How is everyone liking the 2013? I have a 2012 and am considering trading - here are my pro's and con's:

The 2013 rides much smoother - I think

I like the wood grain steering wheel in my 2012 better than the all leather one in the 2013.

I don't like the door panels in the 2013 being black except for the arm rest.

I don't like the black wood grain.

What do you guys think of the 2012 vs 2013?

 

From one Tarheel grad to another:

You can still get the wood and leather steering wheel in the 2013. And the door panels are not black, they are the color of the interior. Mine is parchment and the entire door panel is parchment except for the wood strip and a small strip of black at the top. Although I think I did see a photo of the interior with Saddle Tan in a black RX and the door panels might have been black in that one. Not sure. I can't comment on the ebony wood, I have the espresso version. Others will have to compare the ride.

 

OP, if you've not seen them, take a look at two of my posts oriented to RX450h, but mostly apply to RX350 as well. May be helpful in your understanding of differences between models and at least my first impressions of the 2013 I now own.
-- 2012 vs 2013 Technical Differences
-- 2013 First Impressions

Good luck on your decision!

 

I got a 2013 RX350 a couple of months ago and the ride is really nice. Interior colors depend on what you choose. I don't have a 2012 so I don't know how the ride compares.

 

I just got my RX350 about 3 days ago and freaking love it! The LED daytime running lights look really sweet. The thing couldn't be smoother and the prices are really good right now. Everything from 2012 back looks old now because of the LED running lights. I would consider trading up just for that. I got the stargazer black with parchment interior, but really wish the saddle tan was available with the stargazer...it looks like a porsche. You can get the saddle tan with a white exterior, or regular black.

 

gcastano & LeopardRX: Congrats on your new rides and welcome to CL!

 

At this point, other than a smoother ride, there is no reason for me to upgrade to the 2013 RX. They took away too many of the things that I like on my '10 RX; i.e., the adaptive forward HID's, auto high beams, and now they took away the wood trim on the rear cup holder, unless you get the expensive luxury package, which, by the way, I always thought looked so luxurious on my '07 RX, and now my '10 RX. Sorry, but the only thing I like about the 2013 is the LED daytime running lights and the fact that it has power folding mirrors. Not enough to justify buying one, in my personal opinion.

 

I personally like my 2012 better than the changes they made to the 2013 and I believe it would be ludicrous to trade just for the distinction of having LED DRLs. With the 4th Generation RX just a couple years away, I'd wait.

 

I agree; this my first RX so I bought as soon as it came out and will probably do the same whenever the much imporved '14 is out again.........Love those oil wells in the Bakken!!!

 

The Spindle grill makes the car look much more aggressive and the LED lights are a nice touch. Love the new steering wheel as its much thicker. The addition of the Enform App Suite is cool too as well as the upgraded navi (not the resolution but its use is much more streamlined such as voice commands). Overall a great package and good upgrades over the 2012.

The lack of the 8-speed automatic in all but the F-Sport irks me though.

 

+1 ( even though i have a 2011)
and let's remember, the Kia Sorento had those LED DRLs even before the RX
so having "THAT" as a major criterion is
even if i have the money to trade right now, i'm willing to wait for the 2014/2015 and see what's added.

except for the RX F Sport ( which rides stiffer) i still need some more evidence that the 2013 rides better than the 2012/2011/2010.