I dont know which forum to put this in. I have a question. How does an IS250 ride compare to a GX with the ride when the suspension switch all the way to the left. I have a GX and I know a lot of members have multiple lexus's and I was wondering if my question could be answered. I have posted in the IS forum and nobody gave me an answer.

 

Have you heard of the expression, polar opposites? I can't speak for the IS, but I can tell you that the ride in my GX470 is VERY different from that of my SC430. I find both very comfortable and in a lot of ways I think the GX has a more solid feel and ride.

 

I happen to have both a GX and IS250 AWD sitting in my garage. (Yes I know I need to update my sig). They are in complete opposite directions, but here goes. The GX with the control switch full left (comfort mode) compared to the IS is a boat - floaty and lots of body roll. With the switch to full right not as floaty, but still the body roll is inescapable. The IS is luxurious and tight, but not punishingly sporty. I gave up my GX for the IS, my wife drives a GX now, and I am loving every chance I get to be behind the wheel of my IS, probably even more than my L-Tuned GS4...although I wish the IS had a bit more punch under the hood.
Hope that helps.

 

So what mode on the suspension dial would you say the IS is at?

 

From a body roll perspective there is no good comparison, from a ride stiffness perspective - keeping in mind the low profile tires vs. the monster size sidewalls of the GX, the IS is about 2 notches past full sport on the GX.

 

Has anybody driven a toyota highlander? Does anybody know how an IS compares to that? I currently drive that. My closest Lexus dealer is 100 miles away and I do not want to drive that far if I know that the car is not for me.

 

Frankly, I think your best bet is to schedule an appointment to test drive the IS with the closest Lexus dealer. To be sure, you will continue to get honest opinions (and comparisons) from this forum; however, if you're in the market for an IS (or looking to talk yourself out of being in that disposition), the only way for you to really find out about this car is to drive it for yourself. Only you know how you prefer your vehicle to "feel" under driving conditions. The best data and feedback regarding the IS will only make you better informed. To know how this car drives or compares to your present vehicle you have to actually drive it.

 

I agree that is the smart move. The GX ride can not be compared to the IS. Each needs to be compared vs. what you like and vs. its own vehicle class. One can love both types of rides but any attempt to compare is going to be misleading no matter how hard we try.

I really liked the new ES350 Lexus sedan, but at the end of the day it is still a sedan - and I have to decide if I really want to drive one anymore. I can't fault it for not being a GX, though!

 

Why would anyone comapre a SUV's handling with a sports sedan, even if they are both Lexus, its apples and oranges.