Lexus RX First generation
The Lexus RX First generation (1999–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 8 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: XU10
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,580 mm RDW | – | 4,580 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm RDW | – | 1,815 mm |
| Height | 1,680 mm RDW | – | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620–2,720 mm RDW | – | 2,615 mm |
| Front track | 1,565–1,580 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,550–1,570 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,765–1,810 kg RDW | – | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,865–1,910 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,270–2,380 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 2,000 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 700 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 878–906 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,860–2,945 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 200 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 283 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/70R16, 225/60R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 70.7% (69.0–72.3) | 69.2% | 3,021 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 45.6% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 36.4% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 29.5% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 29.4% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 26.7% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 20.1% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
818 complaints for model years 1999–2003. 78 crashes · 13 fires · 68 injuries
- Transmission and drivetrain 497
- Engine 78
- Speed control 61
- Airbags 38
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 8 versions of the Lexus RX First generation
United Kingdom 2 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2004RX300 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.2 L/100 km NEDC | 288 g/km |
| 2002RX300 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 13.0 L/100 km NEDC | 311 g/km |
United States 4 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–20032MODE CLKUP · CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 2001–2003CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1999–20002MODE 2LKUP · 2MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 19992MODE 2LKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
Canada 2 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2003Sport utility vehicle · Station wagon: Mid-size | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 13.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 304 g/km |
| 1999–2001Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.5–13.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 288–301 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.