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In fact it is the very best crossover in the industry and is the benchmark vehicle to beat.
I'll drink to that Dewey
TM
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
As I've mentioned, the EW who is pretty much a non-car guy, loves her 1st Gen RX. Of which I will write here. We took it into the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampster skiing a couple of weeks ago. Family of four, luggage/ski equipment. A mix of highway/local driving: averaged ~42mph and ~20mpg. Not bad, not great but a relatively smooth, quiet ride with no drama and no problem in the snow.
Many deride the RX for what it is not. But, it is not what it is not. It is what it is, a Fancy Camry Wagon that offers decent room for people and luggage, leather that is still relatively lovely 7 years later, nice wood, as previously mentioned a smooth/quiet-ish ride that is relatively uninvolved. Acceptable mpg for this type of vehicle. A high seating position (which I don't like, but again, not my car) with comfy seats that are not built for spirited driving. But, anyone who buys this car for spirited driving did not do their research! Or, will be severely disappointed (and possibly on their side!!!). And, quality and reliability (although we did have an o2 sensor/manifold go last year. That was not cheap, but other than routine maintenance, that's it in 7 years, 90k miles).
Initially, I truly hated the center console display screen. While I still don't particularly like it, as I posted some time back, familiarity at least seems to breed acceptance. It is a different world when the EW and I switch cars: From the tight seats, strong torque (with a few revs), excellent handling (fine, I'll write it for all you purists: for a FWD!!!)/ride combo and powerful brakes to the cushy, non bolstered seat, much more leisurely acceleration, looser handling and a definite awareness of braking a lot earlier of the RX. I drive the RX, but reluctantly. And, of course, the ultimate bottom line: The EW loves it!
The one commonality of my TL and RX: Both have the turning radius of the ship in that movie, ah, what was it called? You know, starred the kid from "Growing Pains" and the woman who won the Oscar for promoting reading... I'm sure it will come to me...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Ergonomics used to be a Honda specialty, but I think they've lost it. All of the most recent Hondas and Acuras are terrible on the inside, each new one worse than the last. Their center stacks that were known for simplicity and ease of use have become ugly seas of gray and black plastic buttons, seemingly hurled at the dashboard without rhyme or reason.
Speaking of Infiniti, I was surprised at how dowdy the G37 coupe looks when compared to the Genesis coupe in Edmunds' test. I'm still not a fan of the sedan, but the coupe is a great looking car, especially for a Hyundai.
I always thought that the new G coupe was bland looking when compared to the sharp, clean lines of the old one, but putting the Genesis next to it makes it look even more dull and flabby. It's a far cry from the A5, that's for sure. Tell Ms. Infiniti that they need to go back to the board on that one.
Actually, I thought the seats in the RX300 were pretty bad. I found them to be acceptable for about 3hrs max, after which point I would get back aches and would need to stop and walk around a bit. Combine that with not enough travel, and a steering wheel that couldn't telescope... let's just say I'm glad that car is gone. The current compact class can't match the RX300 for efficient packaging, but they are infinitely better to drive and much more comfortable to be in. And as you alluded to, they can make U-turns without needing to shift into reverse.
TM
Nothing personal to Charlie and others... He's a good guy. But I just think the thing is downright hideous. It's gross. :sick:
Personal preferences can be very different sometimes... and this is one of them.
TM
If the seats in my wife's ES 350 are any indication, Toyota/Lexus has made real progress here. Seating comfort in her old ES 300 was, at best, fair, but the 350's seats are vastly better - easily the best that I've encountered in any Japanese car. We experience no aches or pains after 6+ hour trips.
The seats in the new RX seemed to us to be substantially the same as the seats in the current ES.
I have the same problem :sick: But am trying to work things out
All I said is that I could easily live with the RX. I've made it pretty clear that I dislike SUVs as a class; I don't see how anyone who calls himself an enthusiast can possibly like them.
Still, the new RX is much better looking than the old RX, particularly when viewed from the rear - there was just no ignoring the old car's huge, high butt. It's also well made & appointed, pleasant (if not exciting) to drive & comparatively economical. I'd much rather have an RX in my garage than a BMW X5.
We won't buy one because it's just a bit too large for my wife's tastes, but if she were to change her mind, I wouldn't argue with her.
It is definitely the most "feminine" of the crossovers-in looks- and by the overwhelming number of women as opposed to men driving it. The women around here who drive it, manipulate it as they do a golf club-in other words- they haven't got a clue!
The new RX is to my eyes is an improvement-a bit more rugged-looking. Who knows? When I get the call to drive the HS250h, I may get up the nerve to ask to drive an RX also....a fine test to see how secure I am in my masculinity.
If one wants a real man's Lexus crossover-type vehicle, I'm afraid one would have to spend a quantum leap more and go for the LX 570.
It seems to effect every car that uses their control knob based NAV interface. Honda just hits the center stacks of those cars with a double-barrel shotgun blast of buttons, with a second shot for the steering wheel. The Civic and Insight use the "cheap car" style integrated NAV unit, and are spared.
