Is the 2002 Lexus RX300 all-wheel drive?
In short: the 2002 Lexus RX300 could be equipped with all-wheel drive, but it was not standard; buyers could also get it with front-wheel drive depending on the configuration.
What the 2002 RX300 offered
The 2002 RX300 belonged to the second generation of Lexus’ compact crossover lineup. It was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine (1MZ-FE) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) as the base configuration or all-wheel drive (AWD) as an available option. The AWD setup is designed to improve traction on slippery surfaces and during light off-road conditions, without adding a low-range transfer case.
How the all-wheel-drive system works
The RX300’s AWD system uses a center drivetrain arrangement that can send power to the rear axle when wheel slip is detected. In practice, this means the car behaves mainly like a front-driver under normal conditions and forwards torque to the rear wheels as needed to maintain traction. It does not include a low-range gear for rugged off-roading and is intended for improved wet- and snow-weather stability rather than heavy-duty four-wheeling.
How to tell if a specific 2002 RX300 is AWD
To determine whether a particular used 2002 RX300 has all-wheel drive, look for these indicators:
- Check for AWD badges: Look on the tailgate or sides for a badge that says AWD or All-Wheel Drive.
- Review the original window sticker or build sheet: If it lists AWD as the drivetrain, the car is AWD.
- Inspect the underside for a rear driveshaft: An AWD RX300 will typically have a rear driveshaft running to the rear differential; a front-drive model will not.
- Check the VIN or consult a dealer/mechanic: A dealer can decode the VIN to confirm the drivetrain configuration.
- Look for other signature components: AWD models may have suspension or braking hardware that differs from the FWD version, though this is less reliable than badges or paperwork.
If you are unsure after these checks, a Lexus dealership or qualified technician can pull the build data and confirm whether the car is AWD.
Summary
The 2002 Lexus RX300 was offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. AWD provided enhanced traction on wet or snowy roads but was not present on every RX300 from that year. To confirm the drivetrain of a specific vehicle, rely on badges, paperwork, VIN decoding, or a professional inspection.
