As the title says, I'm in the market for a new car. Was originally going to go with the 2019 rav4 hybrid as it is right around the top of my budget, but I've been doing some research and some people are complaining about the comfort of the ride for taller people (I'm 6'3). Then I went over to the the 2019 CX5 and its even smaller than the rav4. I want something reliable and hybrid so I will definitely be sticking with toyota/lexus. The new 2019 RX fully equipped is just way out of my budget, anywhere between 45-50k. I have a few questions, is it worth getting the hybrid model? I live in NYC and its heavy stop and go traffic so I'm assuming it'll help a lot with gas mileage if I go with the hybrid model. I know that the hybrid model requires premium fuel, so is it actually cheaper to get a hybrid or just get the 350 which uses 87 octane fuel? I don't do any highway miles. Currently have a 05 mdx and I get about 11 mpg, which is horrible!. Luckily my job is right by my house and I do some light driving so I fill up every 2 weeks. Assuming I get a hybrid, which is the best year to go for? Is there much difference between the 2017 or 2018 models? And if I don't get a hybrid, which is the best model RX 350 to go for and is there a big difference between the 2017-2018 model? Thanks in advance!

 

As the title says, I'm in the market for a new car. Was originally going to go with the 2019 rav4 hybrid as it is right around the top of my budget, but I've been doing some research and some people are complaining about the comfort of the ride for taller people (I'm 6'3). Then I went over to the the 2019 CX5 and its even smaller than the rav4. I want something reliable so I will definitely be sticking with toyota/lexus. The new 2019 RX fully equipped is just way out of my budget, anywhere between 45-50k. I have a few questions, is it worth getting the hybrid model? I live in NYC and its heavy stop and go traffic so I'm assuming it'll help a lot with gas mileage if I go with the hybrid model. I know that the hybrid model requires premium fuel, so is it actually cheaper to get a hybrid or just get the 350 which uses 87 octane fuel? I don't do any highway miles. Currently have a 05 mdx and I get about 11 mpg, which is horrible!. Luckily my job is right by my house and I do some light driving so I fill up every 2 weeks. Assuming I get a hybrid, which is the best year to go for? Is there much difference between the 2017 or 2018 models? And if I don't get a hybrid, which is the best model RX 350 to go for and is there a big difference between the 2017-2018 model? Thanks in advance!

 

You will get a variety of replies but my $.02 is get the hybrid. I bought a used 2017 certified at a Lexus dealer a year and a half ago. It was $1,500 more than the RX 350's on the lot. For me it was a no brainer. I average 29 city and 31 mpg highway. Gas in my area is $2.15 so it is the perfect time to buy a hybrid. Your bargaining is greatly diminished at $4.00 a gallon. The RX 450 h has more insulation and is quieter than the RX 350. Brake pads are being replaced on the RX 350 at about 50,000 miles for around $300 per front and back. Members here have stated they have over 150,000 miles with the original pads. I have run regular gas 87 octane in it and a dozen vehicles that require premium. Absolutely no difference in gas mileage or acceleration. It is a hybrid. In over one million miles of running regular have had zero issues with the engine. Lexus has been rated # in dependability by J D Power for seven straight years. J D Power rates the RX #1 in dependability in the premium mid size SUV category. I am 6:4 and have plenty of leg and head room.

 

Hey, thanks for your input! Will take it into consideration. My MDX requires premium so for the longevity of the engine I just fill it up with premium. I think its in the low $3's here now in NYC, not a big deal like I said since I do fill up once every 2 weeks. If I get a hybrid and it gets 20 mpg that meas I'll be filling up once every month. The 2018 seems expensive still, around 42grand CPO for ones that are loaded around 10k miles. Is there a big difference between 2017 and 2018? Should I look for a 2017 model?

 

No difference between the 2017 and 2018 except the price.

 

Sucks I can't find a CPO 2017 rx450h in my area. Only 1 but I don't like the color. I also want the 5 seater and not the 7. Only place I can look for a lexus CPO is the lexus site?

 

Only 10% of Lexus's are hybrids.

 

 

 

This is not quite correct. Actually, Consumers Reports rates the RX350 as being more quiet than an RX450h. There are some potentially good reasons to choose the hybrid, but this isn't one of them. Of course one's CPO selection in the marketplace is much greater with the RX350. It would be worth your time to drive the actual samples of RX that you might purchase and make a selection on that basis.

Happy hunting!

 

 

I wouldn't take a chance with newer RX with that drone and vibration noise issues. I'd look for 2015 one. I had 2015 hybrid but realized it is not for cold climate.
In cold winter where I live battery capacity decreases, MPG figure shows not much saving. Gone back to regular gasoline model vehicle.

 

 

To me, Lexus is not really trying to come up with real solution to this issues.
Still hit and miss.