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Lexus RX I 300 (223 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 301 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1720 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 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 (223 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This is the most potent and quickest variant of the RX I, offering brisk acceleration and confident overtaking. The FWD setup maximizes the engine's output for pure speed.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient of the 223 Hp options due to the FWD drivetrain, though specific figures are not provided. Still, anticipate typical V6 SUV consumption for the era.
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 (223 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 223 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 74.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 301 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: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1720 |
| Max. weight: | 2245 |
| Max load: | 525 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2130 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 860 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4575 mm |
| Width: | 1816 mm |
| Height: | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2619 mm |
| Front track: | 1562 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1565 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| 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 | 225/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Lexus RX!