litzdog911

We have a 2006 RX400h that's been a great vehicle. My wife loves it. But it just passed 130,000 miles, so we're considering a new RX450h. After researching here, I learn that 2015 is likely the last model year for the 3rd Gen RX (2nd Gen RX hybrid?). But I haven't found much here, or elsewhere, about facts/rumors for what's likely to be different/improved with the next generation.

Can any folks here point us to any information you're aware of regarding likely differences between the current 2015 RX450h and the next generation? What would you do if you were looking to buy now? My personal bias is that the 2015 RX450h is likely to be much more reliable than the first year of new generation, and more easily available with the options we might want. But perhaps there will be some very worthwhile features worth waiting for. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Mors

I contemplated the same thing because I've been looking for a new RX for 9 months now. I had special ordered a 2014, didn't work out so they ordered a 2015 and it just got here last week and I went ahead and bought it even though 1 more year of waiting would have got me the newer model.
As far as new things in the 2016 RX (these are all guesses):

1. It MAY get 3rd row seating and may not be just an option. Still unsure about this as Lexus may bring yet another model to their lineup (the TX) that is 3rd row seating and leave the RX alone.
2. Look at the latest 2015 Lexus NX features, as you can pretty must assure the new version of the RX will have most (if not all) of these things. This includes the new touchpad remote interface instead of the mouse/joystick that exists now...
   here
3. It will probably have the fancier Display Screen like the latest IS has, which has 3D style maps, different options on splitting the screen, and various other little upgrades in the software. Note that there are bugs in the software with it right now which are documented in the IS forums, but you can be sure Lexus will eventually figure most of those out by the time the 2016 RX goes into production.
4. It will probably have a newer center dashboard info like the new IS has (shown here)
5. The F-sport may even have the awesome looking center dashboard thing like the IS F-Sport(shown here)
6. Maybe they'll bring back AFS and/or Intelligent Hi-Beams

I don't want to put words in Anita's mouth, but I believe she has bought every RX right as the new generation comes out. While there may be a few things that waiting another year would correct, the issues may be very small and meaningless.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

That's a tough decision. The 3RXh is proven. What we should know about the 4RX is that it will be bigger, more expensive, have more features and feature more aggressive corporate look. Honestly if you can wait for the '16, take a look at it and worse case scenario you get a great deal on a remaining 3RXh

litzdog911

Thank you Mors & Hoovey2411!!!

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I'd wait.

RXSF

It is speculated that the next RX may come with an available 3rd row, thereby making the car a bit larger than it is now. The reason being is that the NX can take over where the RX was originally. This change may or may not affect your decision. I too would wait just to see what Lexus brings to the table. The RX is about 5 years old, and in automotive years, thats a big difference.

litzdog911

Thanks folks! When do you think we might have more specifics about the 2016 RX hybrid?

mklemovitc

If past performance is any indicator, we normally see a lot of rumor and informed speculation in the year leading up to a major redesign.

Official Lexus information for a spring launch typically starts coming out in the Winter Auto shows (Detroit, Geneva, etc.) in the December-February timeframe.

Depending on the marketing push, Lexus may also offer some special events to preview the production vehicles to the press and other select invitees 1-2 months ahead of release.

corradoMR2

If you can wait 1 year from about now, get the '16 RX. I never had any "1st year" issues with my new model '11 CT and '14 IS. I would not worry about the first year next RX and in fact, in my case, I've pulled the trigger on the 1st year and brand new NX. It also has the new turbo engine to add to the "risk", but proof on how confident I am with Lexus.

Expect the next RX at a winter autoshow after the NX and RC are launched late this year so the Lexus buzz continues. Since the US is the largest market, my guess would be a concept at Beijing this November and the production unveil at the Detroit autoshow in Q1 2015.

Nezumi

As an opposite data point, I debated this and ended up going with the 2015. I didn't know what going to come of the 2016 models, but if it looked anything like the NX, then I didn't want it. I actually really like the way the third gen looks. I feel like if anything, this is going to be the pinnacle of the 3rd gen, and then they're going back to the drawing board with the 2016. While they will most likely end up with something cool, I didn't want to take the risk about what they were going to change.

The third gen is just a tried-and-true beautiful car. I thought about waiting for more phone integration and the like, but then I realized I'll almost never use it. I rarely use maps and nav, and I only care about bluetooth streaming. Things like carplay are cool, but I doubt I'll ever use it much.

I don't think you could go wrong either way.

SueR

I was wondering if any 2015 RX450h owners have experienced excessive heating of the center console while the air and heat is in the "Off" setting.

My center console is reaching 135+ degrees on a 15 mile surface road drive. I am told it is operating "as designed".

Would like to know if you ever drive your RX450h with the air in an off position and experience the same issue.

Note: Avatar thermal picture of console following 15 mile/30 min. drive with air/heat in off position.

Nezumi

I could possibly test this in the winter time, but there's no way I could drive without the AC in texas right now It's still like 80 something out there