Hi Lexus guys, I am hoping you can help with a predicament my mom is in.

She owns a 2016 Lexus GS 350 with Luxury Package. She loves the way it drives. However, due to her sciatic nerve the doctors have suggested she would be better off in an SUV for seating position over a sedan. The car only has 26k on it so in this market it's going to be a strong seller.

So here's what I am struggling with. What to replace it with. The RX 350 is a great car and you can't beat Lexus reliability. However, it's just not even going to come close to driving like the GS does. So it's a maybe?

The other cars that I think might drive similarly to the GS350 are the BMW X3 and the Genesis GV70. My dad already has a GV80 and loves it.

Any other Lexus owners been in this situation?

Porsche Macan V6/base model CPO with a warranty extension would be my vote, or a M-sport x3/5

honestly, I would stay away from anything with bolstered seats (Sporty SUV/CUV's), as thats not going to help sciatica. Maybe look at a GX or LX?

I don't think she will go for the Porsche, but we are looking at the BMW

I think those are too big. Not to mention the technology in them is very dated.

maybe look at a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee? Hyundai Santa Fe? if a GX is too big, the Durango is out, as is the Palisade/Telluride.

I recommend the Volvo XC60. Volvos are known for having the best seats and some trims massage.

If you want something that is a better "driver's" vehicle, then forget a fwd ute for the most part, although i felt the CRV i test drove was pretty wonderful overall. I now have a top of the line santa fe and it's great but nothing at all in steering or handling like a gs350.

I'm sure a gv70 is great to drive, as would be something like an X3 (both rwd platforms).

We have an X3 that we've really enjoyed the past 3 years. It has great ride and handling and for an SUV it can be fun to drive. No issues whatsoever in the 3 years we've had it. Just routine maintenance and one recall to recalibrate the rearview camera.

Is it you or your mom who is requiring the replacement to drive like the GS? If it's just you, your mom would likely be fine with a new RX. If it's her, I would wager to say she would get used to the higher ride height and come to appreciate the comfortable ride the RX offers.

The Jeep might be a good look. Possibly a little big, but definitely worth considering.

That's a good idea. I haven't thought of that one.

Yeah, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great car, but I don't think she wants one. She's really gotten spoiled by the GS because it's a great car.

That's awesome. Can I ask which engine and which options you got? Any you recommend? Any you got and wouldn't get again?

It's her, and you might be right. We should probably drive one just in case. The other thing about the RX I do worry about is the tech seems a little more dated compared to the other two.

If your mother is a Lexus loyalist, I would advise the NX over the RX. The RX is so much larger than the GS that I think the NX would be a better replacement, especially as it handles better due to the smaller size. It also helps that the tech is lightyears ahead of the RX.

Highly recommend the X3 - i think its by far the best sporty SUV in its class if you need decent space in the back.

I have had my M40i for 2yrs now.
The ride is stiff but i also have 20in staggered setup and steering is very heavy even in comfort mode compared to anything from Lexus. The base X3s are tuned differently though but then you get 4cyl.

The seats on the X5 are wider and more luxurious so if comfort is most important then i would go with that.

I haven't sat in the second generation yet. I will have to check out. My cousin has a first generation and I think it's okay, but nothing great. Hopefully they fixed some things with the second.

That's awesome! Any options or features you'd recommend? Anything to skip? I actually think if she goes the BMW route she would get the M40i. Not because of the engine but because of the features. Right now BMW only offers adaptive cruise control on the bigger engine, and she uses that all the time.

I would challenge what the doctor say. It’s not only about seating positions. It’s how the car rides over surfaces well. The GS has double wishbone suspension all round and gives a more stable ride over the SUVs. My GS also has AVS which helps it not to lean and dive when breaking and going around corners, so motions are well controlled.


My GS is less fatigue than my RX over long drives.

However my ES (2016) has bigger and softer seats.

Not many options as the M40i is pretty much fully loaded - I ordered it with upgraded wheels, heated seats, metallic paint color and side window shades. I have passive sport suspension on mine but now it comes standard with Adaptive suspension so should be more comfortable. I believe the only Packages offered are safety related for Parking Assistance and the Active cruise control which i had no interest in.

Its refreshed for 2022MY so good time to get it.