aypues

My quazi step dad is saying the 2013 RXh has better handling characteristics than his 2011 RXh AWD. Is this true? Were there any suspension enhancements in the 2013 model?

I only found this on the press release:
Chassis/Body/Suspension/ Brakes/Tires •Uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension improves handling and yields greater cargo area room.
•VSC adds steering assist torque to help aid handling on a split-friction surface.
•TRAC and VSC functions can also be turned off, for example, when the driver needs to free the vehicle from mud or snow.
•Two-piston front caliper brakes.
•18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires. Two optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R19 tires.


Maybe the tires are just grippier...unless the first bullet point is correct that they reworked the rear suspension.

FamilyRX

I checked the 2013 New Car Features from Lexus and did not see any "improvements" listed over the 2011 and 2012 model years.

FamilyRX
(coming soon)

mklemovitc

There is a posting in the FAQ section of the main Third Generation forum that outlines the differences in detail.

Here's a link.

Bottom line - no suspension differences on the h models. Tires vary even on the current model year and can make a noticeable difference, even inflation levels on the same brand of tires.

corradoMR2

At this mid-life cycle refresh (2013), the RX got a revised chassis with an additional 12 spot welds to each side of the body and chassis. From the few reviews out there mentioning this, apparently, it results in a better handling SUV than the vehicle it replaces.

So your quazi step dad may be right!