2003 Lexus RX 300: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Lexus RX 300 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $35,125 -$36,925
- Invoice: $30,909 -$32,493
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Lexus RX
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2003 Lexus RX 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lexus RX 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lexus RX 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lexus RX 300 help you decide if a 2003 Lexus RX 300 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Snappy with front drive; a test model clocked 8.2 sec 0-60 mph. The heavier AWD 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 | 3.1 |
Test AWD 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 | 4.6 |
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 | 5.1 |
Competent and predictable but not auto agile, with modest body lean in tight, fast turns. Brakes exemplary in "panic" stops, but some of our testers find pedal action a tad spongy.
QUIETNESS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Some tire noise on coarse pavement, but pleasingly quiet overall, although opening the moonroof at highway speeds produces lots of wind roar.
CONTROLS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Gauges highly legible, as expected of Lexus. Some secondary controls a bit unorthodox, but easily enough mastered. Optional navigation system revised last year, but we haven't yet had a chance to test it.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
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. Cleverly designed center console bins hold lots of stuff.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
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 | 7.5 |
Rear seat easy to fold, but load deck isn't that long with the seat up and is rather high even on 2WD models. Total load volume about par for midsize SUVs.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.2 |
Highlander is less expensive, but RX 300 justifies its higher price by being posh, refined, roomy, and pleasant to drive. As a Lexus, it also scores for red-carpet customer treatment and solid resale values.
Total Score
| Base 2WD | Base AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 62 | 55.6 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
