3rd vs 4th gen ride quality
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,243
Likes: 1,874
From: WA
I've owned a 3rd gen and had some good drive time with a 4th.
I did not find the 4th gen to be more firm. I thought it was a substantial improvement over the 3rd gen. Very composed, soft, and quiet. Less bouncy.
I did not find the 4th gen to be more firm. I thought it was a substantial improvement over the 3rd gen. Very composed, soft, and quiet. Less bouncy.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 349
From: ON
After having both...4th gen ride quality is better. I don't notice my F sport to be much, if any, stiffer, but the handling is better. Perhaps more controlled would be a better description. I did not buy this SUV for it's handling... It does have less body roll and less bouncy as JDR76 says.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 6
From: CA
2015 vs 2017
My (purchased new) 2015 was totaled due to water damage (<12,000 miles), and I replaced it with a 2017. For me, there is no comparison - the 17 is superior in very respect, and I really liked the 15. Ride, quiet, handling, and, of course, the enhanced safety features. I didn't want this to happen, but it ended up as a blessing in disguise.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 3
From: California
I owned a 15 with premium package and 19" wheels. Have owned a 16 with luxury package and 20" wheels for the past year. Noticeably smoother ride in the 16, driving the same roads in my commute and around town everyday. The 16 feels stiffer, but softer sprung. It normal driving there is a bit more nose drop/rise on decel/accel - kind of a trade off for the less firm ride. I think (but haven't driven) the 16 F sport would eliminate some of the softness I experience in the luxury package - in a good way I suspect. I like the 16 much better for my everyday use of the car.
YMMV
YMMV
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
Agree with all the posts above. The 4RX is notably improved in dampening force, NVH, and pitch/yaw control especially when compared to the 3RX F Sport which was borderline harsh and bouncy (especially) in winter. Of course, we need to point out this is with the 4RX's AVS which was not available on the 3RX which plays a big role. Even interior trim is very solid (rattle-free) whereas the 3RX (at least mine) had some squeaks and rattles in the door frame, B-pillar, rear cargo hatch, and the rear seats almost from Day 1 of ownership. I barely post any more DIY posts because the 4RX is that good! 
PS. I have 22" wheels on DarthRX and the ride quality is unperturbed thanks to the AVS compensating dampening forces to maintain the sublime ride quality.
PS. I have 22" wheels on DarthRX and the ride quality is unperturbed thanks to the AVS compensating dampening forces to maintain the sublime ride quality.
Last edited by corradoMR2; May 7, 2017 at 04:10 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 249
Likes: 9
From: TX
Generally I agree with the posters that say overall ride quality is better in the 4Rx. Mine is a luxury AWD 450h as was my 3Rx. I live in Houston so get to experience all kinds of road conditions. While I frown every time I look at the Bridgestone tires on mine, when the road is quiet (ie, the new grooved pavement on I-10) even these tires give a really quiet ride. I can't say that on bumpy roads the 4Rx is any less bouncy bit I think it is quieter.
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