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Lexus RX 300
Highly comfortable luxury mid-size crossover with smooth 238 hp turbo engine and 200 mm clearance.
Highest rated
Lexus RX 300Subaru Forester
Mandai score
8.5/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 5,800,000
KSh 4,200,000
Years
2017-2022
2018-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol
Petrol, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
RX 300 F Sport / Version L
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Fuel and running cost
Fuel consumption
11.8 km/L8.5 L/100km combined · about 850 km a tank
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,923 / 100 kmKSh 19 a km · KSh 19,234 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,890 mm
4,625 mm
Width
1,895 mm
1,815 mm
Height
1,690 mm
1,730 mm
Wheelbase
2,790 mm
2,670 mm
Ground clearance
200 mm
220 mm
Boot space
553 L (1,626 L folded)
520 L (1,775 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,890 kg
1,570 kg
Seats
5 or 7 (RX 300L)
5
Specifications
Engine
2.0L 8AR-FTS Twin-Scroll Turbo Petrol
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
Power
238 hp @ 4,800–5,600 rpm
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
Torque
350 Nm @ 1,650–4,000 rpm
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
Drivetrain
Dynamic Torque Control AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
0–100 km/h
9.2 sec
8.2 sec
Top speed
200 km/h
204 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
11.8 km/L
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
City
9.5 km/L
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
Highway
14.2 km/L
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
Tank size
72 L
63 L
CO₂ emissions
189 g/km
152 g/km
At a glance
Model
Lexus RX 300 (AL20 Series)
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Production years
2017–2022
2018–2023
Body type
5-Door Mid-Size Luxury SUV
SUV / Crossovers
Seating capacity
5 or 7 (RX 300L)
5
Fuel types
Petrol
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Engine sizes
1,998 cc (2.0L Turbo)
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
Drivetrain
Dynamic Torque Control AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Ground clearance
200 mm
220 mm
Source market
UK / Japan (RHD)
Japan / UK (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA import duty tax savings.
- Exceptionally quiet, refined cabin with Mark Levinson audio.
- Reliable Toyota 8AR-FTS turbo engine mechanicals.
- Class-leading 220 mm ground clearance: Conquers deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry tracks.
- Symmetrical AWD with Dual X-Mode: Exceptional mud, snow, and deep gravel traction.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: All 1.8T, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
What’s not so good
- Remote Touch trackpad interface requires patience.
- 6-speed automatic feels traditional compared to 8-speed rivals.
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.