I'm afraid I must disagree there. I found the RX330 to be rather sharp looking when it debuted in 2004. I think it's aged very well, the design still looks pretty fresh. I think the 2010 car looks like a brick of cheese, with an odd pinched look to its face. I don't think it's attractive.
For comparisons sake:
No contest, I think
Yep, me too.
BTW, Howard, the ratio of women to men driving the RX here is astronomical. At least 95% of RXs are driven by female drivers... similar to your observation.
At both very local Lexus dealerships, the GX and LX owners get RXs as loaners, when their vehicles are being serviced.
If my wife ever insisted on an RX, I'd buy it for her... and would hate to be seen in it.
TM
I've driven it, my Uncle owns it, to me it feels like an Elephant!
Would even hate to be seen in it :sick:
Suddenly having second thoughts over it.
And to me, the new RX is visually tighter & better integrated than its predecessor. I can't look at the old RX without thinking that whoever designed the part of the car aft of the "C" pillar wasn't on speaking terms with the rest of the team. The new car, while not all that different, has a carved-out-of-one-piece look to it. (The differences between the 2 are more obvious when they're viewed in the metal.) I don't love it, but I could live with it.
The Audi is far & away the best looking of the trio - no question about it. But my one foray into Audi ownership was absolutely catastrophic, so I'll probably never again own one. SUVs are appliances, pure & simple - anyone looking for great driving dynamics or beautiful lines will buy a coupe, convertible or sedan - & an unreliable appliance is simply pointless. That's why I'd never spend my money on a German SUV.
Your post was reasonable until that last sentence. SUVs are a part of life, due to the obvious inherent nature of the beast. But there are choices... and I don't think a German SUV is out of the question.
The Audi SUV's are decent looking, but the Mercedes GL, for example, has won a lot of respect from critics in almost all circles. It's also won the hearts of many owners. I have no doubt, based upon his posts so far, that Len would disagree with you, and that he could give you honest feedback about the many virtues of his German SUV... as he has already done.
For me, my issue with SUVs is that I think going luxury is somewhat of a waste, but that is not to say I would turn down a nice Range Rover. I just know from experience what the kids can do to the interior, and frankly, I like it better when kids can be kids.
The RX is sort of stuck in the middle. It seems more like half-baked luxury, IMO... not enough to make it true luxury. So, if going true luxury, get the German SUV or the RR, or even the Lexus GX or LX. Otherwise, might as well get a Toyota Highlander, MDX, Honda Pilot, or better yet, a Honda CR-V, if it's not too small.
OK... Flame away.
TM
Sorry, but as a confirmed fool for a pretty face, I could only tell her whatever she wants to hear!
I do agree that G2 G37 Coupe lost some of its distinct sytling edge over G1. But, a big improvement in the interior. Still, the current G Coupe is a looker to me. I haven't seen the Genesis Coupe live and in person, but some of it looks a bit overdone to me. Not unattractive, but I suppose I'm more of a fan of smoother, clean lines (e.g., look in your garage at a certain British import. Or my still handsome TL). Still, too early to judge.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
And as far as the RX driving "experience?" It is what it is. Inoffensive, inert. But woe is the turning radius!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
And, if I was buying, Q5 would more than likely be choice 1.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I’m a car lover extreme,” he says. “I’m a guy who’s up at 6 a.m. after an overnight rain, polishing my Lincoln Mark VI with soft terry cloth towels.” Lincolns have inspired some serious love in Mr. Cherry. “Oh, my white 1983 is my summer car; she’s the pièce de résistance. I have a black 1982; that’s my winter car. The Lincoln drives itself, comes to the curb all terrific and heavy and beautiful.”
link title
When shopping back in late '01, I tried to convince the EW of the basic similarity of the Highlander to the RX. She test drove the Highlander, was treated fairly shabbily by the Toyota Salesrep (now probably selling appliances at Sears after a stint at Home Depot... Not that there's anything wrong with that...).
Then on to the Lexus dealer where she was treated as a Lexus customer and noted that the RX had a much smoother, quiter ride. Was much more luxuriously appointed and, as seems to be the opinon of most women, was so much more cute. Ring it up!
The Highlander, Saab 9-5 Wagon and MDX all came in second in a field of one.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Wow so this is what it all boils down to?
Masculinity vs. Feminity.
The German Marques are from Mars and the Lexus RX is from Venus.
As a contrarian now I yearn to drive a Lexus RX. So far I want a real crossover which should not be mixed up with being a real crossdresser. :P
Those German Sport utes are just a bit too cute for me especially with their SUV pretensions and their inability to drive as well as comparable wagons (Tourings and Avants). Insincerity is the only word I can find for such vehicles. At least an RX is a luxury crossover and does not pretend to be anything else.
The most devoted Audi fan in Edmunds by the name of MarkCincinatti drove dozens of Audis but never ever wants to own one beyond warranty because he is afraid of the hefty costs of maintenance. That in itself is a testament of how good an Audi really is.
