Toyota Harrier

The Toyota Harrier is a midsize crossover SUV manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. In North American markets, it is sold as the Lexus RX series (such as the RX 300, RX 330 and RX 350). It is based heavily on the Camry platform, which it shares with the Kluger/Highlander. The Harrier was introduced in Japan in 1997 and the RX 300 at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. It quickly became the Lexus's best-selling model. It was one of the first crossover SUVs on the market and served as a model for following designs.

First generation (1998-2003)

The first-generation Harrier (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the front wheel drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the four wheel drive models) made its debut in December 1997. Two engines were available, the 2.2L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139hp JIS (102kW) and 191Nm (140ft·lbf), and the 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219hp JIS (161kW) and 304Nm (224ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard, with the V6 version having the Sportmatic +/- feature. The Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports.

The Lexus version of the Harrier, the RX 300, made its debut in America in 1998. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 and four wheel drive.

The first-generation Harrier continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159hp JIS (117kW) and 221Nm (163ft·lbf). Again, the new engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. 2000 is also the year where the Lexus RX300 first went on sale in Europe and Asia. The distinguishing feature for those versions of the RX300 is a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.