Hello, I am trying to make decision which 2025 Lexus NX350h to take, I have one option with ML sound built in Canada, or Pioneer sound but built in Japan. Which one whould you choose?

 

The differences between a Canada built and Japan built NX are fairly minor to almost non-existant unless you are going to be measuring panel gaps to sub-mm levels or perhaps spending a lot of time with your nose to the paint looking for slight imperfections. There are some that consider a Japanese built Lexus as having a status above those built outside of Japan. Usually the Japan built quality is very slightly better, but only slightly and J built cars have had some of the minor NX common issues too. A J built car is not 100% perfect while a C built car is 70% perfect. Its more like 99.5% vs 99.4%. I'm sure many with the "My Lexus is built in Japan" T-shirt would disagree, take that as you may.

IMO, your choice of sound system should be 100% of the deciding factor is these last two points are your only remaining decision factors. This difference is far far greater than anything you'll get from a J VIN vs a 2 VIN number. If the thought of buying a Non-J built car is causing you some distress and you really want to pick one of these two options, there are ideas for improving the Pioneer system relatively easily and inexpensively, there are many threads and comments in this forum discussing exactly how to do so. Certainly the ML system sounds better that the stock Pioneer system, but you can easily close the distance by half with a cost far less than half. However, I will add that I've seen more people having issues with the ML system than the Pioneer system. I've seen several references over the various forums of people having issues with ML systems cutting out at high volume levels, but I think the occurrence rate is still very very low.

 

Sound is so much better with ML. If sound is the least bit important to you get the one with ML. Many on this forum went with standard Pioneer sound and the spent hours and bucks to upgrade their sound system to try to approach the ML sound system.

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

Depends on what you listen in the car. If you get an ML and listen to podcast with people talking or talk shows... it does not matter. Personally for me, that is the case - it did not matter to me - I have a lot of other distractions in the car or outside the car not letting me to enjoy good music. I rather just enjoy at home with a great system instead.

At the end, it depends on what is your priority. Japan made or ML? Is there other factors that can swing the decision? Are both cars optioned out the same?

 

Regarding your first question about choosing a car built in Japan versus North America, please refer to the link below:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1JwjBT...ure=youtu.beAs

For your question about the ML audio system compared to the standard Pioneer audio, it really comes down to how much of an audiophile you are. If you’re a casual listener who mainly uses the system for music, podcasts, and phone calls, you likely won’t notice much of a difference. Hope this helps!

 

I listen to electonic music like house, deep house, trance, EDM, lofi, trap, phonk, . This type of music usually(true electronic - house, and trance/vocal trance) requires hi-fi system to truly notice/enjoy details of melody composition, since it is a mix of very high tones with rich mids and very deep lows. Unlike classis or hip-hop where its either high or low tones.

 

You want the ML then. I listen to a bit of everything and the ML handles HVDES well, but the people at the drive thru look at me weird. 😂

 

Actually, I listen to talk showa a lot and contrary to what some forum personnel say, ML makes even talk crisper and clearer. I strongly vote for ML.


YMMV,
MidCow3

P.S. - Sadly even the lowly gen 5 Prius LE has a better sound system than the base NX Pioneer system.

 

Seems like you should go for the ML. But again, do check if there are different features between the 2 vehicles. Everything is subjective and the real truth is... your own ears and you really need to try it out yourself. Does the dealership have any vehicles with ML and non ML for you to listen to?
Personally for me - I'm not as an audiophile as many here and I care less that the ML on the LS500h is that much better over the NX as my content won't stretch the bar.

 

I have an NX with a standard Lexus sound system and a new RX with ML, so my comparison is apple to oranges. Hhe ML in the RX is clearly superior.
I am not an audiophile, but I can appreciate the difference in sound quality. Would I pay about $2k more for the ML? Probably not, but I would not be upset if I did.
If you particular about the sound but have no desire exploring after-market options, I'd recommend opting for the car with ML.

 

Here is a Link w a similar question (below) . There is also a video from a fellow who toured the assembly plants.
Regarding ML system or not.... some here are approaching octogenarian status and have the ML system and think it sounds great....However, if you have the hearing capability, even the ML system doesnt cut it for true audiophiles.
I have the Japan built Lexus and beefed up the front 3 speakers and added a small capable amp in the back for the sub . I have the Pioneer system. I think that for music it now sounds pretty darned good. Remember that the NX350h is not super quiet, the stock tires are somewhat noisy and when on the road, the difference in both systems (Pioneer uggraded vs MLstock system) may be difficult to perceive.
Note: That on several threads , there were/are several folks who have the ML system, are mainly music lovers and do not think it's gods gift to mankind.
For me, the vote is for built in Japan, but I do not think I would be worrying about a Canadian built Lexus.

And, just to add a little food for thought. I do NOT know if this is a concern, but I have read that North American vehicles in general do have some accessories and parts etc sourced from Mexico for some automakers.... I have never looked deeply into this but there may be someone out there that can shed a little light on the topic. I dont know what Toyota/Lexus does in this regard. Personally, I would rather have parts manufactured from Japan than any other place, but thats just my opinion
See Link below

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...a-built-3.html

 

Just drive both tbh and check for any glaring issues.

i had a Canada built loaner and 2 biggest things I noticed were the center console being way looser then my Japan built NX, and loose leather on the back of the steering wheel near the paddle shifters. The folding mirrors were also significantly noisier on the Canada built model

 

It is nearly impossible to find NX350h, let alone to chose ML or non ML. Everything Lexus claims as inventory is sold. I visited 5 nearest dealers and they didn’t have 350h to test drive. I had to test drive RX hybrid and NX turbo. The only way to get one is to order and wait. Seems like Toyota and Lexus have major problems with battery production. I think Tesla and BYD consumes most of the batteries and only leftovers go to Lexus.

Even used market is empty, 1-2 years old NX350h with 10-20k miles on them are offered for the price of the new ones, which is ridiculous.

I spent too much time on this already, I am starting to think if I should just get Tesla, they are easily available, and offer 0% apr and 7500 gov incentives.

 

[QUOTE=nickage87;11820442]It is nearly impossible to find NX350h, let alone to chose ML or non ML. Everything Lexus claims as inventory is sold. I visited 5 nearest dealers and they didn’t have 350h to test drive. I had to test drive RX hybrid and NX turbo. The only way to get one is to order and wait. Seems like Toyota and Lexus have major problems with battery production. I think Tesla and BYD consumes most of the batteries and only leftovers go to Lexus.

Even used market is empty, 1-2 years old NX350h with 10-20k miles on them are offered for the price of the new ones, which is ridiculous.

I spent too much time on this already, I am starting to think if I should just get Tesla, they are easily available, and offer 0% apr and 7500 gov incentives.[/QUO

Then in a year or less, you find how un-luxurious the Tesla is, lose $5,000 and trade-in for a Luxurious Lexus NX.

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

[QUOTE=midcow3;11820469]I think you’re being a bit generous in stating that a Tesla owner loses only $5,000 in value over a year. I’ve heard stories of people losing as much as 30–40% of their car’s value in just a year. It’s ridiculous to think about!