The Lexus RX 300 is the original petrol‑V6 version of the RX luxury SUV, marking the start of Lexus’s flagship crossover line in the early 2000s. It blends smooth V6 performance, comfortable ride, and practicality in a compact‑luxury SUV package aimed at buyers who want a refined, easy‑to‑drive family SUV without the heft of a full‑size SUV.

Compact luxury SUV layout

The RX 300 is a five‑seat, five‑door SUV based on the first‑generation RX platform (XU10, 1998–2003), with a sleek crossover shape that helped define the modern luxury‑SUV segment. Length is about 4.5–4.6 metres, with a tall greenhouse, large glass area, and around 450–500 litres of boot space. It is lighter and more car‑like than a Land Cruiser‑based SUV, making it easier to park and more comfortable in city traffic.

3.0‑litre V6 petrol engine

The RX 300 is powered by a 3.0‑litre V6 petrol engine (1MZ‑FE) producing about 200–220 hp and 290–300 Nm of torque, depending on market and spec. Power is sent through a 4‑speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, or front and rear wheels via AWD on higher‑spec models. The engine is tuned for smooth, linear delivery rather than sporty power, with 0–100 km/h in roughly 9–10 seconds. Fuel economy is modest by modern standards, typically around 16–19 mpg (about 6–7 km/l) in mixed use.

Comfort‑focused ride and handling

The RX 300 runs on a unibody platform with MacPherson‑strut front suspension and a multi‑link rear, giving a soft, isolated ride that prioritizes comfort over sporty cornering. Steering is light and easy, and the overall feel is calm and relaxed, suitable for daily commuting and highway cruising. Brakes are adequate but not sport‑oriented, and the vehicle is designed more for smooth roads than aggressive off‑road use.

Simple, well‑finished interior

Inside, the RX 300 offers a well‑built, luxury‑oriented cabin for its era: leather seats, wood or metallic trim, automatic climate control, and a clear analogue‑style dash. Higher trims add features like power seats, sunroof, rear‑seat climate vents, and a premium audio system, while safety includes ABS, dual‑stage airbags, and traction control on later models. The cabin is more traditional than today’s RX, with fewer screens but a clean, high‑quality feel.

Ideal for RX‑legacy‑focused buyers

The Lexus RX 300 suits classic‑SUV enthusiasts, first‑time RX owners, and budget‑minded luxury buyers who want a well‑regarded, reliable early‑generation RX at a low price. It works well as a commuter car, light‑duty family SUV, or backup vehicle, giving you a comfortable, smooth‑riding luxury crossover that started the RX line but lacks the tech and efficiency of later RX 350/RX 450h generations.