What year was the Lexus RX 300 made?
The Lexus RX 300 was produced during the first generation of the RX, mainly from 1998 to 2003, with U.S. model years 1999 through 2003. In 2004, Lexus replaced the RX 300 with the RX 330, marking a naming and engine update for the lineup.
Origins and Generational Context
The RX 300 represented the debut of Lexus’s compact luxury crossover, built on the Toyota Harrier platform. In North America, it launched for the 1999 model year as the RX 300, powered by a 3.0-liter V6. The early generation is commonly referred to as XA20 in model-code terms.
Production Years by Market
Understanding the exact years helps distinguish regional introductions and model-year naming. Here are the typical spans you will see in references:
- United States: sold as 1999–2003 model years (production began in 1998 for some early shipments).
- Japan and other markets: produced from 1998 through 2003, with local branding variations such as the Harrier-based RX lineup.
In 2004, Lexus shifted to the RX 330 for the US market, signaling a mid-generation update with a larger engine and updated styling.
Naming and Generational Change
The transition to the next generation began in the 2004 model year, when Lexus introduced the RX 330 in place of the RX 300. The RX 330 used a larger 3.3-liter V6 and carried forward the RX’s crossover design, marking a clear evolution of the lineup.
Key specifications of the RX 300 generation
Below are the core technical details commonly cited for the RX 300 generation. They illustrate the model’s positioning and capabilities during its primary production years.
- Engine: 3.0 L V6 (1MZ-FE)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Body style: 4-door luxury crossover SUV
The RX 300 helped establish Lexus as a leader in the luxury crossover segment and laid the groundwork for the brand’s ongoing evolution of the RX lineup.
Summary
In brief, the Lexus RX 300 was produced during the late 1990s and early 2000s as the first RX generation. The US market saw RX 300 models from 1999 through 2003, with production starting in 1998 in some markets. The model evolved into the RX 330 for the 2004 model year, and the RX family has continued to grow since then.
