Lexus RX

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See also Lexus RX 400h/Toyota Harrier Hybrid

Lexus RX<tr><td colspan=2> Image:Lexus RX 300 black vr.jpg </tr> <tr><th>Also called:<td>Toyota Harrier</tr>
Manufacturer:	Toyota<tr><th>Production:<td>1997–present</tr><tr><th>Assembly:<td>Cambridge, Ontario, Canada Kyushu, Japan<tr><th>Class:<td>Mid-size entry-level luxury crossover SUV</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>4-door SUV</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Toyota Sienna Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Solara Lexus ES Toyota Highlander Toyota Avalon</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Lincoln MKX Mercedes-Benz M-Class Volkswagen Touareg</tr>

The Lexus RX is a mid-size entry-level luxury crossover SUV produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. It is the world's first mid-size crossover SUV. In North America, Europe, and Asia, it is sold by Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, as the Lexus RX series (such as the RX 300, RX 330 and RX 350). In Japan and Singapore, it is sold as the Toyota Harrier. The vehicle is based heavily on the Camry platform, which it shares with the Kluger/Highlander. The Harrier was introduced in Japan in 1997 and the RX 300 at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. It quickly became Lexus's best-selling model. This commercial success may be attributed to the strong reliability reputation of Lexus and the RX line <ref>Lexus RX 350 Review, hotcarsearch.com</ref>. The RX was one of the first crossover SUVs on the market and served as a model for subsequent designs.

The Lexus RX designation is sometimes confused with the Mazda RX-7 coupe (and its successor, the RX-8), as well as the Kia Rio RX-V station wagon in Canada.

1 First generation (1998-2003)
2 Second generation (2004-present)
3 Future
4 Awards
5 References

[edit] First generation (1998-2003)

First generation<tr><td colspan=2> Image:Lexus-RX300.JPG </tr><tr><th>Also called:<td>Lexus RX300</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>1997–2003</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>2.2 L 5S-FE I4, 139 hp JIS (102 kW) & 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 219 hp JIS (161 kW) & 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE , 159 hp JIS (117 kW) & 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf)</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>4-Speed Automatic Overdrive</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>103.00 in.</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>180.30 in.</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>71.50 in.</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>65.70 in.</tr><tr><th>Fuel capacity:<td>19.8 gal.</tr>

Image:1997 Toyota Harrier 01.jpg

In February 1997, Lexus debuted the Lexus Sport Luxury Vehicle Concept (SLV), a prototype crossover SUV, at the Chicago Auto Show <ref>Businessweek: A Sport-Ute in Every Driveway?, BusinessWeek.com</ref>. This concept, which appeared close to production, combined the characteristics of an SUV, wagon, and sedan <ref>Cars.com - 2007 Lexus RX 350</ref>. In Japan, the SLV concept appeared in first-generation Harrier form (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the front wheel drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the four wheel drive models) in December 1997. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139 hp JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard, with the V6 version having the Sportmatic +/- feature.

The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in America in March 1998. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 and either front or four wheel drive. The RX 300 interior featured 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. On the exterior, the RX featured heated mirrors, automatic light-sensing headlights, a low step-in entry height, and an overall drag coefficient of 0.36 <ref>1999 Lexus RX 300 Review - New Car Test Drive</ref>. A 240-watt, 7-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, while a Nakamichi premium customized sound system was available as an option. The Lexus RX was an immediate hit, and sold over 370,000 units in five years <ref>Autochannel 2004 Lexus RX330 Review, heautochannel.com</ref>.

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 Harrier continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). As before, the engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four 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 four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier.

In 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. In 2000, the Lexus RX went on sale in Europe and Asia for the first time. Distinguishing features for these versions of the RX 300 included a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.

