2003 Lexus RX 300

Now in the final year of its current design, Lexuss car-based SUV makes its sunroof standard instead of optional. RX 300 is built on the platform used by the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 and Toyota Camry sedan. Its model-year 2004 redesign will retain two rows of seats but bring new styling and a larger V6 engine for a redesignation as the RX 330. The current RX shares a V6 and automatic transmission with the newer Toyota Highlander SUV. Both seat five, but the RX has unique styling on a 4-inch shorter wheelbase. Like the Toyota, the Lexus offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. RX standard features include front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with full-power emergency assist, and an antiskid/traction-control system. Among options are leather upholstery, heated front seats, DVD navigation, in-dash CD changer, and high-intensity headlamps. A towing package is standard on the AWD model.