After a freshening in 2001, the RX 300 rolls into largely unchanged. That will likely suit potential buyers of Lexus popular SUV crossover just fine. Lexus seems to have hit the bull’s eye of the midsize with its first shot. The most significant upgrade this year should keep RX 300 owners from getting lost, or at least frustrated. Lexus has modified the optional DVD based navigation system this year for better performance. Lexus says route calculation time has been cut from an average of 11 seconds to five, with faster map scrolling. The datebase has been expanded to include more Canadian destinations, and French language selection should keep the Quebecois happy. The navigation gear is indicative of the kind of features one can expect in this price rage. Standard equipment on the RX 300 includes automatic climate control, rear vents for air conditioning and heat, cruise control, power heated outside mirrors, vehicle skid control, tool kit, first aid kit, walnut trim around the windows switches and center console, a leather covered steering wheel and a 240 watt, 7 speaker audio system with cassette player. Leather seats, a 6 disc CD changer and a power moon roof are a few of the available options.
The RX 300 seats five, with adjustable headrests for each, and the rear seatbacks can fold down to open up 75 cu.ft of cargo space. There’s a hidden storage area in the cargo section and a tonneau cover comes standard. Driver and front airbags are, of course, standard, as are front seat mounted side impact airbags and 4 channel ABS.
