So I've decided that it's time for a change and I'm looking for a Lexus (current 2011 MB ML350 owner here.) I've narrowed down the field somewhat but not all the way, so I'm looking for opinions.
What I'd like is a 2012-2015 (don't really like the newer models) RX or GX. Been driving SUVs for the last 20 years and don't want to give them up. Must-haves are 4WD, navigation, heated seats, backup camera and blind spot monitor. Heated steering wheel would also be nice but not necessary. Don't care much about the sound system and don't want a hybrid.
I'm gravitating toward the RX as it's similar to what I have now, but for some reason the GX really appeals to me. It's way bigger than I need, requires premium gas and the mileage is atrocious, but we can't be practical all the time, right?
Given the above, I need some help making a final decision. Is there any particular model year that's significantly better (or worse) than another? Other than size/economy, does the RX have any huge advantage over the GX? Or vice versa?
Thanking you in advance!

 

Cannot speak to the GX, but regarding the RX my advice would be to find a 2014 or 2015 model. The leaking rear shocks issue was supposedly resolved by then, and the failing rubber oil cooler lines (which can be catastrophic and destroy your engine in a heartbeat if they decide to disintegrate at highway speeds) were definitely upgraded to metal lines by then. Just be aware that the interior leather quality diminished from the second-generation RX to the third-generation RX. That is not a deal-killer but it must be factored into the decision because you will have to take better care of the leather in order to preserve it.

 

Don’t know about owning a GX because I never drove/owned one, but I’ll give the best impression of my ‘14 RX F-Sport that I can. In 2013 the 3rd gen RX had a facelift to modernize the interior and exterior and I prefer it more, but the 2010-2013 is just fine as well, but is not as luxurious. 2013 also marked the introduction of the F-Sport. I’m going to assume the F-Sport is going to be off your list as it is not offered with a heated steering wheel. If you want LED fog lights, the 2015 came with those as standard, and I’d assume more than that as well.

My RX has AWD, but it won’t be the off-roader or truck that the GX will be. I wouldn’t trust my RX much more than a lifted Lexus ES with AWD when it comes to going off-road, as that is what it essentially is. It works fantastic in the snow, but I’d leave there. If I’m correct, the GX has full-time 4WD (like a truck, as it is), body on frame construction, locking diffs/transfer case/low range and more goodies for that kind of driving that I’m not aware of. The downside of this is, is that the GX is going to handle like the truck it is - while the unibody RX will drive like the car it is. Since you came from a MB, you will probably appreciate this aspect of the RX.

My RX has blind-spot monitoring which works quite well, it has a yellow warning prompt in the mirror when a car is in your blind spot, and this prompt will flash quickly if you attempt to put your signal on, the navigation appears to be well integrated looks-wise, but I am not a huge fan of the finicky joystick, lag and poor graphics, it feels very outdated and inefficient to me. I also have 3-stage heated and cooled seats which work fantastic. The backup camera is a nice touch too, it is subtle and clean looking from the outside, while still giving a great perspective of where your bumper is. My only small gripe is how low res the camera is. The one I added to my 2002 Highlander far surpasses it. However, it is a 7-year-old design and I guess I can’t complain too much.
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Total subjective opinion: [based on vehicle capabilities]
GX is refined 4 runner
RX is elevated SUV looking sedan.

So if you never plan to go off-roading, RX will fit the bill nicely [Although some dudes in Russia do crazy off-roading with RX].

Since they are not very close [seating/profile], one has to look beyond all those things and let your heart decide.

Assuming the cost does not matter, if you have the keys to both the vehicles, which one would you pick to drive most of the times.

Salim

 

Wow, lots of great info--thanks all!
To add to my post, I don't intend to ever go off-roading. I like the security (real or imagined) that AWD offers in the snow. All my driving will be done on paved roads.
I'm guessing that the Lexus navigation system has to be at least a little better because the Mercedes COMAND system sucks.
Didn't know about the oil cooler lines, so I'm really glad I asked!
Definitely leaning toward the RX, but not writing off the GX completely just yet!

 

If the purchase is solely for GPS, you will be disappointed. The only positive thing I can say is, the nav is integrated nicely with the vehicle, but the cost of map updates and live traffic and even the interface is pretty poor. [Lexus made the live traffic for free in later production models].

Salim

 

All automobile manufacturer navigation systems are obsolete within a year. Always better to rely on your phone apps. Our last two automotive purchases (her 2015 RX350 in October 2018 and my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R in November 2015) do not have navigation systems for that very reason. Do we miss that feature? Not at all, and I was able to negotiate a better purchase price on both vehicles because the vast majority of drivers believe they need onboard navigation.

