AL13NV8D3R

I need advice about buying a new RX 350 Fsport. I am planning to trade my wifes '09 RX 350 with a new one with the Fposrt package. I currently drive '14 GS 350 luxury myself and was wondering if its anything like my GS? Ride quality, handling, Road noise?

corradoMR2

Glad you're interested in the RX F-Sport. Road comfort is so highly subjective, but at least you're providing a reference point.

2RX vs 3RX F-Sport:
Moving for the Gen 2 RX to the 3RX F-Sport, you will immediately notice the difference in ride comfort. Whereas the 2RX provides a near cloudlike floating ride with some "jello-like" suspension motions and body roll, the F-Sport rides noticeably firmer over medium to larger bumps with some of these felt a little through the cabin but with far better body control. In fact, cornering is nearly flat with minimal body roll (yes, on an RX! ). However, despite some of the larger impacts "felt", the RX still has that smooth ride over small road imperfections thanks to the unique lateral performance dampers at the front and back that absorb these small vibrations and impacts (these dampers are literally fluid-filled shocks mounted horizontally ). As for road noise, it is quieter, especially tire noise, though part of that is due to having new tires. NOTE, avoid the Dunlops if you can as they are noisier and wear out quickly.

GS/IS vs RX F-Sport:
I have an IS F-Sport, which from a platform and suspension setup takes a lot from its big brother GS. I have little experience with the latest GS, but I can share my experiences relative to the IS.

RX is quieter than the IS. The RX's laminated side glass (like the GS) and extra sound deadening overall makes for a quieter ride. I would expect the GS however to be slightly better than the RX at highway speeds due to aerodynamics and therefore less wind noise.

Handling is naturally better on the IS. It's 700 lbs lighter (GS 500 lbs), lower to the ground, and overall more nimble. However, I'm still quite surprised and impressed by the near lack of body roll on the RX F-Sport Ride to the point where this is a toss-up with the IS F-SPort. Since you have the regular GS, you may find the RX F-SPort to be flatter on corners.

Ride comfort is interesting when compared to the IS because it depends on the nature of the road, imperfection, size of impact, etc. The longer wheelbase of the IS (and GS) over the RX helps make the IS better dissipate moderate road impacts as well as provide a slight edge in straight-line body motions. However, where it gets tricky is if the impact is large (say a pothole), the IS easily bottoms out and that energy is transmitted into the cabin as a thump feeling and noise. The RX's longer suspension travel never bottoms out here so the result is the IS "feels harsher" under this situation. However (tricky part again) is the RX can give off a slight "jump-feel" on these big bumps a little like sitting in the rear of a school bus because of that shorter wheelbase. On moderate bumps, the IS feels firm similar to the RX F-Sport's taut ride, but not harsh. On minor road imperfections, RX F-Sport glides over more smoothly again thanks to the lateral performance dampers. My gut tells me your GS (non-F-Sport) will take medium to larger bumps overall better than the RX F-Sport (and my IS F-Sport) and probably feel similar over minor imperfections.


Hope this helps, but ultimately, test drive it and check tire brand (Michelin Latitudes are better for comfort) and that the tire pressure is around 33 psi.

AL13NV8D3R

Bravo! One of the better replies i heard in any post in a while.... very informative and detailed. Thanks alot.

Cruiter

Joe, X2 on the great write up . My burning question now is were you an engineer or someone that did point papers frequently, or both ?

RGSW

I'd recommend you let the "wife" drive the "F Sport" vs the RX350 before you purchase. Personally, the black headliner is a turnoff for me. I purchased the RX350 AWD with Black lower interior and Saddle color leather seats, love it.

UCSB

Definitely go down and test drive both the regular RX and F-Sport on roads that are typical for your daily usage. Coming from the '09, this is a call she is going to have to make herself ... there is a very real possibility that she will not like the F-Sport.