New Lexus RX in person...
04-15-09, 02:48 PM
#61
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MO
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I liked the first gen. It was sleek and tight in its styling. The second gen got less so and this new one is just a blob. But the first gen was cool.
04-15-09, 02:54 PM
#63
Lexus Fanatic
Still plenty soft riding by todays standards (but not as mushy as geezer pleezer Buicks
)I drove it on rough roads.
In order to achieve safe handling in such a tall heavy vehicle some firmness needs to be built-in, especially without advancements such as active suspension. The RX is a good example of suspension compromise with the result being mediocre handling and responsiveness.
)I drove it on rough roads. In order to achieve safe handling in such a tall heavy vehicle some firmness needs to be built-in, especially without advancements such as active suspension. The RX is a good example of suspension compromise with the result being mediocre handling and responsiveness.
04-15-09, 02:57 PM
#64
Lexus Fanatic
04-15-09, 03:11 PM
#65
Lexus Fanatic
Not surprising. Most people who want this type of vehicle would tend to choose the RX's smoothness, quietness, build quality, and refinement over the admittedly better sportiness of the German makes. I would, myself................the new RX350 is on my Top 5 list of consideration for my next vehicle (along with the IS250AWD, some Subarus, and the Toyota Venza) though it's hard to shrug off the BMW's superb steering.
04-15-09, 04:44 PM
#66
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
04-15-09, 04:55 PM
#67
While that was generally true of older RX models, the new RX is really not really that soft-riding. I reviewed a new 2010 RX350 a couple of months ago. True, its tires, contrary to the trend in most vehicles, went from a lower-profile 55-series to a taller 60 this year, which would tend to smooth things out a little, but that was more than compensated for by the fact they they went to Double-Wishbone suspension this year that added firmness to the underpinnings. The new RX, despite its superb refinement, powertrain smoothness, and noise isolation (that hasn't changed), is noticeably firmer over bumps now.
I'm waiting for a chance (by CL member request) to review and drive a new 2010 RX Hybrid. When they become available in my area, I will simply update the RX350 review with the differences between that and the Hybrid model, rather than do a whole (and unneccessary) new Hybrid review from scratch.
I'm waiting for a chance (by CL member request) to review and drive a new 2010 RX Hybrid. When they become available in my area, I will simply update the RX350 review with the differences between that and the Hybrid model, rather than do a whole (and unneccessary) new Hybrid review from scratch.
I have always had MTs, so this will be my first car with an AT - and the Lexus' is far and away the most refined and appropriately matched. Hunting was minimal, as was peddle-mashing.
I have also driven the Q5 - the seats are too short for touring comfort, and the ride is harder, although it was fun. The Q7 is a floaty boat. The MDX is loud (5 spd AT), and the interior is too crowded and claustrophobic to me. The Venza, with its 20" wheels, was harsh (although the interior is nice), and the AT hunted more than I liked. The Tribeca, no longer G*d-awful ugly, simply has insufficient second row leg room for our best friend (who is 6'4") or my elderly mother with bad knees.
I am most interested in hearing from people who have driven the new RX with the adaptive suspension. Was the one you drove equipped with it? I'm wondering if I'd be happiest with a regularly-suspended RX, or if the sport tuning makes an appreciable difference to handling...
Sandi
04-15-09, 06:35 PM
#69
Lexus Fanatic
Uote]
I test drove the 2010 RX 10 days ago, and found it handled much more precisely than I feared. The suspension wasn't overly squishy, but it was comfortable (and since both my husband and myself have had spinal surgery, it IS a consideration that is now ahead of "fun to drive.") I was surprised by how much I liked it, frankly.
I see you are a brand-new member. And it's nice to have a new lady wth us.....we are enormously male-heavy here. I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your spines, for a full recovery, whatever the problems are.
I have also driven the Q5 - the seats are too short for touring comfort, and the ride is harder, although it was fun. The Q7 is a floaty boat. The MDX is loud (5 spd AT), and the interior is too crowded and claustrophobic to me. The Venza, with its 20" wheels, was harsh (although the interior is nice), and the AT hunted more than I liked. The Tribeca, no longer G*d-awful ugly, simply has insufficient second row leg room for our best friend (who is 6'4") or my elderly mother with bad knees.
I am most interested in hearing from people who have driven the new RX with the adaptive suspension. Was the one you drove equipped with it? I'm wondering if I'd be happiest with a regularly-suspended RX, or if the sport tuning makes an appreciable difference to handling...
Sandi
I am most interested in hearing from people who have driven the new RX with the adaptive suspension. Was the one you drove equipped with it? I'm wondering if I'd be happiest with a regularly-suspended RX, or if the sport tuning makes an appreciable difference to handling...
Sandi
RX350:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...xus-rx350.html
Venza:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ota-venza.html
Q5:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...9-audi-q5.html
And some older MDX and Q7 reviews, which were not as comprehensive back then as they are now. Nor did they include images like they do now.
MDX:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...acura-mdx.html
Q7:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...6-premium.html
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-15-09 at 08:28 PM.
04-15-09, 08:00 PM
#70
Marshall, thanks for the welcome. My husband is a car nut, so I've evolved into one as well.
I'm reading your other reviews (always fun to see others' perspective), and thought you should know - the Venza link above is currently redirecting to the RX350 review...
Sandi
I'm reading your other reviews (always fun to see others' perspective), and thought you should know - the Venza link above is currently redirecting to the RX350 review...
Sandi
04-15-09, 08:23 PM
#71
executive matchup
As for the RX, in person up close I was impressed with its quality of course/interior but the exterior did leave me very blah. When I did see one on the road I was very underwhelmed.
I would HAVE to get the RX 450h and the optional LEDs and the sport kit. The optional LEDs change the front end very well. To me, the RX 400h and last gen RX looked just about perfect and aged very very well.
I would HAVE to get the RX 450h and the optional LEDs and the sport kit. The optional LEDs change the front end very well. To me, the RX 400h and last gen RX looked just about perfect and aged very very well.
04-15-09, 08:27 PM
#72
Lexus Fanatic
04-16-09, 05:23 AM
#75
Lexus Fanatic
The RX is not supposed to be a Porsche Cayenne. It excels at what it does best....refinement and build quality.