2019 Lexus RX 300 Premium Review

In Malaysia's current executive SUV market, consumers value the luxury feel of premium brands while also demanding practicality in space and a wealth of features. The Lexus RX 300 Premium, as a popular candidate in this segment, attracts many family users with its fully imported identity, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and balanced overall performance. In this test drive, we will focus on evaluating its actual performance in daily commuting, highway cruising, and unpaved road conditions to see if its 2.0T all-wheel-drive version justifies the price tag of over 380,000 Ringgit.

From a distance, the 2019 RX 300 Premium retains Lexus's signature spindle-shaped grille, using a black mesh design inside surrounded by chrome trim for high recognizability. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, with a waistline running through the door handles from the hood to the rear. The chrome trim on the lower skirt enhances its refined appearance. The 20-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels paired with 235/55 R20 tires not only align with the positioning of an executive SUV but also ensure a visually full look.

At the rear, the split LED taillights feature a smoked treatment, providing great recognizability when lit at night. The chrome trim on the lower bumper connects the two exhaust outlets (actually hidden, with the chrome trim only serving as decoration), giving the overall style a steady feel. As for the lighting system, all models come standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights. The automatic headlight function can turn on the lights automatically in tunnels or dim environments, adding practical utility.

Sitting inside, the first thing you notice is Lexus’s consistent material quality: the upper part of the central console is wrapped in soft-touch plastic, while the middle features woodgrain decor, and the lower part is wrapped in leather for a refined feel. The center console is designed around the driver, with an 8-inch touchscreen (supporting CarPlay/Android Auto) located on the upper part of the central console. Frequently used functions, such as air conditioning adjustments, are retained through physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

In terms of features, the driver’s seat supports electric adjustment and memory functions, and it is also equipped with heating and ventilation functions, ensuring comfort during long drives. The front passenger seat offers electric reclining and heating capabilities as well. The rear seats use a 40:20:40 split-folding design, and the middle seat can be folded down to function as an armrest, which enhances practicality. Standard features also include front dual-zone automatic climate control, rear independent air conditioning vents, and a 220V/230V power outlet to allow rear passengers to use electronic devices conveniently.

In terms of space, the car has a wheelbase of 2790mm. A front-row passenger with a height of 180cm can find a comfortable driving position, leaving a headroom clearance of about a fist and two fingers. Rear seating provides two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, affording ample comfort even for three adults. The trunk has a capacity of 453L, which can expand to 1639L when the rear seats are folded down, making it capable of accommodating a stroller or large suitcases. As for storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, the center armrest box offers substantial capacity, and the cup holders in the front row come with an adjustable limiter function.

In terms of power, the RX 300 Premium is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine producing a maximum output of 238PS at 4800rpm and maximum torque of 350Nm at 1650-4000rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the engine delivers maximum torque as early as 1650rpm, providing a light and responsive start. When accelerating at mid to high speeds, pressing the accelerator further prompts a rapid downshift, achieving smooth power delivery without significant turbo lag. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.5 seconds, which, while not aggressive, is more than adequate for family use.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate effort with minimal play and precise response; the combination of MacPherson front suspension and Double Wishbone rear suspension effectively filters vibrations when passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, maintaining a stable vehicle posture; body roll is reasonably controlled during cornering, without noticeable wobbling. The all-wheel-drive system enhances grip on rainy or slippery roads, while minimizing wheel slippage on unpaved roads (such as gravel paths), demonstrating good off-road capability.

Regarding fuel consumption, we tested with urban congestion conditions (approximately 30%) and highway conditions (approximately 70%), achieving a combined fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.9L. Considering the vehicle's weight of 2070kg, this performance ranks moderately high among cars in the same class. In terms of braking, the combination of ventilated front and rear disc brakes delivers responsive braking with linear pedal feedback, achieving a 100-0km/h braking distance of about 38 meters, performing consistently well.

For driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control is well-executed, suppressing wind and tire noise at high speeds, allowing for undisturbed in-car conversations. The seat padding is soft yet supportive, reducing fatigue even during long drives. The 6AT transmission offers smooth gear shifts with almost no perceptible jerking, making everyday driving very comfortable.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Lexus RX 300 Premium include the reliability of the Lexus brand, comprehensive safety features (10 airbags, 360-degree panoramic cameras, blind-spot monitoring), comfortable seating and space, and the off-road capability provided by the full-time all-wheel-drive system. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3 20i or the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, the RX 300 Premium stands out with better warranty coverage (5 years with unlimited mileage vs. 3 years/100,000km) and richer configurations, making it an outstanding value proposition.

This car is suitable for the following groups: families that prioritize brand reliability and comfort, business professionals who often need to drive long distances, and consumers who occasionally require driving on unpaved roads. If you prioritize balanced overall performance and after-sales assurance over high performance, the RX 300 Premium is a great choice.

Overall, the 2019 Lexus RX 300 Premium is a "well-rounded" SUV—without significant weaknesses, offering balanced performance in all aspects, making it an excellent choice as a daily family vehicle and for long-distance trips.