GS 350 awd vs RX 350 awd
05-08-08, 08:57 PM
#2
Pole Position
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Boston, MA
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RX350
Pros:
Big Interior
Commanding View
High ground clearance for snow
Cons:
Weak Xenon headlights
Older Lexus technology, interior is outdated
Made in Canada
Slow
GS350 AWD
Pros:
Made in Japan
Excellent fit and finish
Great NAV and stereo system
Fast and fairly agile
Large Brakes
Cons:
Tighter interior, especially headroom
Big wheel gap on the AWD
Rattle issues (may be resolved for 08)
Tire noise
Pros:
Big Interior
Commanding View
High ground clearance for snow
Cons:
Weak Xenon headlights
Older Lexus technology, interior is outdated
Made in Canada
Slow
GS350 AWD
Pros:
Made in Japan
Excellent fit and finish
Great NAV and stereo system
Fast and fairly agile
Large Brakes
Cons:
Tighter interior, especially headroom
Big wheel gap on the AWD
Rattle issues (may be resolved for 08)
Tire noise
05-09-08, 07:11 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
I think the RX has bigger wheel gap than the GS AWd lol. Seriously, the pro of the RX would be higher ground clearance and cargo room. The pro of the GS would be more fun to drive and better interior.
05-09-08, 11:14 AM
#5
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I was thinking of a GS350 or an RX350 as well. The deciding factor for me was the test drive.
I have to say, they're not even the same LEAGUE of automobile. The GS350 is a gorgeous car, drives beautifully, clean lines, cutting edge and luxurious interrior, etc.
The RX is clearly an entry level automobile. It feels like a truck, drives like a truck, sounds like a truck (wind noise, tire noise)... with a touch of low-end lexus finish. I mean... those center console air vents are the cheapest, cr@ppiest looking things I've ever seen.
Of course, there's no accounting for taste, and I'm sure someone else could just as easily respond with a post telling you get the RX instead of the GS. That's why I say....
TEST DRIVE. :-)
I have to say, they're not even the same LEAGUE of automobile. The GS350 is a gorgeous car, drives beautifully, clean lines, cutting edge and luxurious interrior, etc.
The RX is clearly an entry level automobile. It feels like a truck, drives like a truck, sounds like a truck (wind noise, tire noise)... with a touch of low-end lexus finish. I mean... those center console air vents are the cheapest, cr@ppiest looking things I've ever seen.
Of course, there's no accounting for taste, and I'm sure someone else could just as easily respond with a post telling you get the RX instead of the GS. That's why I say....
TEST DRIVE. :-)
05-09-08, 02:02 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
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we have one of each. you've got the main differences. we get what we expected out of both but we rarely confuse the two 
there is no question in my mind that the GS is a higher order auto. That said, claiming the RX feels and sounds like a truck is a bit much but to each his own. It's not a luxury sedan but much less truck like than some others we drove. the 09 RX dash configuration is certainly dated, no keyless entry etc. but we liked it enough to buy it anyway and are satisfied. Agree that I would have been more likely to compare the GS and GX if it's one or the other. our RX was a 2nd car.
there is no question in my mind that the GS is a higher order auto. That said, claiming the RX feels and sounds like a truck is a bit much but to each his own. It's not a luxury sedan but much less truck like than some others we drove. the 09 RX dash configuration is certainly dated, no keyless entry etc. but we liked it enough to buy it anyway and are satisfied. Agree that I would have been more likely to compare the GS and GX if it's one or the other. our RX was a 2nd car.
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05-09-08, 11:39 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
I would have to agree that it has to do mostly with your cargo/carrying needs. I dont have kids yet so the sub standard trunk space is not an issue most of the time. It still is a surprising how small the trunk is on this size sedan. The RX will provide better ground clearance for bad weather. The Gs will provide a much better driving feel.
05-10-08, 10:48 AM
#10
Lexus Connoisseur
The 3 RX's we've had were all made in Japan, the 04 RX330, 05 RX330 and the current 08 RX350. The Canadian model RX wasn't very common in 04, but it was more apparent in 05 and newer. I made sure the RX we got was a Japanese made version.
As far as the comments about fit and finish. They are pretty high quality. The RX is a unibody chassis based of the ES/Camry/Avalon/Highlander platform. It is certainly not a body on frame truck. It drives like a car, but is obviously not tossable like a sports car granted the higher center of gravity.
Last edited by flipside909; 05-10-08 at 10:52 AM.
05-12-08, 02:46 PM
#12
Lexus Connoisseur
Both have very good and capable AWD systems. It really all comes down to what do you need more, an suv or sedan. If you have a lot of snow and ice, you probably would want something with a lot more ground clearance. The RX350 would be the obvious choice in that department.
05-13-08, 04:37 PM
#15
Lexus Connoisseur
The search function of our site is very useful. Here's a post I put up with the help of Rominl to show and distingush the differences between an 07 and 08.
PICS: 2007 vs. 2008 GS Differences
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=322631
Here's a post I put up with the help of Rominl to show and distingush the differences between an 07 and 08.PICS: 2007 vs. 2008 GS Differences
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=322631