jeffgwaltney

Have driven my cherished 99 LS400 for years and still love it (mint only 125k mi)

however, knee replacement has me looking to sit higher w easier entry/exit. My wife has a ‘08 Highlander Hybrid w 150k mi now, bought in ‘14 w 75k mi) and loves it

any thoughts on how I’d like RX 450h coming from years in LS400 sedan?

thx in advance

jeffgwaltney

Have driven my cherished 99 LS400 for years and still love it (mint only 125k mi)

however, knee replacement has me looking to sit higher w easier entry/exit. My wife has a ‘08 Highlander Hybrid w 150k mi now, bought in ‘14 w 75k mi) and loves it

any thoughts on how I’d like RX 450h coming from years in LS400 sedan?

thx in advance

Cocal

IMO if you are over 50 you won't like it, way too many electronics to control everything.

JasDmw

Don't let age scare you off. I'm over 60 and really like our 2020. We had a 2015 with lots of tech., but the new one's outdo that by a longshot. Take your time, get to know the tech guy at your dealership and you can learn the basics in no time. As with anything tech heavy, there are a lot of options that aren't really necessary to mess with frequently. Pick the ones that are relevant to you and the rest can stay at "default" mode.

It'll be that much easer to get into and out of, which is the OPs primary issue.

mikemu30

Nothing to do with age - that's silly, but the LS and RX are apples and oranges as with any sedan vs SUV. We have an ES and RX, I drive both often and it's night and day. I prefer a sedan, my wife prefers the SUV or really the RX is a CUV I guess.

toyotaman7

RX is not any where close to LS in terms of smoothness and comfort.

Some cars have an annoying droning noise.

If you are okay with these then RX 450h would be the closest Lexus SUV to LS at the moment.

EthanS

It goes without saying that an LS vs RX of any generation are not comparable in terms of being smooth, quiet, comfortable, and choice of materials. We're talking flagship brand ambassador vs mid-level (albeit luxury) crossover here... As long as you keep realistic expectations, my opinion is you will be just fine switching to an RX; especially if what you are looking for centers around ease of ingress/egress. Just one example, but also think of things such as using the rear hatch for luggage or groceries vs bending over the trunk of the LS.

I have had my 1999 LS400 for 8 years now, and about half way through that time my mother purchased a 2015 RX350 brand new (partly due to being so impressed with my 14-year-old-at-the-time sedan), so our situations here are somewhat alike.
Again, apples to oranges comparison; but every time I drive or ride in her RX I enjoy the experience for what it is. I also don't have quite as big of a stick up my rear as some of the other members of Club Lexus
In certain ways (like fuel consumption and urban daily-driving duties) her 2015 RX is actually nicer than my 2016 GX. There is a good reason that you see RX's EVERYWHERE.

dibl

I'm 70 with a titanium knee and I love my RX and have no problem getting in and out. However, if you have a mobility issue, you need to go to the dealer and ask them to let you do a few entrances and exits from the car, as well as make sure you like the seat.

Cocal

Same here! I prefer a sedan my better half (arguably ) likes SUVs, so guess who won?

Cocal

Hey Dibl I have the answer to your problem......a Bentley Mulsanne with a chauffeur now that's style!!!

dibl

Ha ha ha -- and a chateau in the south of France with a garage to park it in, and a guest house for the chauffeur! I can see it now .....

pentaprism

Hahaha....

This reminds me of something my wife told me a while back, when Apple Pay was just introduced.

My wife was shopping at a Asian supermarket. Seeing her paying with her iPhone, the cashier commented, "Your grandchildren must have set if up for you." It took my wife a few seconds to understand what she was trying to say. To that, she simple replied, "Yes. Thank you."

We have no grandchildren. My wife, before retiring, was a design engineer in communications.

Cocal

RGSW

I did the switch from LS to RX in 2011 and now have 2020RX 450h F Sport. I've never regretted the switch and am very pleased the RX 450h (I'm 87). Some very good tutorials on YouTube.

TechNut

We traded in our 2013 RX 350 for an NX 300h because it was lower, facilitating easier ingress/egress for my 5'4" spouse. She also has issues with a hip so she disliked the climb up into the RX and I was the only one that ever drove it. Well fast forward 5 years and we just weren't happy with the bouncier ride from the NX, and it exhibited a bit more road noise but we did get as high as 36 mpg with it. Anyway, we recently traded back into an RX in the form of an RX 450h. We are much happier with the ride and interior noise levels - but this time we were able to fit running boards to it. The OEM running boards look great and are working very well for my wife - better than the NX frankly. As an aside, it was odd that the 2010 - 2012 RXs had an available running board, but the 2013 - 2015 did not! The point of this long winded diatribe is that you may want to explore running boards as you are considering a taller vehicle as they help a great deal with entry/exit from the vehicle. Here is an image just to remind you what they look like: