I really like the new RX330, it's practical, looks good and has all the features I am looking for.

HOWEVER, maybe it's just my testosterone kicking in again that wants a MORE MANLY truck. The RX seems to be (maybe it is) geared towards women, reasons being as follows:

1. Here in NJ, it seems like every RX you see on the road is driven by middle age women / Soccer Moms (by the way some of them are very good looking moms too!)

2. A lot of my fellow CL members on here, talk about how much they love their RX, however I have noticed that the RX is actually their wive's vehicle.

3. The RX seems more cute, than sporty. Even the new RX330 with the 18" rims looks sportier, but everytime I see pictures of it, I fall in and out of love with it for some reason. Maybe it's just the rear design of the vehicle.

4. The RX is also very practical from its decent fuel economy to the smooth car like ride as well as a host of luxury amenities. But practicality is not what a MANLY truck is all about!

I guess I am torn, because Toyota Corp also gives us the option of more MANLY trucks, like the new GX470 and the new Toyota 4Runner Limited with these incredible V8 engines.

We all know the GX470 is around $10K more in price than a RX, so pricewise we are not talking apples to apples.

HOWEVER, a loaded Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 is around the same price as a loaded RX (some of you may say I should compare the 4runner to the GX470, but I'm talking about price and budget here, to see what I can buy for a certain amount of money).

Heck I am a Lexus owner myself and would rather have a Lexus over a Toyota, but I can not deny this V8 power over the new RX330 V6 power. I'm not into towing crap or anything like that, but every review on the 4Runner's V8 is an incredible one (from the power to the smoothness of this iforce V8. The New 4Runner's looks are also sportier and they even have the X-reas sport suspension. I also love the NAV and both of them have it too.

But then I get indicisive again and my vainess kicks in and I want a Lexus over a Toyota, due to the name and prestige.

So I ask you this my fellow members (since I really do hold your opinions in high regard), when you look at this new RX330, I'm sure you all like it, but do you feel like something is missing about the RX330, and thinking you need a slightly larger and aggressive MANLY TRUCK??????

Thanks for listening!

 

It's the testosterone Cause I don't think you look more manly in a MDX, or a Yukon etc. It just means your head is stuck up your behind and you think your cool

Dudes in a RX, know why they bought it. It is a CLASSY truck and the new one is sportier. Maybe it does not have the image of " a manly" truck but who cars.

The wood is real, so are the HIDs, it started the cross-over trend and all other's are knock-offs.

The 4-runner has a nice "manly" image but honestly

No matter what SUV you get, you'll see a bunch of women driving em.

 

I'd have to agree. It's just a matter of how comfortable YOU are with your manliness. I've seen plenty of guys driving the Rx, and while I know that many women drive the car, I see the guy driving it and think "wow, he must really know a lot about cars, because he picked one of the best".

And he's thinking "I don't care what other people think about me when I'm driving this, because I know a lot about cars, and I picked one of the best".

As far as lexus rx330 vs. Toyota 4-runner. That is an interesting question. Here is my take -- if they both have the same features for the same money, go for the lexus. Better service hands down.

 

Women dig the roundel. I've found they generally love all things Lexus.
Women love my RX.

They want to ride in it. They want to drive it. They get excited when they are near it. They have fun in it. They feel comfortable. They feel safe. Crank some tunes and they rock. Open that big, honking sunroof and they tilt their heads up to the sky and grin. I've never heard an unkind word from a woman regarding my RX. Women are pleased, without fail, when they experience my RX 300. Pleasing women is not "MANLY"?

Regarding a 4Runner, though...
...I never heard a woman squeal, "Oooh, a Toyota!"

You want MANLY? Buy an H1.

 

All great responses! But eventhough the 4Runner is no Lexus, this photo of it shows its MANLINESS!

 

Don't forget these: http://www.truck-nuts.com

 

Daddy-o - I saw some of those on ford ranger..I'm like ..uh haha!

 

I'd start lookign at the fx35 if you want a manily suv with a luxury name. I dont know how well infiniti service and quality stands up to lexus, but it may be worth investigating. The 4runner isn't bad and im sure there are some good toyota dealers out there. If you want, you can probably take it to a lexus dealer to get serviced, as I take my ford taurus to a lincoln dealer to have work done.

 

Lexguynj,

I know exactly what you mean, I'm also torn between the RX330 and the Sport Edition 4Runner. I've seen the the 4Runners up close at my local dealer, it has the same V8 I have in my SC400 (0.7L more displacement), very well built (100% in Japan) and rugged good looks.

Tough decision, I'm going to wait until I can get a good look at the new RX330 to make the final call. Either way, they are both Toyota products and you can go wrond with that.

DJL

PS I'm also in NJ, 30 miles from NYC.

 

I don't see cars/trucks/suvs as gender-specific. Maybe a little, if they're modified (lifted trucks, SUV's w/ chrome 20's+ do look more masculine, IMO), but comparing stock vehicles, I don't see it.

I don't think the 330 is missing anything, except me in the driver's seat (for now)!

 

The RX, GX and LX are just toys for the country-club set. For anyone who requires a rolling testosterone infusion rather than a great ride – or just wants to play big-rig driver, check out the Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 with the High Output Cummins diesel and 6 speed. Sure, it’s an expensive way to get beat up and deafened, but nobody’s going to question your manhood during your morning commute!

I'm with you, msilver...That 330 is waiting for me!

 

I took a test drive of a new 4Runner Limited this weekend. I really like the look of the vehicle, especially w/ the monotone paint treatment on the Limited. The interior vaguely reminded me of my GS...the headlight switch was the same and the 4Runner has a 3-pod instrument guage similar to the GS. The navigation system is similar to ones found in Lexus models, albeit a watered down model (no voice activation, and a smaller screen).

After driving the 4Runner, I was pretty impressed. It's a huge improvement over the previous generation. But when I looked on Carsdirect, their price for the 4Runner was close to $40k!!! Way too much money, although I figure some dealers will sell near invoice. But still, it's hard to justify this price considering you get a lot less luxury w/ the 4Runner compared to the GX or RX. And call me a snob, but I like a bit of exclusivity. There are a lot of 4Runners on the road, and not much visually distinguishes the $40k Limited model versus the lower priced base model. (I know, there are tons of RX's on the road too).

I'm still undecided about which SUV to buy. I love the luxury of the GX, but I'm not fond of the GX's rear look. I also am disappointed there is no HID option (hopefully rectified next year). I love the look of the Yukon Denali, but have no confidence in its long term reliability (my fathers Denali XL has had a number of problems). I was interested in the Infiniti FX until I saw it in person...way too small!!! I guess my ideal SUV would be a 4Runner exterior w/ a GX interior.

 

I was at my local supermarket the other day and saw a brand new GX470 parked in the lot with a soccer mom in it. Overall it's a nice looking truck, but DAMNIT, you're right the rear is really bothering me. I'm not sure what it is, but it doesn't look good at all. Also the GX, looks kind of skinny and tall, which is unusual. You'll know what I mean, when you see it in person. Tall, skinny looking truck.

 

I was looking at the FX45 and thinking monster power that unusuall looking station wagon. I like the looks, but who drives an Infiniti these days?

 

DJL,

Good to meet a fellow NJ friend. Central NJ here, so about 1 hour from NYC. The sport edition 4runner looks great. I like the rims and the white wall lettering on the tires. It's that huge V8 that I can't deny! However you are right, we have to get a good look at the RX330 in person and see how it compels us? I think it looks great with those 18" rims.