2002 Lexus RX 300 4WD

Base RX amenities include power-controlled accessories and a 240-watt sound system. The Navigation package adds a DVD-based nav system, 6-disc CD changer, moonroof, leather upholstery, and more.

Our tester had only one—albeit major—option, the Navigation System Value Package. This comprehensive collection of upgrades, which raised its out-the-door price to $42,461, includes leather trim, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, electrochromic rearview mirrors, moonroof, microfiltration air system, wood/leather steering wheel, Homelink garage/gate opener and HID headlamps as well as the DVD-based navigation system. The nav system has been revised for 2002 to add functions and make it simpler to use. While the basic design still requires accessing the central touch screen to change radio stations, a faster CPU has cut the overall route calculation times in half, and the system is now capable of developing multiple travel paths and providing previews.


Unlike most of the truck-based SUV contingent, the RX 300 features fully independent underpinnings, front and rear. A quartet of coil-spring struts, subframe-mounted and fitted with gas-pressurized shock absorbers, allow the RX 300 to deftly dispense with most road imperfections smoothly and quietly, in a manner befitting its luxury bent. Grip to the ground is provided by standard 225/70SR16 all-season tires mounted on 5-spoke alloy wheels while directional control comes via a rack-and-pinion power steering system that's slightly vague on center but reasonably communicative when the roads start getting twistier. Pressed hard into a corner, the RX 300 does display a fair bit of body roll and push—not unexpected characteristics in a vehicle with a somewhat elevated center of gravity and tuned to deliver a premium ride. Counterbalancing those tradeoffs, these motions are well damped.


The stability-control system also adds a measure of confidence to the RX 300, although more enthusiastic drivers may find its level of forced constraint a bit intrusive. Undeniably a plus in less-than-ideal driving conditions, it proved a bona fide fun-killer in the dry. About the only other caveat worth mentioning concerns the RX 300's surprisingly expansive 41.3-foot turning circle. Mitigated somewhat by the vehicle's overall compact dimensions—wheelbase is 103.0 inches and overall length a mere 180.3—it still mandates a modicum of forethought when engaging in close-quarters maneuvers. Despite a slightly soft brake pedal, the actual stopping power of the RX 300's big (11.7/11.3-inch) disc brakes deserves high marks for distance and resistance to fade.

Rear-seat access and comfort are pleasantly surprising and actually suited to full-sized adults. Maximum seat-folded cargo capacity is 75 cubic feet.

Like every other Lexus, the RX 300's interior is exceptionally comfortable and offers adult-sized room in both front and rear quarters. It does a great job of combining easy entry with command-position seating that ensures good freeway forward visibility. These design basics are accentuated by neat detail touches like a faux vent window that helps eliminate what would normally be a blind spot at the lower trailing edge of the A-pillar.


While the basic cargo bay is not the largest available in a midsize SUV, it still has room enough to swallow up a better-than-average payload. The split/sliding rear bench allows it to carry between 30.7 and 39.8 cubic feet of goods with the second row seat in place while a full fold bumps that figure up to 75.0.