We are considering a 2021 Lexus nxh. From the reviews I have read the touchpad for controlling the screen seems to be a real sore point with the auto reviews. Is it really that bad to use?

 

Yes, but I probably only actually use it once a month at most...there's hard buttons for everything you actually need to do, so the touchpad is only really for nav and a few rarely used functions like wiper de-icer's or pairing a phone.

 

I have no trouble with the touchpad. If fact I like it a lot!! You only need a light touch and a light double tap selects whatever you want.

 

The touch pad is horrible, one of the worst interface I have used in many cars. Imagine trying to operate a mouse on a computer screen and driving at the same time. Next year's NX will have a touch screen, that will be the system to get, much safer and much more user friendly.

 

I’ve had the original touch screen and the square **** controller on my Lexus.

The only time I’ve used the track pad was on loaners I was using. Each have there pros and cons. But once you get the feel for it. It’s no problem. Between the hard buttons and ***** on the dash and steering wheel. It will become second nature while driving.

 

Completely agree. It works just fine once you get used to it. I just traded for a new RX that has both track pad and touch screen. I still prefer the track pad while driving. It is less distracting and I don't have to lean to reach the touch screen. Now for the passenger, the touch screen probably works better as it doesn't matter if they lean and "fiddle" a bit, and unless they are left handed, the track pad is a bit awkward. It is really a matter of what you get used to, but I am also pretty OCD and hate having fingerprints all over the touch screen display. My favorite is still the much maligned joystick - but that's just me. Remember, these professional reviewers have to find something to "nit pick" about or they aren't perceived as conducting a proper review.

 

Be sure the adjust the sensitivity of the track pad! By lowering the touch sensitivity, if found it to work a whole lot better!!

 

I think it's terrible as is Toyota infotainment in general. The touchpad sensitivity is not fluid enough for my liking regardless of settings. Thankfully I added a CarPlay module and most can be controlled on the phone itself or with Siri so I seldom use the touchpad much anymore.

Would it stop me from buying another NX? No but if you do not have carplay/android auto or the new touchscreen, it can get real annoying.

My Audi Q5 has both a super responsive touchpad and a turn **** together and I think it's a wonderful combo with the digital cockpit. But the Germans have always been miles ahead in terms of tech.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have a touch screen on my current Escape which is easy and straightforward. Like some have posted here and a you tube video I watched the touch pad is used mainly for setting things up and ***** and switches are the main control while driving.
With this COVID thing I am trying to get as much info before going to the dealership for test drive and stuff since buying a vehicle doesn’t seem like it use to be.

 

you will end up using the touch pad more than you think. My other car has a touch screen and it is so much easier to use, the Lexus info system is too complicated and distracting.

 

I own both a Q5 and an NX, and I have owned an RX in the past, so have experience with twisty *****, touchscreens, and the touchpad…

My verdict: you get used to them both very easily, and I now favor the touchpad.

When I went from my touchscreen RX to the touchpad NX I was at first annoyed, but it quickly became clear to me that not having to lean forward to the touchscreen was safer from a distraction standpoint.

I use the touchpad more than once every day to either ignore or “read” emails and texts that come to me while driving. I generally do not use the touchpad for navigation unless it is to go to previous or saved destinations. Instead, I use the touchpad to call Enform, and let them find my destination for me.

 

My 2007 RX had the touch screen. It was ok when I had it. But after I went to the square **** controller. Did I realize how distracting it was.

with the touch pad you have to look right. Lean forward then press the button on the screen.

with the square ****. I just keep looking forward. Push the **** to get to one of the corners of the screen. Then move it it where you want by listening to the clicks.

 

I have owned cars with touchpad, touch screen, Audi MMI, BMW i drive and Mercedes Comand. I would rank them in the following order for ease of use and safety, from best to worst;

worst is the touch pad, very hard to use while driving, most controls are lock out at speed.
Lexus mouse is the next, similar to touch pad but a bit easier to use.
the **** controls such as MMI, i drive or Comand are easy to use while driving but the menu can be confusing.
touch screen remain the easiest to use, the newer gen touch screens function almost like an ipad.

 

Thanks for the input.
Took a 2021 for a test drive today. Put a deposit down for the dealership to find the colour combination on the NXh Executive model.
my option choice....wife colour choice...lol.
I didn’t mind the touch pad....started to to get the hang of it after a 15 -20 minutes. Used to using the touch screen in my Escape.
Was thinking about waiting for the 2022 but a little nervous about first year redos.
Liked the comfy seats, fairly quite, enough to get up and go for us. Hotrod days are over for us....that’s why we sold our hotrod a few years ago..lol.
It’s been about 30 years and 8 vehicles since I purchased a Japanese brand. Last one was a Honda and it was powerless with passengers or a normal suitcase and cost me a fortune every time I took it in for regular service. Hopefully this won’t be the case here.
Appreciate all the straightforward input from members on this forum.

 

congrats, the nx is a great suv, we bought it once our kids got out of college, empty nester. Its no hot rod but it gets around fine, great size for two people and pretty reliable so far.
Japanese cars have come a long way in 30 years, as you already know, the quality is much better and build quality is top notch with Lexus.