GX Camera quality vs $27k Chevy camera quality
 

The company I work for just supplied me with a 2019 Chevy Equinox. As soon as I put it in reverse I noticed how much better the picture quiality was than my wife’s new GX. I mean it’s like a tube tv vs 4KUHD! I do understand that Chevy takes a very cheaply made vehicle and stuff it full of shiny electronics and that the GX is a better vehicle 1000x over but come on. They could have at least sprung for a better backup camera!!

Has as anyone else noticed made this comparison and had their stomach turn?

The Equinox is a much newer vehicle than the GX, which is part of the reason. Most automakers, especially Lexus, won't upgrade little items like backup cameras on a year-by-year basis just because their quality is frequently improving. It isn't cost effective so things like that get upgraded with major refreshes and redesigns.

With that said, the camera in my 2011 GX is much better than the camera I recently experienced in a 2018 RX-L.

Although I acknowledge that car tech progresses SUPER SLOWLY, my first take on better resolution was on the XC90s on SPA platform. Then mercedes came out with HD on the E-series. I dont recall the cameras on the new LS or ES, but will test and update.

The GX is old, in every way possible, I dont think one can hope for better camera quality as these were speced from 2014 5+ years old. Back then a rear camera was not even standard like it is now. It sucks that the GX is outclassed in almost every way on vehicles a fraction of the price, but there really isnt anything much there to do?

Toyota Corollas are coming with Toyota Safety Sense for free, while the GX, doesnt even offer it unless you pay for the Lux package and Driver Assist, which even then is out of date due to LSS v1/2.

the GX at this point is more of emotional decision rather then a logical decision if your in the market.

I recently had a similar experience with a Honda Accord's backup camera. The video quality was great and I was surprised, granted it was an '18 Accord. Toyota has a reputation for being behind on the technology curve. Part of the reason for their reliability is because they use old tech that's been tried and tested and it saves on costs, but I do wish they would stay a little more up-to-date when it comes to technology.

the backup camera sucks on pretty much every single new lexus car. My brand new LX camera is horrible. same with the new RX.i test drove and even the LS500. The birds eye is much better. but yea I see your point

I also drive a 2006 Honda Odyssey so from that to the GX, the GX's camera is like HD LOL.
However, my 2014 Camry camera is a bit better.

I don't think body on frame (BoF) vehicles are inherently safer than unibody vehicles. Plus, newer cars provide more than just electronic safety systems. There are structural advances that are made with newer vehicles that make them much safer than older ones. A clear example is the small overlap crash test that was introduced a few years ago. At the time, many cars performed very poorly on the test. Newer cars perform much better because there have been structural changes to help deflect some of the impact away from the passenger compartment.

The Volvo XC90, as a potential counter-example, pretty much aced the test with a decade old design because...Volvo. The XC90, however, isn't a BoF vehicle. Many of the BoF vehicles left on the market are quite large, which can be advantageous in an accident (especially with a much smaller vehicle) but I wouldn't say that means they're safer because they're BoF.

I think you're oversimplifying the process. No automaker is just going to throw in some new parts simply because they exist. The physical act of picking up a part and installing it in the vehicle isn't the complicated part. Even changing something like a backup camera or an interior screen requires testing (such as compatibility, durability, and comparison testing with other available parts from competing suppliers), supply chain research, potential negotiations with current suppliers, etc. It may be different if the part supplier takes it upon themselves to revise the part while making it a fully compatible replacement for the previous part but even then it would not be surprising if a certain amount of testing was necessary.

It's not like all of the cameras are failing prematurely and they need to find a replacement. A new camera would just be an incremental improvement unlikely to drive additional sales.

Lexus/Toyota are really into max profit/$ investment company. If they can keep things the same, not only does alleviate costs, but it also makes them dam durable. Even if there is something better, its comes online only after everyone else. So far I dont recall any Lexus product with HD cameras. The only HD equipped camera I know of on a Lexus are the JDM only ES and LS with their exterior side mirrors which have been replaced by HD cameras (no side mirrors just cameras).

The GX would be interesting if they had the level of equipment made available but, I think Lexus is only exploring those avenues on all of their upcoming transition frames. (Lexus and Toyota Generation Next Vehicles).
GX being on the old 150 series platform is highly questionable.

agree that the camera is horrible, wonder if it can be upgraded with aftermarket and if it would make any difference

:p @7:00

LOL excitebike!
so just a new part number will cost $10,000. this includes all the drawing updates, system changes, supply chain integration, etc.
then have to qual test it, theres another $50,000. stuff like mil-std-810
then durability testing, another $25,000

thats all on top of a redesign effort, including design reviews with a room full of engineers/managers.
then change the kanban tags, and track old vs new inventory.
then update the repair manuals, software, drawings, etc.

theres a lot more, but you get the idea

While true, Lexus take it to a whole new level of crazy. Same cruise control lever for 2 decades, similarly other components exist. Only now with the intro of the Toyota Generation Next Architecture have we finally see them move to newer components, and even then no HD camera.

+1 Would a better camera provide any better picture? Or are we really limitied by the in-dash headunit (not the camera)?

screen quality is decent, it looks HD (it's 480p) when playing DVDs in comparison to camera picture quality, this makes me wonder if one soldered in aftermarket camera would alleviate the problem

YES!!!! I’m swapping mine with a $20 aftermarket camera from Amazon to add grid lines and the camera seems clearer.

Yes and Yes. Search the GX forum for aftermarket rear cameras

I just searched this forum and could not find anything on replacing/upgrading the rear camera? (Other than people want to do it)

One surprise in my 21 GX460 Premium is that when in reverse the screen doesn't dynamic parking lines which adjust based on wheel angle. Is this only available if you get an off-road package with multiple cameras?

that is correct.

Thanks!!! Too bad. I have it on my 2020 LC and love it.

Wife's 2016 Subaru Outback rear camera is miles better than the rear camera in my 2016 GX. While I do prefer reliability over every new bell and whistle, as a former owner of three 4Runners, Lexus just seems lazy with things like the backup camera and ****ty audio system (STILL without CarPlay). The GX is comfortable and quiet but the way they've failed to implement real upgrades during a model run is pathetic.

As far as cost goes, I cannot imagine that a backup camera with better resolution would be more expensive than redoing the grill every other year. And the grill has nothing to do with safety. Priorities...

I don’t mind it much. Yes every other vehicle I’ve had in recent memory had a better backup camera. It’s not important since you should be using your head as well, you know like we used to. :) Ever think maybe stuff like this Toyota does kept the cost down? The price for a GX is a steal of a deal for what you get and THAT is more important than a dumb camera in my personal opinion.

Had I realized how well priced GX’s were I would of bought one instead of my Grand Cherokee Trailhawk or Charger R/T.

I agree with you about the camera not being a primary backup tool. But I don't think using a $30 camera instead of a $7 camera in a $60,000 vehicle would break Toyota's bank.

Fixed line camera retrofit

Dynamic backup lines were option available since 2010 in Eurasian markets

You have dynamic lines now? Can you share your project? I have see an option in tech stream but it doesn't let me change it. I assume lines are not part of camera but ICU.

Unfortunately not... just came across in research years back.

Unfortunately, Toyota products which have been the focus of all TMC lately, has yet to receive an HD level camera. I hold little hope any of the old platforms are going to get upgrades in Lexus.

While 30 vs 7 is laymen speak, those cameras probably require a lot more initial qc money before being placed into service.