We are Toyota/Lexus family and I just wanted to get everyones take on the RX vs Highlander.

My parents have narrowed their selection down to the 2 vehicles. My concern are all the complaints about the transmission. Is everyone having this issue? If you could, would you buy the the RX350 again?

Thanks

 

Both of these vehicles have the same engines and TXs, aslo sharing the same chassis so I guess they might exhibit the same "issues". The Highlander will be about $8k cheaper with comparable options. They need to drive both to determine. Good luck.

 

I am still working with Lexus to resolve the transmission/hesitation issue. The dealer and Lexus are both active in resolving the herky jerky shifts, especially at lower speeds. As posted many times, some vehicle have it worse than others, and most find the TSB is not satisfactory.

As both of these vehicle have an 8 speed transmission, (I don't know if it's the same ) I would be more inclined to get the hybrid in either one.

 

My wife had the 2014 Camry SE and it drove us nuts. At times, it felt like the vehicle was going to stall. We ended up selling it and buying the Venza. She loves it.

 

Check out the hesitation thread, it's always near the top of the 4RX section...

I don't know if Highlander folks are experiencing the same thing or not.

I had a Highlander Hybrid the other day for a loaner...it was pretty nice!

 

So we drove both vehicles and you can feel the difference in the Lexus. They are going with the Lexus RX 350 in Silver.
I have some questions in packages. Keep in mind they are old and don't even own smartphone. They still use old school flip phones.

Most of the vehicles on the lot were MSRP $53,500 and $55,500.

Is it worth the extra $2000 for Marc Levinson sound, Panoramic Moonroof, and Panoramic view monitor?

What does the panoramic view monitor do? Is it a safety feature?

 

The stereo is subjective and the base one is fine for most people, Pano roof, another subjective choice. Maybe in Arizona you might find it too hot to use regularly. But the Pano view monitor is a great option, and extremely useful for parking and seeing what's going on around the entire vehicle.

Depends how they package it at your dealer. But I highly recommend the Pano view monitor. Get the dealer to show you what it can do. I have mine defaulted to Auto so it shows up under 5mph (maybe 8 not sure) and I can see around the car. This setting might drive some people crazy, but I like it.

Maybe others will give their opinions also....

 

if you are into sound.... yes the ML system is leaps and bounds above the lexus premium system. The pano roof is nice, but the pano view monitor is awesome, it gives a 360 degree view on the screen and there is a button on the side that you can press at anytime to bring up the view to see if your close to an object

 

Thank you all for your responses.

The sales guy also stated the RX does not need premium gas, is that correct?

 

For RX with GPS navigation package, it also has 12 speakers vs standard 9.

 

That's correct and I find it runs better on regular....others may have different opinions. Running back and forth from regular to premium messes my car up.

The 450H requires premium, but some have found it runs fine on regular also.