OUGrad05

We purchased a 2015 RX350 last week and needed to have a vent on a catalytic converter replaced so it went in the shop. I spent 2 days and 500 miles with a loaner 2017 RX350 base. Pretty significant differences, let's dive in shall we?

Driving dynamics winner: 2017
The 2017 base drove more sporty by a pretty wide margin vs our 2015. Turn in was far crisper and more responsive it drove moderately sporty thought not as good as our old X3. Ultimately, I felt the tuning of the steering, the suspension, turn in, etc were better. The steering weight on the 2015 is better, its heavier and I like that, both don't have a lot of feedback but overall the edge goes to 2017.

Interior ergonomics winner: 2017
The layout of the interior is better on the 2017, the infotainment system is better and the HVAC controls are also better. Overall another winner for 2017.

Interior quality winner: 2015
This may come as a surprise for some but the build quality on our 2015 looks and feels richer than the 2017 car. The dash quality is higher, and the center stack has better fit/finish and and the 2015 was significantly quieter at freeway speeds than the 2017. Door panel fit and finish and overall feel is more solid on the 2015. Less wind noise, less road noise, the doors close with a solid feeling that doesn't sound hollow. The rear doors especially on the 2017 feel flimsy in comparison. The stereo is better in the 2015 (maybe the loaner had been put through the ringer?).

Drivetrain quality winner: tie
The new 8 speed shifts much faster but it also gets lost...a lot and can't find the right gear. Under WOT the new transmission shifts much crisper but in day to day and moderate acceleration it trips itself up fairly regularly.

I like the way the 2017 drives better, so if money were no object I'd probably lean toward a 2017 but the 2015 feels more in keeping with a premium vehicle. I'm guessing the refresh in 2019 will show some changes on the RX.

jdshaw

Is 2017 too big for your taste compared to 2015?
It is for me.

JDR76

I owned a 13 then had a 17 loaner.

I liked the 17s handling better. Unlike you, I found the 17s quietness and interior to be far superior to my 3RX, which we loved.

Overall, I like everything about the 17 better than the 3RX, other than the exterior looks. I still like the 3RX appearance.

OUGrad05

I was surprised at the road noise as well. When I test drove them in december, I drove a 2015 RX with about 30k on it and a new one and the new one was definitely quieter, but it was also brand new. The Loaner had about 10k on the clock, and it was definitely not quieter than ours.

Buzzer777

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It would seem that most autos decline in quality year to year!
No offense to anyone here that likes it, but, I couldn't bring myself to even drive one...We are talking BUTT UGLY!!!
Keeping my 13 until....

mysh

I just got a 2012 but had a loaner 2016 before I got my 2012.

I much prefer the 2012 exterior look. I think Lexus tried too hard with the new ones and now they look funny. I hate the new front of the RX.

I much preferred the interior of the 2016. I liked how the shifter is lower and in the center console. I found it far more comfortable. I thought the widesceen NAV was obviously nicer and the NAV software is much better. As you said it is easier to use HVAC settings.
I liked the old style clock even though this is just cosmetic. People might laugh at this one but I loved the flat table type area on the dash on the passenger side. There is literally a large flat area big enough for a laptop, eating etc. I thought this could be very useful on roadtrips. in the 3rd gen the dash is really big but its curved so overall kind of useless. My wife laughed at me but I really liked the flat dash.

As for handling we both preferred the 2012. I would happily take the extra 25hp and 8 speeds trans in my 2012 but the overall handling of the 2016 didn't match the car in my opinion. We came from a 2014 BMW 435XI and we love a sporty feel but I just don't feel like thats what the RX is all about. I prefer the smooth feeling of the 2012 RX for this type of car.