rexst_ph

Is it just me or does the RX300 really have such large turning radius? My SC300 can negotiate tighter turns than the RX. Is there any way I can improve the turning radius of this vehicle? Has Lexus come out with a bulletin on this. This should be less of a problem in the US because of your wider roads but it sure doesn't help when the roads are tight. Any solutions??? Thanks.

salimshah

It is a feature


My quick test shows the turning DIAMETER is 30'.


Salim

rexst_ph

Salim:

What do you mean by : "It is a feature" I don't get it. All I know is that this vehicle needs a whole lot of space in order to make a U-turn. Wish Lexus had dealt with this before bringing it into production.

rcf8000

It's a widely recognized deficiency of the RX design. A friend of mine got rid of his RX primarily because of the turning radius, and it was one of the reasons I got rid of mine. In most other respects, though, it's a fine vehicle.

salimshah

It is term used by sales, when there is a limitation in design. That was the reason I had a frown followed by my statement.

The only time I have disliked my RX has been when I had to park in tight lanes where the parking slots are NOT angled. Not enough to sell it though.

Some say the poor radius is due to the fact that the base RX is a front wheel vehicle. Some say it is helps making RX more stable by cutting down on the steering responce (compromise for Higher Center of gravity).

Salim

Lil4X

I have no direct evidence from the manufacturer, but it would seem, based on experience with several other 4WDs that the combination of large diameter wheel/tires and long (wide?) engine/transmission unit, and relatively narrow track add up to limiting the angle the front wheels can achieve at full lock.

My old 4WD Suburbans actually had a shorter turning radius (by about 3 feet) than the comparable 2WD model. Thanks to the cart springs and solid axle on the 4WD, they could turn the front wheels considerably further than on the wishbone-suspended 2WD. Ackermann effect of turning the inside wheel further than the outside was anything but precise...resulting in considerable complaint from tires, suspension members, and u-joints.

I think Salim's got a great idea...we'll just call it a "feature"!

rexst_ph

Salim:

I have a new appreciation for the term "feature". I guess when the manufacturer puts a wimpy motor on their vehicle, they say it is a safety or environmentally friendly feature?? You guys are right though. The vehicle has more good points than bad so I guess we'll keep her. Sometimes when I see an Acura MDX though, I can't help but wonder ...hmmm... Any bad reviews on the MDX to reinforce that warm and fuzzy feeling from buying the Lexus over the Acura??

CK1_RX3

Yup, all over the place... All you have to do is search a little. The RX still is, and will remain supreme.