2002 Lexus RX 300: Road Test
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2002 Lexus RX 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $33,955 -$35,705
- Invoice: $29,879 -$31,420
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Our road test for the 2002 Lexus RX 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Lexus RX 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Lexus RX 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Lexus RX 300 help you decide if a 2002 Lexus RX 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Snappy with front drive; test RX clocked 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. The heavier AWD version does almost as well. Both have good midrange passing power and admirable automatic-transmission behavior.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3.8 |
AWD test models averaged 16.3 mpg, slightly above the norm for midsize 4WD SUVs. A front-drive RX returned 19.2 with more highway driving. Lexus recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
Absorbent and smooth on most surfaces, and far more comfortable than most any other SUV--including Acura's MDX and the toney but truck-flavored Mercedes M-Class.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3.5 |
Not truly sporty, with modest body lean in tight, fast turns, but competent and predictable. Brakes exemplary, but some of our testers find pedal action a tad spongy.
QUIETNESS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 |
Some tire noise on coarse pavement, but pleasingly quiet overall, although open sunroof at highway speeds produces wind roar.
CONTROLS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Mostly handy, but touch-screen audio and climate control doesn't please everyone. No opportunity to test the revised navigation system. Laudable design and craftsmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Low step-in, wide doors ease entry/exit. Plenty of room on comfortable bucket seats. Drivers sit commandingly high, but some may find roof pillars too thick for best outward vision and tilt steering wheel doesn't go up high enough to suit 6-foot testers. Center console bins cleverly designed.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Three adults won't be too squeezed, and the middle position matches the comfort of the supportive outboard seats. Narrow floor-level passages impede entry/exit, though.
CARGO ROOM
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Rear seat easy to fold, but load deck isn't that long with the seat up and is rather high even on the 2WD version. Total load volume about par for midsize SUVs.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 4.5 |
Highlander is our Best-Buy pick, but RX 300 justifies its higher sticker price by being posh, refined, roomy, and pleasant to drive. Solid Lexus resale values add further luster to this premium midsize SUV.
Total Score
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 62 | 49.5 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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