2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross

In today's automotive world, practical chic is where it's at. Leading the charge in that direction is a variety of new vehicles that combine equal parts of utility and style. One of the newest faces to join this burgeoning group of multifaceted people-movers is the Lexus IS 300 SportCross. Sharing basic architecture with the IS 300 sedan, the SportCross offers even more visual impact to complement its additional flexibility.

The SportCross is an identical match to the IS 300 sedan when viewed head-on, but from the rear-door cutout to the spoiler lip, it's undeniably unique.

Introduced last year, the SportCross is an identical match to the IS 300 sedan when viewed head-on, right down to their grilles. Indeed, from the C-pillar forward, these marque-mates share and share alike in every way. The divergence commences immediately aft of the rear-door cutout, and carries back to the high-mount spoiler lip on the back of the SportCross's fast-breaking roofline. Despite exacting a modest penalty on usable enclosed space, the substantial reverse rake on its D-pillar adds an undeniable element of visual excitement to the basic SportCross persona.


The feeling of déjà vu continues as you slip behind the SportCross's thick-rimmed, 3-spoke steering wheel. As in the IS 300 sedan, a flashy "chronograph-look" speedometer dominates the instrument cluster while brushed-aluminum pedals and a chrome shift lever contribute more visual impact to the interior trimout. Key SportCross standards include power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote, anti-theft system, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, front/front-side/side curtain airbags, and automatic climate control. Options include the Lexus DVD-based navigation system and a full-leather seat treatment—buyers can even have the shifter ball covered in cowhide.

As tempting as it is to take the long route, on optional Lexus DVD-based navigation system is available.

A quick perusal of the dimensional specs shows that the SportCross has the same front/rear numbers as an IS 300 sedan. That means those riding in its well-formed sport buckets enjoy a good deal more "personal space" than passengers relegated to the rear bench. The big gain comes behind the rear seat, where a 21.8-cubic-foot cargo bay replaces the IS 300's conventional 10.1-cubic foot trunk. Although fairly prominent shock towers do take a bite out of the total space, fully deploying the 60/40 split/folding seatback creates a flat loading floor that virtually doubles the usable room. Easy access to this cargo bay comes courtesy of a generously proportioned hatch cutout that extends all the way down to bumper level. Added storage space is available beneath a lift-out panel in the cargo area while a retractable/removable cover keeps whatever's stored back there out of sight. Other key differences from the sedan setup include an additional 12V powerpoint, a rear washer/wiper, and a mini-table formed by forward folding the front-passenger seatback.


Like its betrunked cousin, the decidedly enthusiast-oriented SportCross rides on a chassis that favors handling prowess over ride compliance. Double wishbones, coil springs and gas-pressure shocks all around are fine-tuned with an anti-roll bar at each axle. While sharing the sedan's 215/45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza 040 tires on 17x7 five-spoke alloy wheels up front, the SportCross is fitted with 225/45s on 7.5-inch-wide rims at the rear.