What is the Toyota version of the RX300?

The Toyota Harrier is the Toyota counterpart to the Lexus RX300.

Overview: RX300 and its Toyota twin

The RX300 name was used in the United States for the first-generation Lexus RX, produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In Japan, the same vehicle was marketed by Toyota as the Harrier. The two models share the same underlying platform and most mechanicals, with branding and trim tuned to suit each brand’s identity. In short, the Harrier is the Toyota version of what Americans commonly know as the RX300.

Key facts about how the RX300 and Toyota Harrier relate:

• The RX300 (1998–2003) is the Lexus-branded version of the early mid-size SUV that was built on a shared Toyota platform with the Harrier in Japan.


• The Toyota Harrier serves as the Japanese-market twin to the RX300, and the two models are closely related in design and engineering.


• Powertrains were broadly similar across the two models, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine available in many trims during that era.


• Branding differences reflect regional marketing choices: Lexus for premium Western markets and Toyota Harrier for Japan and other regions.

In summary, the Toyota Harrier is the direct Toyota equivalent to the RX300, offering the same core vehicle from different branding depending on the market.

Branding and market presence

In Japan

In Japan, buyers typically encountered the Harrier as Toyota’s version of the same mid-size SUV that Lexus offered as the RX. The Harrier has its own trim levels, options, and branding distinct from the Lexus lineup, even though the underlying vehicle shared much of the same engineering.

In North America and other markets

In the United States and other Western markets, the Lexus RX was positioned as the premium option, while Toyota leveraged the Harrier name in Japan and select markets. Over generations, the two lines diverged in styling and features while continuing to share platforms and mechanics.

Summary

For the RX300, the Toyota equivalent is the Harrier—the Japanese-market counterpart built on the same engineering, with branding reflecting regional market strategies. The relationship illustrates how Toyota and Lexus have historically shared platforms across distinct market segments.

What is the Lexus RX comparable to Toyota?

The Toyota equivalents to the Lexus RX are the Toyota Crown Signia and the Toyota Highlander. The Crown Signia is the closer modern equivalent due to its shared premium features and similar body style, while the Highlander serves as a more affordable, larger option that shares a platform but offers a third row. 
You can watch this video to compare the Toyota Crown Signia and Lexus RX 350: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Dec 8, 2024
Toyota Crown Signia

• Size and platform: Shares the same wheelbase as the RX but is slightly narrower and has a lower stance, similar to a luxurious wagon. 
• Powertrain: Uses a similar 2.5L hybrid powertrain as the RX, producing around 240 horsepower compared to the RX's 246 horsepower. 
• Features: Has premium interior amenities, a similar design language to the RX (including tail and headlights), and a larger trunk. 

Toyota Highlander

• Size and platform: Shares a platform with the RX but is larger, with a longer, more traditional SUV shape and a standard three-row layout. 
• Powertrain: Has a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces slightly less horsepower than the RX's version. 
• Features: Offers a more practical, family-oriented experience with more cargo space and seating for up to eight, though it lacks the premium interior materials and standard features of the RX. 

You can watch this video to compare the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX: 43sCarGurusYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
Which one to choose

• Choose the Toyota Crown Signia if you want a more direct, premium-feeling equivalent with a luxurious, wagon-like design. 
• Choose the Toyota Highlander if you need more space for family and cargo and prefer a traditional, larger SUV over the luxury features and sleeker styling of the RX. 

What Toyota is the Lexus RX based on?

The modern Lexus RX is based on the Toyota Highlander's platform, though it has been built on different Toyota platforms throughout its history, including the Toyota Harrier (the original version sold in Japan) and the Camry platform. While sharing a platform, the RX is positioned as a luxury version, while the Highlander is its mainstream counterpart.
 

• Current counterpart: The current generation of the Lexus RX shares its platform with the Toyota Highlander and the more recent Lexus TX is built on the platform of the Grand Highlander. 
• Historical counterpart: The RX was originally introduced in Japan as the Toyota Harrier. 
• Shared components: The vehicles share components like the 3.5-liter V6 engine, although Lexus modifies it for a more premium feel. 

Ultimately, if you're comparing the RX to a mainstream Toyota SUV, the Highlander is the closest equivalent.

What is the Toyota equivalent of the Lexus RX 300?

Highlander/Kluger
The RX's current Toyota counterpart is the Highlander/Kluger; past counterparts included the Harrier and Venza.

What is the difference between RX350 and RX300?

The main differences between the RX 300 and RX 350 are the engine, drivetrain, and performance. The RX 350 has a more powerful V6 engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the RX 300 uses a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is often front-wheel drive (FWD). The RX 350 is generally more powerful, has better fuel efficiency, and may include more standard luxury features, although the specific features can vary by model year.
 
This video compares the Lexus RX 300 and RX 350, highlighting differences in exterior design and interior features: 54sMy Auto FocusYouTube · Mar 13, 2024
Engine and performance

• RX 350: Typically features a 3.5L V6 engine, producing more horsepower (around 275 hp) and a more linear power delivery. 
• RX 300: Is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is more responsive but has less overall power (around 220 hp). 

Drivetrain

• RX 350: Comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) on most models.
• RX 300: Is available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration, while AWD versions may be available depending on the model year. 

Fuel efficiency

• RX 350: Generally offers better fuel efficiency, with an average of around 25 mpg.
• RX 300: Has lower fuel efficiency due to the less powerful engine, averaging around 18 mpg. 

Other potential differences

• Features: The RX 350 may come with more standard luxury features, such as genuine leather seats with memory settings and heated/ventilated seats, although this depends on the specific model year and trim level. 
• Drivability: The RX 350 is described as having a more powerful and smoother driving experience, while the RX 300 is more responsive at lower speeds. 

This video compares the interior features of the Lexus RX 350 with the NX 350, but also highlights the space and features available in the RX models: 55sPerformance LexusYouTube · Aug 17, 2024