Quote:
Originally Posted by rklages
Here is my thought having just gone to an RX which seems to get updated more often and has all the nice stuff in it!
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I've driven the RX several times (as dealer loaners during service) and I didn't notice the RX having "all the nice stuff" that would make it appreciatively better then the GX. IMO the RX feels (no offense to RX drivers) a couple cuts below the GX in terms of luxury. In fact, sales of GX were down only 4.9% in April whereas sales of RX were down 15.9%. So apparently the GX does have most of the "nice stuff" folks want
Also, I believe the RX is actually due for an update before the GX. With the '08 Highlander out already, we'll probably see the new RX any day now. The GX probably won't be redesigned for '09 model year but we might get an early '10.
I'll post my comments to each of your points below:
1. Rear Door - stupidest thing ever (and even opens the wrong way) - should be a power lift gate
GX is over 8" higher then RX, so having a swing up door like RX would be problematic for most garages. Both GX and RX would benefit from a retractable rear window like the 4Runner.
2. Fuel Cap retainer - look at a BMW and make it the same so it doesn't fall down all the time and scratch the paint.
My GX has a fuel cap retainer - not sure what the problem is.
3. 5.7L
This is inconsistent with item #23 below
4. Gen 5 Nav that doesn't look 10 years old
Not sure what the problem is with the nav, even the one in my '03 looks great IMO and works great. Way better then what I've seen in my friends' BMWs and MBs. Although I guess the latest technology is to have the maps built in to a hard drive.
5. Remove the Cassette Deck
I use this alot for continuing education tapes - it comes in handy IMO.
6. HD Radio
Agreed.
7. Ipod
The newer GX's already come with an mp3 audio plug
8. Factory Dual Headrest Rear Seat Entertainment with 110 AC and inputs in the back like the RX
RX has the same single drop down screen like the GX - if it has dual headrest screens it's aftermarket.
9. Comfort Access keyless ignition like IS
My last loaner RX had this - you still have to press a button to start the vehicle so all it saves you is having to take a key out of your pocket. No big deal IMO
10. Bigger Rear Doors and more rear seat room (like RX)
GX middle row has more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room then rear seat of RX so I'm not sure what you're talking about - the middle row of GX is about as good as it gets IMO.
11. Fold Flat 2nd row
Agreed.
12. 3rd row the fold better instead of folding up to the sides
I like the current design because it allows you to completely remove the seats and save all that extra dead weight. I only use my third row a few times a year when I have relatives in town. Most 3rd row designs I've seen that fold down are not removeable (like the MDX) so all that dead weight will diminish performance and fuel economy.
13. LED tails
Agreed.
14. Xenons (think the new ones have these already - I had an 06)
As I've said before in the LX570 xenon thread, IMO Lexus has made the responsible decision to leave Xenons out of their frame based SUVs. Try sitting in my Spyder with an Escalade behind you and you'll know what I mean. The projector beam headlights along with the fogs provide plenty of light on my GX IMO
15. Some new wheel options
Agreed, if the 4Runner Ltd gets 18's so should the GX.
16. Surround Sound with ML
I guess I agree, but most passengers who've heard the 14 speaker ML system in my GX are blown away already.
17. Better console, more room and moveable like RX
I don't remember being all that impressed with the RX console.
18. Panoramic SunRoof
Agreed.
19. Power rear window so you don't have to open the entire hatch
Agreed.
20. A glovebox that holds more than just the giant user manual
Agreed.
21. heated rear seats
I'd rather have cooled front seats - let the folks in back suffer
22. movable rear seats
Agreed, would be nice to be able to slide 2nd row up a little in order to provide more leg room for 3rd row when necessary.
23. Most important - it gets better fuel mileage and cost less than it does now!
I doubt it will cost less with the dollar going down the tubes - in fact I thought I just read that Toyota/Lexus are raising prices in a couple weeks on most of their models - not commonly done in the middle of a model year. As far as mileage, I don't see it getting any better with a traditional V8, maybe an extra mpg or two at best. Even the 400h drivers seem to average only about 25 to 26 mpg in real world driving so I don't see a hybrid offering much benefit either. What I would like to see them offer is a turbodiesel like they already do for the Prado overseas.
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