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GS-F owners, how are things on a longer drive, say 6-9 hours? Specifically, do the seats stay comfortable over long stretches, and how is cabin noise? Reviewer Savagegeese says turning off the augmented engine sound cuts some exhaust drone. Quietness is subjective and I don’t expect the car to be as silent as the tomb-like LS but it’s important it’s relatively tame over a long drive.
Side question, are the seats Nappa or regular leather?
I've driven 13 hours in the GS F at a stretch, only stopping for fuel. Seats are OK. Some like them better than others, I like my IS F seats better for long drives. So does the wife.
I've gone only 4-5 hour trips to AZ and NV, but I find them more comfortable than expected. I did notice lower back soreness a few days after trips, but could be from other problems.
Cabin noise is quiet enough for me, for comparison: 08 RX350 > 16 GSF > 21 IS350. Tires might make a difference towards road noise.
Leather is like what Lobuxracer said- Lexus NuLuxe.
I drove mine from OH to FL over a span of 2 days, and was surprised at how comfortable i was. Because of the shape of the seats - IF you fit then you're golden. They're snug around you like a good bucket seat should be, and they are a good combination of soft (to remind you that you're in a luxury car and there's lots of padding around you) and firm (so you feel stable and remember it's a sports car, you feel planted and not like the seats are squishy). It's not like a Cadillac from the 90's, you're not on plush seats that are soft to the touch, but everything is well engineered to keep you comfortable and in your seat.
As a side note, the drive itself was just so damn fun that i forgot about my relative comfort level until way later. Only after 6 or 7 hours worth of driving did i ever really start to adjust or squirm in my seat to make sure my back was okay, and this is coming from a guy with horrendous back issues who was terrified of the consequences of such a trip.
The Monroney sticker says Smooth Leather Trimmed "F" Spec Sport Seats. Nothing in the New Car Features or the FSM saying NuLuxe or leather proper, but I can definitely say it's the same material in the IS F and I've replaced my seat covers in the IS F. They are the standard plastic coated leather Lexus uses. Definitely NOT Nappa leather.
Last edited by lobuxracer; Jul 22, 2022 at 02:00 PM.
Some comments about lower back discomfort or pain resonate with me but then I feel that way driving ANY car for a few hours.
My biggest fears on the interstate are: rock chips and other obstacles that can damage the front of the car. Other than that, it's comfy!
Turn off the ACS. Seats - if you fit, they are comfy. Ride quality. I usually keep it in Sport - no issues. Eco will give you the best fuel mileage, which is around 27-28mpg at 75-80mph depending on # of passengers and terrain. It’s great for road trips if you ask me.
I have a really bad lower back and I was worried that I wouldn't make a cross country trip but it was one of the best road trips I have ever made. No issues at all with being uncomfortable. I started in San Diego to NJ and back. I've done the trip every year since 2020 and planning my next trip.
I did a drive from Texas to NJ when I first bought the car. It was a lot of driving, probably 20 + hours with a friend. I'd say the seats are OK. Honestly I find cloth seats in your typical economy car to be the most comfortable for long drives. Cabin noise really doesn't bother me.
The car performed like a champ and we only stopped for gas.
Did a recent 8 hour 500 mile stint in mine before I sold it. I’m 6’3” 240lbs and it was comfortable. Shocking I know, those seats aren’t the widest out there but they sure do a good job.
Mines lowered on the swift springs. Ride is good until you come across bumpy roads. Then, it’s absolute trash with all the bumps. I hit an armadillo on the way back from Waco to Houston and it didn’t go too well. Damn thing was the size of a dog! Overall, I love the ride. I’m raising it back up because these springs are **** with stock shocks/struts. Thinking coils here soon!
How is it on long drives?
