REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

How time flies

Since the Toyota Highlander is a spin-off of the Lexus RX300, this review can be applied to both.

After solidly establishing its luxury automobiles’ reputation for quality and reliability, Lexus decided to set its sights on new territory. First it ventured cautiously into the off-road world with the big LX450, since replaced by the opulent LX470. Then, for the first time ever, Lexus played its AWD card with the RX300.

At the time, this vehicle was completely unusual, in a market niche that is still that way. In fact, the RX is neither a traditional “4×4″ nor a close relative of a wagon model. And it’s not a real off-road vehicle since, like the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC, it doesn’t feature a short gear ratio.

One thing is certain : the RX300 is preparing to turn over its niche to a new generation of Lexus models, assembled for the first time outside of Japan.The driving position is high and visibility is impeccable, with the exception of the blind spot created by the 3rd roof pillar and hefty rear headrests. Access is easy and seats are comfortable and mold well. The average adult will find that seats are positioned low and as a result, rear-seat passengers ride with their knees a bit higher than they should be. In addition, intrusive wheel wells make getting out of the RX somewhat problematic in winter weather. The hatchback trunk is fairly roomy, but its high sill makes loading heavy objects a pain.

Although presumed to be rivals, these two models have fundamentally different missions. They both have the same modern design and refinement, but the RX300 is focused on luxury and comfort while its rival is designed to be functional above all else. Lexus uses materials of impeccable quality, finishing is remarkable and attention to detail is consistent and very impressive. Other positive examples: the RX 300 has a CD player (6 discs, optional), mounted in a fairly big glove box; windows that roll down and up with one touch of a button by any one of the passengers in the four main seats, an efficient air conditioning system, plenty of easily accessible, practical and often ingenious storage spaces. The center console features two drawers designed to accommodate all the essentials of modern life : cell phone, sunglasses, a huge change holder and maybe even a giant cappuccino.

The dashboard is audaciously styled with a center portion that juts out like the prow of a small ship. Whether you like it or not, you’re bound to notice the cathode screen positioned smack in the middle and offering redundant information on air conditioning and sound system settings; Japanese consumers get a complete navigation system, which could soon come our way. The only drawback is that bright sunlight often makes the screen illegible. But most ironic of all, primary controls have been shoved aside precisely to make room for the famous screen.

This small mistake aside, the new RX300 offers excellent overall styling, comfort and driveability and the perfect blend of pleasure and practicality that Lexus is famous for bringing to the automotive market.With its new RX300, Lexus is taking aim at the Mercedes ML320, even daring to give it a base price that is virtually identical to the German-American SUV. Both models have similar lines and similar powertrains: a 220-hp 3-liter V6 versus a 215-hp 3.2-liter unit. Performance levels are close, as are acceleration and braking capabilities. They even drive and handle very similarly. The Lexus is just a little bit smoother and has just a little bit less manoeuvrability, mainly because of its long turning radius. The RX swallows kilometer after kilometer effortlessly and with almost no noise when it’s out on the highway, but is is somewhat sensitive to crosswinds. The RX features a unitized body, while the ML has a separate chassis. The first can handle 1588 kg (3500 lbs.), while the latter can take on 2268 kg (5000 lbs.), a major and crucial difference for campers and vacationers.

PROS
Excellent powertrain
Impeccable finishing
Fully equipped

CONS
Sensitivity to crosswinds
Towing capacity
Trunk access

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * * *

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