FatherTo1

Brought in my LS for a Service Bulletin software update to treat a battery discharge issue on 2013 LSes and was provided a 2018 RX 350L as a loaner. Am seriously disappointed with the 350L.

I understand the 3rd row is really meant for small children or stuffed animals but I wanted to crawl back there and see if my parents would be comfortable -- that wod be a resounding no. It is nice that there are rear AC vents and controls for the third row but it truly is very cramped back there. I am below-average height at 5'9" and in order for me to have even an inch of knee space, the second row occupants would probably need to sit criss-cross-applesauce on the seat cushion. If you allow the 2nd-row to click into its predefined seat track indent, then you have just-barely adequate 2nd-row legroom while the 3rd-row gap is barely beyond the length of my Note 8 smartphone. I am not a fan of the MDX but Acura does a better job of distributing 2nd- and 3rd-row legroom.

(Left portion is 3rd-row, right portion is the resulting 2nd-row legroom)



Particularly disappointing was the ride quality and engine noise of this 2018 RX 350L. The 20-inch wheels didn't do it any favors and I literally shouted "what the hell?" after the harsh bounce and rebound after going over a deep manhole cover. The ride quality of the LS has definitely spoiled me. There was also a distinct intermittent tapping sound from the engine, something that was not present in the 2016 RX 350 I had as a loaner at another time. The rear hatch motor also didn't sound right and the 2nd-row seat belt anchor was starting to come loose on this seemingly new 350L. The quality just isn't there for this 50K-60K Lexus.




On a more positive note, I felt the acceleration was quick and responsive. It felt faster than our 2013 LS in terms of wanting to downshift and passing speed. The RX also seemed to stay below 3000 RPMs to achieve the rush of speed. I don't know if it is just geared for low-end and nothing on top-end but power seemed perfectly more than adequate despite car mags referring to lethargic acceleration. Now, the picture may change as you load up the RX L with people and cargo. By myself, it felt quick and nimble for its size. I also liked how the cargo tonneau cover can be stored beneath the cargo floor. In short, if we want an SUV that seats more than five, the RX L would not be on my list. Sorry, Lexus.

RussLS460

We get spoiled with the LS.

FatherTo1

That is definitely part of the problem. I used to love our 2000 RX and 2007 RX, both still in the family and running strong. Heck, even the wife wants an RX whenever her ES finally bites the dust...but I am just not impressed with the current RX. What happened? Is the LX the only real reliable SUV alternative after an LS? The LX would be too big for the wife though.

SW17LS

The RX-L is an epic fail. The third row isn't just for kids, its unusable, in order to get any legroom back there AT ALL, you have to sacrifice ALL the second row room making the second row unusable. Terrible.

The RX is a pretty nice vehicle when you look at it compared to its competition. Nothing rides and feels like the LS in the Lexus lineup.

DJWLDW

FatherTo1

Trying out a car to see if my parents could set in the 3rd row would have been a non starter.

Dennis

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Hey, it's a Toyota...... It used to be a Lexus, now its just another Toyota.

Sigh!

SW17LS

FatherTo1

LOL, and you are correct, Dennis. I should have chosen my words better. We usually have my Dad sit up front and my Mom would sit with the wife and daughter in the back of the LS. We went out together over the weekend for my birthday and had to take two cars because a cousin was joining us. If we had a 3-row, my tall, but thin and limber, cousin can make do with the third row to himself. However, I do not think all six of us would have been comfortable in the RX during the hour-long drive. I mean, it would have been doable but not ideal.

FatherTo1

Still disappointed about the hatch motel whine and the seat belt anchor coming loose (and the dealership not noticing to fix it). Those loaners sure take a beating.

I was able to comfortably cross my leg when I slid the 2nd-row all the way back, although this basically leaves the third row with zero legroom and just seat cushions. I was actually excited to read about the RX L but the reality is it's better as a 2-row crossover in this generation. This particular loaner also exhibited more rattles and creaks. I keep searching for a 460L but today's RX L loaner really makes me appreciate my SWB 460.

JDR76

FatherTo1

Thanks, JDR76. Those dimensions are what the RX L should strive for. Maybe we will see better execution in the 5th-gen RX.

SW17LS

You can't judge by loaners, they get beat to hell. If you owned an RX yourself it would be just fine.

gb403

There is no way the RX ride is near as comfortable as the LS. I own both a 2013 LS and a 2017 RX not the L model. I like the RX and I love the LS. The RX is AWD so it is a different feel and has a smaller interior but its fine for short trips and around town, now the LS is a great long distance ride and of course any where else it goes. Just my 2 cents

SW17LS

Of course not, no Lexus does. RX rides well for what it is though.

FatherTo1

Thanks, gb403. I am trying not to let LS-bias come into play. Our family still drives two previous generations of the RX and I still consider them fine vehicles. I like the styling of the 4RX and everything I've read about it. I even thought the '16 RX loaner I had one time rode pretty well, but this '18 RX L with the 20-inch wheels is just a terrible combination and considerably louder than I remeber the '16 RX to be. I definitely had a more positive impression of the '16 RX loaner than yesterday's '18 RX L. I think our neighbor made the right decision going for the Infiniti QX 60 (or was it the 70?) instead of the RX L.