006
| 108,348 (20,161) (15,200) (14,464)
|}
References
External links
Lexus RX official sites for Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, Taiwan, UK, U.S.
RX
Category:Crossover SUVs
Category:Hybrid SUVs
Category:All wheel drive vehicles
Category:Front wheel drive vehicles
Category:Vehicles introduced in 1998
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