More Christmas Reviews : Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX (1999 - 2003)

"I'm tired of driving a truck!" 

This has become an all-too-popular mantra, often uttered by folks who purchased a truck-based sport/utility and may not be enjoying the result. In truth, many people are buying more off-road and towing capability than they really need--and have begun to miss some of the carlike attributes they gave up in the exchange. Lexus was one of the first to recognize this and fired a rifle-shot into the marketplace called the RX 300, designed to hit the sport/utility target somewhere in between truck and car. We felt the results were impressive enough to name it our inaugural 1999 Sport/Utility of the Year.

 Based on the popular ES 300 sedan, the RX offers most of the cues and packaging elements that are important to sport/utility users: the weather-be-damned security of optional all-wheel drive, a commanding view of the road, and a handy cargo area with fold-down rear seats. Yet it spares you some of the drawbacks. For example, the step-in height is lower than in most sport/utes, for easier entry and exit.

There's only one engine choice available. The 3.0-liter/220-horsepower DOHC all-aluminum V-6 cranks out power equaling that of many V-8s, and delivers it to the ground in very sophisticated fashion. It's smooth, revvy, quiet, and the VVT-i technology allows this V-6 to make a surprising 80 percent of its torque available as low as 1600 rpm. Freeway onramps are a breeze, as are most passing maneuvers.

The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (no manual is offered) even packs a Sport mode for more aggressive shifts. There is no transfer case or low range, as in most "pure" sport/utes. But this is by design, and in keeping with the RX 300's mission to excel in all-weather driveability and light-duty off-roading, as opposed to maximum rock crawling.

Anyone climbing inside this well-optioned SUV would have a tough time telling it from any Lexus sedan. Rich wood and sumptuous leather trim are spread throughout the cabin, with a full complement of power accessories. Rear passengers enjoy adjustable seats and their own heating/air-conditioning vents. The front console is a unique design, as it doesn't extend back between the front seats. Lexus' trademark vacuum-fluorescent gauges are clearly visible through the handsome three-spoke steering wheel, while heating, A/C, and entertainment system functions are monitored via the 5.8-inch liquid crystal display screen in the center of the dash. There's no fishing around the cargo area to load CDs, as the six-disc changer unit is handily located in the glovebox.

What separates the RX 300 from most truck-based SUVs is its exceptionally polished road manners. The ride is luxury-car compliant, yet it doesn't exhibit the body roll often associated with higher-riding sport/utilities. Road feel from the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is reassuringly communicative, as is the stopping power from the four-wheel disc brakes and ABS.

Lexus' design prototype that pre-dated the production RX 300 was called the SLV, for Sport Luxury Vehicle. Had they not decided to call it RX, that name would have fit just fine.