Lexus RX

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lexus RX
Manufacturer	Lexus
Parent company	Toyota Motor Corporation
Also called	Toyota Harrier
Production	1997–present
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Related	Lexus ES Toyota Camry Toyota Highlander

The Lexus RX is a mid-size a crossover SUV produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. In North America, Europe, Oceania, and parts of Asia, including Singapore as a 2003 introduction and Japan as a 2008 introduction, it is sold by Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, as the Lexus RX series (such as the RX 300, RX 330 and RX 350). It is currently sold in Japan and previously in Singapore as the Toyota Harrier (until the RX introduced its second generation). The RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed several months later by debut of the production RX 300/Harrier models. In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330/Harrier went on sale shortly after. In 2004, the RX line added the world's first luxury-type hybrid, the RX 400h, and the RX 330 was upgraded to the RX 350 for model year 2007.

As one of the first crossover SUVs on the market, the Lexus RX has served as a model for subsequent designs. Its commercial success as Lexus' best-selling model has been attributed to the strong reliability reputation of Lexus and the RX line.^[1] The RX designation, coincidentally similar to the unrelated Mazda RX-7/RX-8 coupes and the Kia Rio RX-V hatchback in Canada, signifies its place in the Lexus lineup next to the larger GX and LX SUVs. The RX series is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with the ride and features of a luxury-type sedan.

Contents 1 First generation (1997-2003) 2 Second generation (2004-2009) 2.1 RX 400h 2.2 RX 350 3 Awards 4 Gallery 5 References 6 External links

[edit] First generation (1997-2003)

First generation
Also called	Toyota Harrier
Production	1997–2003
Assembly	Kyūshū, Japan
Engine(s)	2.2 L 5S-FE I4, 139 hp (104 kW) & 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf) JIS 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 219 hp (163 kW) & 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf) JIS 2.4 L 2AZ-FE, 159 hp (119 kW) & 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf) JIS
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	'99-'00: 103.1 in (2619 mm) '01-'03: 103.0 in (2616 mm)
Length	'01-'03: 180.3 in (4580 mm) '99-'00: 180.1 in (4575 mm)
Width	71.5 in (1816 mm)
Height	65.7 in (1669 mm)
Fuel capacity	19.8 US gallons (75.0 L/16.5 imp gal)

In February 1997, Lexus debuted the "Sport Luxury Vehicle" (SVL) concept, a prototype crossover SUV, at the Chicago Auto Show.^[2] This concept, which appeared close to production, combined the characteristics of an SUV, wagon, and sedan.^[3] 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 (104 kW) JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp (163 kW) JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or all wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard. The vehicle was partly based on the Camry platform.

The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in America in March 1998 as a 1999 model following its premiere at the North American International Auto Show that year. 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 included 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 Cd 0.36.^[4] 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.^[5]

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 (119 kW) 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 2001, the RX gained a number of options, including a GPS-linked automotive navigation system, a wood and leather trimmed steering wheel, and tow hitch receiver. Cabin equipment options were grouped into new package offerings. In 2002, Lexus further 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. This edition was only offered for that year. A burgundy exterior color, Venetian Red Pearl, was only offered for 1999-2000 year models.^[6]

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 (2004-2009)

Second generation
Also called	Toyota Harrier
Production	2004–2009
Assembly	Cambridge, Ontario, Canada Kyūshū, Japan
Engine(s)	(2004 - 2006) 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, 223 hp (166 kW) SAE (166 kW) & 323 Nm (238 ft·lbf) (2007 - ) 3.5-Liter V6 2GR-FE, Horsepower 270 @ 6,200 rpm, Torque (ft·lbf) 251 @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	106.9 in (2715 mm)
Length	186.2 in (4729 mm)
Width	72.6 in (1844 mm)
Height	66.1 in (1679 mm)
Fuel capacity	19.20 US gallons (72.7 L/16.0 imp gal)

In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury-type SUV at the North American International Auto Show, featuring a newer, sleeker body style.^[7] In February 2003, the second generation Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the all wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. Chassis elements were shared with the Highlander SUVs.^[8] 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 all 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, called the RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, began sales in March 2003.^[9] 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 230 hp (172 kW) SAE and (238 ft·lbf), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. Height-adjustable air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models (akin to "AIRS" system). The new model sports a drag coefficient of Cd 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 (including Singapore, where it succeeded the previously sold Harrier, South Korea, and Taiwan), where it continues to be an 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 other select options as standard.

Sales of the second generation Lexus RX have continued the success of the RX series for Lexus. In 2006, the RX series sold over 108,000 units, making the Lexus RX the highest-selling luxury vehicle in the United States.^[10]

[edit] RX 400h

See also Lexus RX 400h

The Lexus RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid is the world's first hybrid SUV.The Lexus 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 first premiered at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the equivalent Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005. The hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale in North America in April 2005.^[11] Europe and Asia also received the Hybrid RX in 2006. The debut model was an all-wheel drive version, and in 2006 a front-wheel drive version was also offered. 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 signifiers were added to the rear doors and aft emblems to further distinguish the hybrid models. A combination wood trim package was also added.

[edit] RX 350

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, Lexus 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. The new navigation system also featured voice dial systems and the ability to enter destinations by voice address while driving.

For the 2008 model year, the RX received a revised grille, chrome door handles, and available new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. A liquid graphite finish, and Brandy Wine Mica or Desert Sage Metallic were new exterior choices. Black Bird's Eye Maple wood with gray interior was a new interior option. For the 2009 model year, there is a new Pebble Beach Edition, also available on the SC430 and the ES350. Expect a complete redesign for 2010.

[edit] Awards

• J.D. Power and Associates named the Lexus RX the best entry luxury SUV in its 2001, 2004, and 2005 Initial Quality Surveys.^[12][13]
• 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.^[14] The RX series received this award again for 2006.
• The Lexus RX was named most appealing luxury SUV by J.D. Power and Associates in 1998 and 2004.^[15]
• Intellichoice named the Lexus RX the Best Overall Value in the SUV market over $30,000 in 2003, 2004, and 2005.^[16][17]
• Australia's Best Cars competition named the Lexus RX as Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2003 and 2004.^[18]
• Kelley Blue Book gave the RX its Best to Hold Value Award in 1999, 2000, and 2001.^[19]
• 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.

[edit] Gallery

Lexus RX headlamp washers

Lexus RX 400h dashboard panel

1998-2003 Harrier badge

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Lexus RX official U.S. site
• Lexus RX official Europe site
• ActivelySafe.com RX safety features site
• Lexus RX 350/400h official Australia site
• Lexus RX 350/400h official Canada site
• Lexus RX 350 official Taiwan site
• Lexus RX 400h - external links for the RX hybrid

v • d • e Lexus – a division of Toyota Motor Corp. – road vehicle timeline
Type	1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact									IS								IS
																			IS-F
Mid-size	ES		ES					ES					ES					ES
		GS							GS							GS
Full-size	LS					LS						LS						LS
Crossover								RX							RX
																RX Hybrid
SUV														GX
							LX		LX										LX
Coupe		SC										SC