As the ad so proudly claims, Lexus has always meant luxury. But has it ever meant utility?
We doubt it.
Can you imagine: “Need extra space to haul that sheet of lumber? See your Lexus dealer.”
Or, perhaps, there’s the more painful: “Not sure how you’ll haul home cement bags, a bar fridge and two kids? Think: Lexus.”
Actually, for a change, do think Lexus. Twenty-two cubic feet of cargo space will at least get you to consider the company that once turned Toyota into soft taupe leather interiors. The 2002 IS300 SportCross will get you to consider Lexus when you want a blend of sedan styling and wagon utility that’s so much more than just the lap of luxury.
And that’s a stretch.
The new version of the BMW-like Lexus IS300 is so un-Lexus it actually rolls in with a tailgate, fold-down rear seatbacks, power outlets and a rear cargo area mounted with a woofer. Uh, are we talking Lexus or Jeep Liberty?
Maybe both. Lexus claims its IS300 SportCross is literally what the name implies. It’s a cross between faux wood and hauling wood. Actually, the automaker says it’s more of an apparent necessity. Lexus has convinced itself the IS300 is a prerequisite for the “active young buyers” the company covets. In that way it fits. In some ways, it’s further proof that cross-pollination in the car industry may never end.
To that end, the SportCross is the perfect hybrid.
Built on the same platform as the IS300 sedan, the SportCross has the same, jackrabbit 215-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and, in many ways, is a carbon rip-off (mechanically) of the sedan, except for the gain in length in height.
It has the same smooth transmission – a five-speed automatic – that uses Lexus’ E-Shift manumatic, allowing you to shift by using buttons on the steering wheel (no manual is offered). And it has the same attractive, multi-gauge, Swiss Army instrument cluster that makes the Lexus the talk of the town from an aesthetics perspective.
But the small differences might set the SportCross apart. There is some clever stuff here. Look inside the SportCross and you’ll find a front passenger seat that folds all the way flat, a “false floor” in the cargo area for valuables and a tonneau cover to cover up what’s important. The folding passenger seat has a seatback table, good for tailgating, and nine speakers to pump up the volume.
Mostly, there’s space. Drop the rear seats and the SportCross can hold a large sheet of plywood or a family-sized set of luggage.
Inside, extras are minimal; nearly everything is standard. The SportCross comes loaded with features, including power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cruise control, climate control, front side-curtain airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist.
Outside, it is standard Lexus stuff. With a short wheelbase, quick steering, low-profile tires and control-arm suspension, the IS300 is a nimble, playful, balanced ride. It’s fun in the hills and around the corners. And when’s the last time you could say that about your average wagon?
But there are also flaws. The SportCross isn’t just a blend of cargo and cachet, it’s also more Toyota than it is Lexus – more road noise than you expect and plenty of thin materials. And that’s where the $32,850 price tag comes into play.
For 30 grand, you are getting Lexus technology, but not all the soft touches. Front and rear seats are firm and supportive, but aggressive tires and a lack of sound-deadening materials make this less the rich ride we’ve come to expect. Which makes you wonder whether you are merely paying for the name or the whole package.
Compared with other wagons, the SportCross is less than a Saab 9-5 and Audi Allroad Quattro, but more than a Volvo V70 and BMW 3-Series. Its gasoline mileage (18 mpg city/25 mpg highway) also is middle-of-the-road compared with its competitors. Safety, with its standard curtain side airbags, m this a solid and confident car and a warranty, that goes four years/50,000 miles on the basic and six years/70,000 miles on the powertrain, is one of the best.
But rear-seat room is a little tighter than you might expect for a ride this size. Two adults is the practical limit and small doors make entering and exiting the vehicle a narrow squeeze.
The IS300 might not be the most substantial, most dynamic, largest wagon on the block, it is still sporty driving in Lexus style.
And that’s an awfully large load.
SPECS
2002 Lexus IS 300 SportCross
Rating: 3
High gear: Acceleration, performance and the rare combination of speed and size make the IS 300 a sporty driving wagon with some Lexus style.
Low gear: Rear-seat room is at a premium, and the IS 300 lacks some of the interior cachet found in cars that cost less on the lot.
Vehicle type: Rear-wheel drive, front-engine, four-door, five-passenger sports wagon.
Standard equipment: Five-speed automatic transmission; traction control; dual front airbags; front side airbags; front curtain airbags; antilock four-wheel disc brakes; daytime running lights; air conditioning with climate control; air filter; power steering; tilt leather steering wheel; cruise control; heated power mirrors; power door locks; remote keyless entry; AM/FM/cassette with indash 6-disc player; theft-deterrent system; fog lights.
Competition: Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series, Volvo V70, Saab 9-5
Engine: 215 horsepower, 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder
Torque: 218 foot-lbs. @ 3,800 rpm
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length: 177 inches
MPG rating: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Manufactured: Japan
Warranty: Basic warranty is four years/50,000 miles; powertrain warranty is six years/70,000 miles; rust perforation is six years/unlimited miles.
Base price: $32,850
Price as tested (includes options, destination and delivery charges): $32,850
