Haunted

Wow checked out a 13 ls460. I think big screen is awesome but the joystick sucks. I like the touch screen much better. What the hell were they thinking??

SW17LS

You get used to the remote touch controller. I've had them all, touch screens and now this is my second Lexus with the RTC and it works fine. I like the bigger screen it lets you have, I like how it lets you move the screen up and away closer to the windshield. I actually like using it when moving better as sometimes it's hard to hit a virtual screen button on a touchscreen in a moving car. It's all relative.

Gbp

One can get used to anything, but the touch screen interface with the buttons on both sides of the screen is a much more user-friendlly interface than the RT (remote touch} Lexus switched to in 2013. I like the screen closer to me as well than its more recessed location in the redesign. OTOH, the redesign seems to have better, higher-resolution graphics, and I like the nav screen showing the speed limit on the maps. I also,like the compass which actually shows the direction you are currently traveling in. The voice commands seem better too. HD radio is a nice feature -- I'm not sure what model year that started in.

I'll still take the touch screen with buttons over the RT. There are plenty of reasons to want to buy a 2013+ LS. For me, the RT interface isn't one of them.

SW17LS

Having had both, I disagree. Overall I prefer the RTC.

The point of having the screen further away is you don't have to take your eyes as far off the road to scan the screen.

Gbp

It would be an interesting poll: From strictly a user-friendliness aspect, for people who have had both the touch screen/button interface and the RTC, which interface do you prefer?

SW17LS

I would imagine everybody would select what they have

Not a lot of people have had both.

Gbp

I think most people here will be honest about what they like/don't like about their cars... One doesn't have to like RTC to appreciate the other infotainment improvements.

I think we will see an increase in the number of people who have had both the touch wcreen and the RTC. Still, some members in this forum have had both, and it would be good to hear from them.

SW17LS

It's not necessarily about being dishonest, it's about not having the experience.

I think once you're used to it the RTC and the touch screen are very similar in terms of input speed, etc. What I like about the RTC is what it allows them to do with the screen and the interior.

Wandl

I think this was the intent behind the LS interior re-design leading to the RTC; yes Lexus has made tweaks to the RTC but they wouldn't keep on doing RTC unless customers provided negative feedback about it. I think the GX is the only current vehicle that still has touch-screen.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

I've had both and I find the mouse on my 2014 much more distracting.

SW17LS

Give it a little time, you'll get used to it and it won't bother you anymore.

Gbp

Different individuals can have different opinions about the two interfaces. Sure, opinions could change over time -- or not.

ETA: To be fair, I see sktn77a has had his 2014 for a relatively short time, so it's quite possible his opinion will change with increased experience.

FatherTo1

I concur with sktn77a, that the interface on our 2013 is more distracting. I really like the airy feeling of the cabin, made possible by pushing the display farther back towards the windshield, and the higher-resolution graphics is a welcomed change. While it is true that I've become more accustomed to navigating the various menus with the RTC, and have become quicker at it these past two weeks, it still feels clunky and there's a distinct lag in the interface. Even when using the radio and media physical buttons I feel there's a lag for the system to process my input. I am still annoyed that you can't get the reverse camera to come back on once you adjust a radio control while in reverse...same case as our 2006 LS 430. I suppose it is a rare use case but come on, no advancement in that feature for over 10 years?!?!

Overall though, the RTC is passable. I do prefer a touchscreen for pure input but I can live with the RTC. I would probably despise the RTC more if I had to interact with it more beyond just radio controls and occasional rear AC controls. Fortunately I have my phone for nav and still have physical buttons for the front AC and radio. I guess what I'm trying to say is the RTC interface bothers me less after two weeks of ownership, primarily because I can avoid using the RTC for most needs. As a package though, I do prefer the 2013 interior over earlier LSes with touchscreen interfaces (as nice as they are for 2007-2012).

SW17LS

Your second paragraph is why I suggested he give it more time, because he just went from an older LS to his current LS. It took me several months before I stopped feeling bugged by the RTC. Now though I never even think about it.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

I hope you're right.