[edit] Second generation (2004-present)

Second generation<tr><td colspan=2> Image:LexusRX.jpg </tr><tr><th>Also called:<td>Lexus RX300 Lexus RX330 Lexus RX350 Lexus RX400h</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>2004–present</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>(2004 - 2006) 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, 223 hp SAE (166 kW) & 323 Nm (238 ft·lbf) (2007 - ) 3.5-Liter V6 2GR-FE, Horsepower 270 @ 6,200 RPM, Torque (lb-ft) 251 @ 4,700 RPM</tr><tr><th>Transmission:<td>5-Speed Automatic Overdrive</tr><tr><th>Wheelbase:<td>106.90 in.</tr><tr><th>Length:<td>187.20 in.</tr><tr><th>Width:<td>72.60 in.</tr><tr><th>Height:<td>68.30 in.</tr><tr><th>Fuel capacity:<td>19.20 gal.</tr>

Image:Toyota Harrier Hybrid 01.JPG

In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury SUV at the North American International Auto Show, featuring a newer, sleeker body style <ref>New Lexus To Redefine 4WD Style, drive.com.au</ref>. In February 2003, the second generation Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the four wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. Remaining as Lexus's entry-level SUV, the second-generation Lexus model gained as competitors the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and the new Infiniti FX35, following the introduction of the Lexus GX, a large midsize SUV slotted between the Lexus RX and the Lexus LX. Mechanical specification was largely similar to the first-generation Harrier, with the same engine and drivetrain combinations available (2.4 L and 3.0 L V6 with or without four 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, and the availability of "AIRS" air-suspension on the 3.0 L V6 models.

The second generation RX, now called the RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, began sales in March 2003 <ref>Lexus RX Chronology</ref>. The North American-market cars were initially built in Japan, with production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, producing 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lbf), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models. The new model sports a drag coefficent of 0.35.

The second-generation RX interior features Golden Bird's Eye Maple or Walnut wood trim, a sliding multi-level center storage console, dual-zone climate control, tilt steering column, and eight airbags. Available options include an 210-watt, 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, GPS navigation, rear seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, and a panoramic, multi-panel moonroof. A power rear door is standard.

The second generation Lexus RX was launched for European and Asian markets in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified. In 2005, Lexus introduced the RX 330 Thundercloud Edition for the U.S. market, featuring a horizontal-slatted grille, aluminum alloy wheels, and select luxury options as standard.

The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale in North America in April 2005 <ref>Cars.com - New Lexus Buying Guide, research.cars.com</ref>. Europe and Asia also received the Hybrid RX in 2006. The RX 400h features Lexus Hybrid Drive, which combines a V6 engine and electric motors. This results in performance akin to V8s with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The RX 400h features styling differences with the conventional gas-powered RX, including metal interior trim in place of wood, round foglights, and a different grille. For 2007, additional hybrid badging was added to further distinguish the hybrid models.

For 2007, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 also featured an updated, Generation V DVD navigation system with improved graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new feature called "bread crumbs." Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps.

[edit] Future

The RX will be totally redesigned in the 2009 model year and emphasize more sport and luxury and have much bolder styling that the current model. Expect an extended length version and an optional 4.6L/Hybrid engine. Pricing will most likely go north of $40,000 for the base model. Expect the RX 350, RX 350L, RX 460h, RX 460hL in spring of 2008. ^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Awards

J.D. Power named the Lexus RX the best entry luxury SUV in its 2001, 2004, and 2005 Initial Quality Surveys <ref>J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Study, jdpower.com</ref><ref>Toyota, GM Garner Most Awards in 2005 Initial Quality Study</ref>.
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 <ref>Polk Automotive Loyalty Award Winners</ref>.
The Lexus RX was named most appealing luxury SUV by J.D. Power in 1998 and 2004 <ref>J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study</ref>.
Intellichoice named the Lexus RX the Best Overall Value in the SUV market over $30,000 in 2003, 2004, and 2005 <ref>IntelliChoice Reveals Best Overall Value Award Winners for 2003 Model Year Vehicles</ref><ref>2005 Intellichoice Best Overall Value Awards</ref>.
Australia's Best Cars competition named the Lexus RX as Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2003 and 2004 <ref>RX330 is Still Australia's Best Luxury Four-Wheel Drive</ref>.
Kelley Blue Book gave the RX its Best to Hold Value Award in 1999, 2000, and 2001 <ref>CARFAX - Kelley Blue Book-Models to Best Hold Its Value</ref>.
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.