Most women... when they are pampered, even if it's by a Lexus representative... they will respond. Even us guys like to be treated with a decent courtesy that is often lacking at too many dealerships.
But women really do thrive on that pampering and special attention.
Personally, I just want the dealership experience to be friendly, quick, honest, informative and courteous with minimum extra interaction. I don't need or want any extra BS. Well... except for a little coffee and doughnuts or snacks in the service department.
Actually, THAT's exactly the kind of baloney that would make my wife a customer for life. Heck with choosing the right vehicle for its merits. Go for the BS customer experience instead. :confuse:
TM
I have changed a lot over the years, and really do appreciate reliability more than ever. But I would resist buying an ugly boring vehicle no matter how reliable it is... when there are more attractive choices out there that are certainly reliable enough.
In addition, I am willing to bet that some of those other choices would be more fun to drive as well, although I am not making a case for that, since we are talking SUVs.
Flaming continues...
TM
“when these carmakers come out with something that doesn’t look like a jellybean, I’ll buy it.”
I guess the Prius & RX aren't on his short list.
Did you say anything about the amount of rear seat room in that gorgeous Audi of yours? I can't remember what your comments were on that.
TM
Perhaps it isn't for those who don't value reliability. According to the latest (annual auto) issue of Consumer Reports (yes, I know what you think of CR, but humor me) German SUVs are, overall, less reliable than German sedans.
For example, frequency of repair for the Audi A6 is average but much worse than average for the Q7. Similarly, the BMW 535i sedan is average while the X5 is worse than average. The only 2 German SUVs that CR recommends are the MB M-Class (only the V-6) & the BMW X3.
Now I might put up with less than sterling reliability for a gorgeous coupe with sensational road dynamics, but why should I tolerate an unreliable SUV? Even the prettiest of the bunch are, at best, inoffensive, & the nicest thing that anyone can say about an SUV's road manners is that "it drives almost as well as a real car". We buy SUVs because we need them - not because we like them. So of what earthly use is an unreliable SUV?
Otherwise, might as well get a Toyota Highlander, MDX, Honda Pilot, or better yet, a Honda CR-V, if it's not too small.
My wife made pretty much the same point after we drove the new RX last week. We currently have an '06 CR-V that in her judgment is exactly the right size for us, now that we're empty nesters. Because it's distinctly non-lux, we can use it to haul furniture, fertilizer & the dog (not at the same time if we can help it) without giving any thought to how dirty it's getting. (I last washed it a year ago.) It's paid for & bulletproof, which makes it just about the perfect SUV.
At 6'1" & in my perfect driving position, I can reach back & slip my hand between my seat back & the back seat cushion, but my hand touches both. No one's legs are fitting back there, not even a child's.
That's why I commented earlier on how funny I thought the S5 vert pics were (that you linked) showing 4 happy adults motoring along.
I have had 1 adult in the back seat so far, behind the front passenger. But, it was not without sacrifice for both. Passenger in the front had to move seat way forward, to where his knees were against the glove box, & the passenger in the rear had both legs pressed into the back of the front seat, as well as a lack of headroom. Both passengers around 6' tall.
Anyway, I am sure you didn't buy the car for rear accomodations anyway.
BTW, I've been reading up on the JB3 plug n play ECU mod. WOW!!
TM
The CR-V makes an RX look sick! :surprise:
See, that didn't hurt now did it?
Here is my ride! I love Blue!
Regards,
OW
which starts out...
Hyundai is now the most successful car company in the U.S. and it has the numbers to prove it......
and ends with...
It is a shame that the most effective car marketing program in America comes from a Korean company.
Hyundai: America's Most Successful Car Company
Man... I would just love it if the Doc was still posting here. I'd admittedly flaunt this article at him, as well as many others about Hyundai and the Hyundai Genesis. He never believed what I told him about Hyundai and the Hyundai Genesis. Oh well... you can lead a horse to water...
TM
It's crystal clear my friend. Game Over!
And... If they ever put a hybrid powertrain in the CR-V... Holy Smokes!
TM
Lagonda, Geneva Auto Show
Regards,
Jose
ALPINA - B6 GT3
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
Jose
SEAT Exeo ST Break
Regards,
Jose
Regards,
OW
It turns out the 2010 Lexus RX 450h will end up with better EPA fuel mileage estimates than the preliminary numbers we reported in the first drive. Specifically, the front-drive RX 450h has achieved the all-important 30-mpg combined figure against 32-mpg city and 28-mpg highway ratings.
The all-wheel-drive 2010 Lexus RX 450h has a 29-mpg combined rating against 30-mpg city and 29-mpg highway figures.
Given that the RX 450h weighs a whopping 450 pounds more than the outgoing RX 400h, which was rated 27/24 in front-drive configuration and 26/24 with AWD, these numbers are rather impressive.
Looks like Dewey is a smart man...
link title
I like and respect Dewey, and I agree he is a smart man, and I know he enjoys driving, whether spirited or more civilized.
That's why I honestly hope an RX doesn't happen to him. As nice as the vehicle might be to some, I truly believe he would be sorry in the long run.
TM