RX Advice second to fourth gen’s
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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RX Advice second to fourth gen’s
A bit lengthy but here goes: I have a 2004 RX that I really love. The problem is I’ve owned it for 9 years and it’s time to move on. I am considering a 2015 or a 2017-2019. I am near 60 now and prefer comfort over anything. I read so much about how the ‘15 is the best year to get as it’s the last of the third gen’s and is a comfortable ride. I own a ‘13 GS350 which is fun to drive but I’m usually choosing the RX for trips. I’ve driven a friends ‘17 RX F Sport and found the seats too firm after a few hours. I have never driven a 3rd gen or a base 4th gen but plan to when I can get to the city in February. Has anyone owned the 3 generations and had a preference? I am not restricted financially but would like to stay around 20k. TIA for taking the time to respond to this post!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 789
Likes: 580
From: CT
This has popped up a few times in other threads.
For me the addition of the touchscreen, blind side system, and Apple CarPlay were a big deal and why I waited for these in the 2020 and beyond years. I prefer Google Maps for navigation and love that I can use my phone with CarPlay.
Also, by 2020 some of the shifting issues with the 8 speed were ironed out (or at least I have never noticed any droning, or rough shifts....it does shift early to get up to a higher gear, but I have never found it to be a problem or annoying).
I also value comfort and I love my RX. Very quiet and very comfortable (I am 60+). My 2020 has 82,000 miles and I have had zero issues and no complaints.
Good luck!
For me the addition of the touchscreen, blind side system, and Apple CarPlay were a big deal and why I waited for these in the 2020 and beyond years. I prefer Google Maps for navigation and love that I can use my phone with CarPlay.
Also, by 2020 some of the shifting issues with the 8 speed were ironed out (or at least I have never noticed any droning, or rough shifts....it does shift early to get up to a higher gear, but I have never found it to be a problem or annoying).
I also value comfort and I love my RX. Very quiet and very comfortable (I am 60+). My 2020 has 82,000 miles and I have had zero issues and no complaints.
Good luck!
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 171
Likes: 64
From: Texas
I own a 2015 and a 2019. Have driven the 2015 from 42K miles (purchased CPO) to current 168K miles and it's our daughter's car now. The 2019 purchased CPO at 47K miles with 70K on them now and I have driven most of those miles vs my wife (her car).
I am of the opinion the 2019 was a bunch of solutions looking for a problem. I like the 2015. Just a much better designed car and rides comfortably. Yeah, no carplay and other gimmicks, but it is a great car, best engine probably ever made by Toyota. The 2015 has what is needed to make it a Lexus without searching for a bunch of useless extras. I do all the work on the 2015 and though some things are harder on that car than the 2019, it is still my favorite. Just a wonderful car that you know will get you where you want to go and not be a PIA.
If you can get a 2015 that has been maintained well with under 100K miles, that would be like finding a diamond in your backyard over 10 carats.
The 4th gen shows the problems of world governance overtaking Toyota quality; 3rd gen was the last of the greats.
Choose wisely.
I am of the opinion the 2019 was a bunch of solutions looking for a problem. I like the 2015. Just a much better designed car and rides comfortably. Yeah, no carplay and other gimmicks, but it is a great car, best engine probably ever made by Toyota. The 2015 has what is needed to make it a Lexus without searching for a bunch of useless extras. I do all the work on the 2015 and though some things are harder on that car than the 2019, it is still my favorite. Just a wonderful car that you know will get you where you want to go and not be a PIA.
If you can get a 2015 that has been maintained well with under 100K miles, that would be like finding a diamond in your backyard over 10 carats.
The 4th gen shows the problems of world governance overtaking Toyota quality; 3rd gen was the last of the greats.
Choose wisely.
Last edited by lexflana; Jan 6, 2026 at 06:47 PM.
I would say the 2010-2015 would be more comfortable due to the smaller size rims. As the rim size increase, the comfort level will decrease by nature.
Also, the 8 speed transmission on the 2016-2022 is not as smooth either.
Also, the 8 speed transmission on the 2016-2022 is not as smooth either.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
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