2000 Lexus RX 300

The 2000 Lexus RX 300 is a mid-size luxury crossover that ships from the factory with a smooth, naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 (24-valve DOHC, 1MZ-FE) that was rated in the factory literature at roughly 220 horsepower and around 220 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Front-wheel drive was the standard layout from the factory; full-time all-wheel drive was offered as a factory option.

Chassis and running gear were engineered for carlike comfort and predictable handling. The RX 300 uses independent suspension (strut-type up front with a multi-link arrangement at the rear), stabilizer bars, and a chassis tuned for a balance between ride comfort and body control. Braking is handled by four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated discs at the front; anti-lock brakes (ABS) are part of the factory safety equipment. The vehicle rides on alloy wheels from the factory.

Exterior equipment supplied from the factory includes body-color bumpers and mirrors, integrated roof rails, a rear liftgate with a glass hatch, privacy glass for the rear windows, and halogen projector-style headlights. Many models left the factory with a power sliding/tilt moonroof as a common factory option or standard on higher spec packages.

Interior and comfort features delivered from the factory reflect Lexus’s emphasis on refinement. The cabin seats five and is typically trimmed in leather; front seats are power-adjustable from the factory (with power lumbar on the driver’s side). The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down design to expand cargo space. Standard convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt steering column (often leather-wrapped), and an illuminated center console with storage and cupholders.

Factory audio and electronic features usually consist of an AM/FM stereo with a cassette and single-disc CD player and a multi-speaker sound system (a 6-disc CD changer and upgraded premium audio packages were available from the factory). The vehicle also includes standard interior conveniences such as map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, and multiple 12-volt power outlets.

Safety equipment installed at the factory includes dual front airbags and front-seat side-impact airbags, three-point seat belts for all seating positions with pretensioners in the front seats, child-seat anchor points (LATCH), and an engine immobilizer/anti-theft system. The RX 300 also incorporates side-impact protection and a reinforced passenger compartment consistent with factory crash-safety design practices of the period.

Overall, the 2000 RX 300’s factory configuration focused on a comfortable, well-appointed interior, a refined naturally aspirated V6 with smooth automatic shifting, and a package of safety and convenience features intended to match the expectations for an entry-level luxury crossover of its era.