We just recently traded our 2001 RX for a new 2011 RX. Having nothing better to do today, I decided to make a comparison of the two cars from a specification and MSRP standpoint. Attached you will find a listing of that comparison. When viewing this list you should know that both cars are, in my opinion, very comparable. The 2001 had HID headlights while the 2011 regrettably does not. However, the 2011 has parking assist and a back up camera that were not available in the 2001. Neither car has a nav system.

When you look at the list take note of the suggested mileage. Even though we now have 55 more horsepower the city mileage is the same. Most likely because the new RX is over four hundred pounds heavier. Also look at the cargo capacity. Even though the new RX is larger the cargo capacity is essentially the same until you fold down the rear seats. Finally look at the MSRP. In over ten years the price has gone up $4,917 for a total of 11.88% or just 1.18% per year. I think that is more than reasonable.

I hope that I have not bored any of you and I hope that some of you who, like me, have nothing better to do will find this interesting. In any case now you can see how far we have come specification and price wise with this car in ten years.

 

No, you didn't bore us with this post. I love details.

As for the turning radius. It's much lesser?

 

the epa estimate for your 2001 RX was inflated, and their system changed in 2008 or something so I am sure the new RX should still get better much city mpg.

 

2011 doesn't have HID?

 

it does, his vehicle does not though its part of the comfort package

 

The only way for us to get the HID headlights was to get the NAV system for, I believe, an additional $3,500 to $3,800. I will install a kit later.

 

RXSF, regarding mileage I thought I would pass this along. In all the years we had the 2001, I NEVER change the average mileage setting in the display. NEVER When we traded the car it I looked at it with our salesman and it was reading 19.4 miles per gallon. So...after almost 100,000 that was the average. Not bad!

 

MPG on all Lexus models including LS400 were all above average compare to similar competing luxury vehicles from other manufactural. You will probably average +2 MPG with your 11RX. Your first RX was indeed consider expensive at the time. I remember reading about the RX history and how price really hasn’t gone up at all when factoring in inflation over the 10 years. Lexus is “playing” safely with their best selling vehicle and I think that is the primary reason why it’s the best selling model year after year. RX, IMO the best value leader and all around best vehicle.

 

also have come from an RX300 (though with an RX330 in the middle), I am surprised that the cargo room is similar. I remember it being a big change from 300 to 330. the whole length of the car grew by 7 inches, and then another 1-2 inches to the new RX. perhaps that all went to legroom.

 

Very cool comparison. All stats have improved except for clearance. Less than .5" is a great trade off for all of the other improvements.

 

Thanks for that comparison! 1RX really was ahead of its time!

 

RXSF, again having nothing better to do, here are the comparative interior numbers for the 2001 and 2011 RX

Headroom (front/rear) 39.5"/39.2" - 2001 39.1"/37.7" - 2011
Legroom (front/rear) 40.7"/36.4" - 2001 43.1"/36.8" - 2011
Shoulder Room (front/Rear) 57.7"/57.8" - 2001 58.1"/57.6" - 2011

Other than the legroom in the front, there really is not a lot of difference. In fact, even though the 2001 was 2" shorter in overall height, it actually had more headroom. FYI the headroom numbers are WITHOUT a sunroof as the 2011 brochure does not give the headroom stats with a sunroof. However, I would suspect that the differences are similar. Of course, I am unaware of anyone with a 2011 without a sunroof. Also the 2001 brochure does not give any dimensions for hiproom. SO...we can't make a comparison there either.