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My sister has a Toyota highlander, and riding in her car I couldn't notice that much difference in the ride or noise level. I've never heard her mention having any problems with her Highlander.
I'm also not happy that although Lexus advertises a base model, I couldn't find one. Living in the Palm Springs area, I didn't want to pay for extras like sensor wipers and heated seats, and I didn't want the sunroof. But I got stuck with them just the same. I'm afraid I got sucked in by the marketing. Next time I'll just go with the Highlander, rocommended by Consumer Reports over the RX. Or I could just buy 2 Hyundai Santa Fes.
Steve, Host
They mention it in the website, they mention it in the brouchure, but have no pics of it.
And I'll bet that snow chains can be used safely on the GS300 AWD to boot. Unlike the unsafe, hazardous recommendation of snow chains only on the front of the RX330.
I see the new RAV4 is getting a new 4WD system, maybe adapted from the GS??
How do the folks with the Navigation System like or dislike controlling the heat and a/c on the touch screen? This RX will be for my wife and she very much prefers simplicity. The Navigation screen on my 4Runner also has settings for my radio and has not been a concern to her. On the 4Runner you have the choice to change volume and channel selection on the steering wheel so you do not need to touch the screen for most audio needs. Of course you have the same radio controls on the wheel of the RX but you need to touch the screen to change HVAC settings. Her first impression trying this on the RX has not been totally positive but we would like some feedback. Spending 30 minutes in the car with a salesperson is not her idea of becoming familiar with an option like this. I told her with climate control you set and forget and not to be concerned with it. Perhaps this is very easy to use, just like to hear some opinions.
She will not be purchasing until mid-November at the earliest so we have time to shop around.
Thank you.
The only display you can get to remain constantly up is the stupid and distracting moving map display. If you want to know the current status of the clmate control you need to thwittle some control knob first just to bring up the appropreate display.
Idiots.
Appreciate this information, just what she is looking for.
NAV is not really important to her, probably more for me plus I was suggesting it for the rear backup camera feature like I have on my 4Runner. Being a gadget person I actually like the moving map display. Do agree it is distracting and should not be viewed while driving.
Thank you
are all 2006 RX330 made in Canada ??
Thx,
I was interested in the '06 Highlander, but fell out of love with it on the test drive (too noisy on the freeway, and I'll be doing lots of interstate driving). But am digging on the 330 but still need to know some things.
I am moving to VA in an area with rains and occasional snow. Since I come from an easier weather area (SoCal, so this means my driving skills for nasty weather are very rudimentary), I really want to have a safe ride. Budget takes a back seat to safety for me here.
I heard that the AWD is worth it. But I would like to hear from anyone w/info on the performance package - i.e. do the larger tires and variable suspension make for a safer driving experience that you find worthwhile??
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you -
:confuse:
When we bought ours the wheel and tire package was also more attractive but I don't know if that's still the case. All other things being equal, wider low profile tires are worse for winter driving than narrower taller profile tires, but we have a separate set of wheels and winter tires to drive in our Minnesota winters (I doubt that you would need them in Virginia where either set of wheels/all season tires should be fine).
Hopefully this info helps.
One of the best, honest to god truly functional, modern day AWD systems is in the new AWD GS300. The GS uses a planetary gearset and an electrically controlled wet clutch for the center differential so that the engine torque can be dynamically allocated based on signals from the VSC's yaw sensor.
Basically the yaw sensor is used to determine when the front tires' traction should be allocated, mostly, to maintaining directional control of the vehicle rather than engine driving torque or even engine compression braking.
The AAA is currently on a campaign primarily aimed at drivers of FWD and/or front biased AWD vehicles who are inexperienced in wintertime adverse roadbed condition driving. The basic idea is to practice quickly moving the shifter into neutral when conditions are such that lagging engine torque, engine braking might result in loss of directional control.
[edit] Found this non-AAA link - OSH Answers. Seems like the operative language should be if you have time to react, shift to neutral."
Steve, Host
So I googled for...
"shift into neutral" aaa
Several AAA documents or authors that way.
It's been a while since I've lost it (on an icy road) but having the wits about you to remember to shift to neutral while steering, braking, watching the moose pass inches by your bumper ... seems like a lot to ask. I guess that's why people need to practice in empty parking lots.
Good time to promo this link:
Snow driving!
Steve, Host
So you felt on that snowy day that it helped to have the advantages from the performance package, not just the AWD alone?? How so?
I just got a new Rx 330 not too long ago and I was wondering what your opinions were on how comfortable the seat was. I haven't had mine for long but I guess I thought it was going to be more comfortable. Are your seats comfortable after you get used to them?
RWD and/or AWD only from this point forward.
Lexus Canada no longer sells the FWD version of the RX.
Does anyone know that if they release in March, when they will publish any specs?? Do they wait until the last second, or do they give us an idea of the changes ahead of time?
Last week I factory ordered a AWD with the Navigation System / Mark Levinson package. The RX will be built on the 28th and is scheduled be delivered no later than Dec. 21st. From discussions with two dealers, it appears they are reluctant to special (factory) order, they want to sell you what they have in inventory. I will not know until I actually receive the vehicle to confirm that the Levinson is possible to get. My dealer said this should not be a problem, will not know until sometime in December.
My advise is to a e-mail or call other dealers. Ask them if you can factory order the package you prefer. Once you know your options, go back to the leasing company and advise them of what is available. Maybe leasing companies only procure out of dealer inventories?
good luck and advise the forum what you find out.
Would love new awd car but think that the RX 330 may be better in snow.
Anyone have experience with the AWD in RX 330 vs. Sequioa.
Am afraid that the GX is too rough of a ride
Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
The Sequoia has a true 4WD part-time system and has a full time backup using brake apportioning like the RX does for its ONLY method of AWD. Besides which the RX series is predominently FWD torque biased.
You would literally be going from the frying pan into the fire itself going from the Sequoia to an RX.
Take a long hard look at the BMW X3, or even the new RAV4 if you really need AWD.
What are your thoughts about the Land Cruiser. Is this technology superior to the AWD for the RX 330.?
Also any thoughts on how the new AWD autos would handle the snow
Thanks for the assistance.
If by AWD autos you mean the new GS300 or IS300 then I suspect they will be excellent AWD platforms, not as good as the 4runner, but insofar as traction and safety on slippery roadbeds is concerned dramatically improved over the RX or HL.
I am very impressed with the AWD/4WD (whatever) write-up on the new RAV4, does anyone have any information, news, rumors, etc, regarding whether the RX350 will get this same AWD/4WD driveline?
Personally I would think so since its hard to image a world wherein the RAV4 has a more capable AWD system than the Lexus RX or even the Highlander.