 

I don’t believe in factory navigation either. IMO these systems are obsolete when the vehicle comes out. I’d go out of my way to find a vehicle without it for the aforementioned lower cost and less cumbersome use of interior space.

I have an Android Auto/Apple Carplay Pioneer head unit I installed on my Highlander a few years back with bluetooth support, a backup camera and a microphone for hands-free calling. Every single feature on that unit absolutely blows away the 2014 RX’s integrated unit.

I have a Garmin suction-cup-mounted on the RX just in case, but I didn’t hardwire it into the car for the sole reason that I may want to go down the route of installing an aftermarket head unit in the future. However this will be a much trickier job having to undo all of the integrated trim pieces and other things vs just plopping a radio in the double din space in my ‘Lander.

 

Well, youall are giving me some food for thought.
I wanted onboard navigation because it was one less thing to keep track of but after hearing what the Lexus system is like ,now I'm not so sure, I'll admit that using my old suction-cup Garmin couldn't have been easier, but as I say, it was one more thing to find a place for.
Of course, if the car I buy already has navigation, I don't have to use it

 

I have both.
I daily drive a 2013 rx.
WIfe gets the 2017 gx since she needs to haul the kids.

I like the gx better since it's a truck. I'm in suburbs of nyc and there is no offroading for me, but I like the big truck feeling of the gx. Rx real world mpg is not that much better than when I drive the gx, but at least it takes regular gas.

 

GX is totally awesome, radically different and way more money. It's an odd comparison. I also love our RX.
perhaps the "Barn Door" (swings open) tailgate would sway you away from the GX. There's a possibility it won't open in your garage for you to take your groceries out, for example.

 

If you get navigation Lexus does provide a better sound system with more speakers.

 

Clutchless naild it. I have a 2011 RX with Navi. The navigation in itself is ok, but I never use it... but the sound system is very good! Also, this generation Lexus is not as nice as a MB, and the leather in the seats is super thin. However, the reliability is incredible. You won't be dissappointed.
Personally, the only things I do not like from the car is the engine noise at idle and the harshness of the ride considering is supposed to be a luxury car. Mine has the 19 inch wheels (premium) an that might be the problem.

 

I own both. As stated above, Toyota/Lexus is always years behind on the user interface (stereo, etc). Why else would an '08 GX still have a cassette player?

My GX470 is on the same frame as the 4 Runner and the FJCruiser. The suspension lifts are identical. It rides like a truck...maybe a little smoother. And the gas mileage sucks! My 2500 GMC truck gets better mileage than the GX does!!! It is a heavy vehicle, and you can tell when you go to stop it. The GX definitely sits up more.

Our RX is the F-Sport (black). We live in CO and have never had a problem in the snow, using a good all-season tire. The AWD system does really well on this car. It has the 8-speed transmission, which I don't really care for, just because I'm used to different shift points on my previous toyotas. However, the vehicle does get about 26 MPG on the highway, and around 19 around town....the way we drive.

 

2004GX470, 2014 RX350 & 2009 RX350 here.
Long time toyota fan, but the GX470 was my first lexus about 1.5 years ago. Have put about 16k miles on it. It's been my daily driver for that time as well as the road trip rig. Got it specifically for MTB trips where we are sometimes off road to get to a trailhead.
replaced a 2012 Camry with 140k miles with a 2014 RX350 awd with 20k miles as my wife's daily driver. We both love how it drives.
been feeling like the GX470 was just so much truck for everyday use and was on the lookout for a bit older RX350 to be my daily driver and the designated road trip rig to keep the miles, wear & tear and grime off the wife's clean RX. Found a super clean one with 140k miles and took it on its first mtb road trip. Great on the drive and highway, but just didn't feel as comfortable and secure off the roads. Honestly it did fine and went where we needed it to, but it just wasn't the same off road capability as the GX.

Decided to stick with the GX470 for its purpose and live with its bulk as my daily since it shines so well for the road trips.

Where you say you won't be going off road and just looking for the security of the awd, I think that the RX350 with some nice all season or snow tires for winter is going to suit you far better if you don't need the extra space and off road capability of a GX. The RX is just so much cleaner to drive. It's no two seater sports car, but feels like a better street driver than the heavy body on frame built GX. Have driven some 460's and they drive pretty similar to the 470 in my opinion.