GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

So I dropped my Prem Pkg 2010 RX off at Lexus of Xxxxxxx for a 35000 mile service, 2 tires, and inspection. They gave me a spindle grill 2013 RX350 with Nav/HIDs (and only 300 miles) as a loaner.

Immediate differences:

The 18s vs 19s: The 18s ride incredibly soft. I don't know if this is only due to the differences between the 18s and my 19s or if they actually changed the suspension as well. I'd have to drive a 2013 Prem. to find out.

The steering wheel: It's smaller and thicker and I love it so so much. It feels great in the hand. However, the controls are farther inboard and less soft to push, making them a bit more difficult to reach with my thumbs and manipulate.

The steering feel: Some time between 2010 and 2013 Lexus switched to electric steering. It is very light at low speeds but weights up a bit as you speed up. However, it has nowhere near the steering feel of my 2010. It is a very good match for the RX, but not for my driving style. Again, there may be something to be said for the differences in sidewall resistance in the 18s and 19s.

The entertainment/nav interface: I am much more used to having a cursor and I do not like that the new setup does not have one. It is very pretty and the animated screen changes is nice, but not necessary. The processor seems faster than the 2010. It's taken me a bit of time to get used to the new "press joystick to select" feature, but I don't mind that either. All of the new menu screens and the map itself use darker colors. I don't know if I mind, but this was in a silver car with black dash and grey seats, so it was quite noticeable. My 2010 is white with brown dash and tan interior.

The leather: The leather on the seats seems rougher/more durable than mine was at delivery. Granted, my truck has 36k on it now, so the leather may have just softened and I am used to the way it feels now.

The build quality: The doors close more silently and the door locks are much quieter. I almost didn't hear them lock as I shifted from park.

Hope this helps anyone who is looking to move from a '10 to a '13. I'd really like to test drive an F-Sport, but that won't be happening until this lease is up next August. I'll continue to post my observations over the next couple of days.

BertL

Always great to hear first hand impressions between models. Thanks for the view!

MEP7557

The 2010 and up models all have electric power steering. The different tire size and or steering wheel size could play into the different feel. It was one of the changes for the Gen 3.

sightdev

recently replaced 42k 18' OEM Bridgestone with Mich Primacy. I can definatedly confirm OEM Bridgestone was "softer". I really liked the OEM Bridgestone but the cost difference was huge[$70/per] so ended with Primacy [on sale]. at same PSI, Primacy is definately stiffer and about same noise level. Even though both are LRR tires, MPG seems to have gone down by 1MPG with Primacy.

DunWkg

Had to look it up on the spec sheet of the 2010:
Is that variable assist? Or was variable assist added in 2013?

I drove a 2013 loaner too and didn't notice the cursor was missing. Observant....not.

BertL

I'm not so sure about what the "missing cursor" is all about by the OP -- I just went out again and tried it on my 2013. As I look at the map, I have a square cursor that moves around and when it goes over some button that can be selected it grows around that button indicating it is the one that action will be taken on if you press the controller. Same thing on customization menus. Only place there isn't a "cursor" per se, is on the main menu where there are only half a dozen major options to be selected, and there, as you jump from item to item, they are highlighted, easily indicating what's going on. For me, no problem at all (but as I keep recommending to folks, be sure to increase the feedback on the controller so it's more sticky to buttons that can be selected -- if you don't, it's like a PC mouse that you've set with too high sensitivity and it runs all over the place making it very hard to make precise selections. Increasing feedback on the 2013 Lexus, really makes this work a lot better for me.)

Cruiter

Nat, that's a good report between the two models. I too wish the one you drove had the 19" wheels, would have told the story. But I have the 19" with the Michelin's and love the ride.

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

You know what, it must be the variable assist. My 2010 doesn't get light at parking lot speeds like this, but my buddy's 2012 TC does.

My 2010 has 19" Dunlops. I'm actually replacing two of them now, mostly because I wore out the shoulder blocks. Whoops. Speed racer offramp fast.

I noticed the whole truck is quieter. Less wind noise, less engine noise. Seems a bit sprightlier too, but that might just be the lighter steering messing with me.

Bert: The missing cursor is only for the main and text menus. My 2010 actually has a mouse pointer on all screens. I turned the feedback up and I'm doing well now.

Another difference. The Remote Touch joystick is no longer domed. It travels on a flat plane. I was used to using the resistance of the domed travel path to help guide me, but it's not a big deal. Just messed with my muscle memory.

The processor is definitely much faster. I entered a number of destinations today and I didn't have to wait for the auto complete to make the next letters available. Additionally, the voice recognition works much better on the 2013.

That's all for now.

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

Oh, this is a nice touch. They redesigned the armrest so that you can expose the seat heat/cool controls without blocking the rear HVAC vents. Also, it opens all the way now and the USB/power/AUX ports are just in the cubby, not buried beneath the top cubby.

The reverse camera is now much higher resolution. I don't know if that is a function of the new screen, a new camera, or both.

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

Today was supposed to be my last day with this car, but they never called me so I guess the tires haven't showed up yet.

One more observation. Rear door pockets have been (mostly) deleted. There is now only a cupholder where there used to be a cupholder and space for a paperback novel.