Hi all,

I am considering a 2016 RX vs. buying a 2015 RX. I know they are virtually the same, but how is the 8 speed automatic transmission vs. the 6 speed?

I prefer the 2016 given its looks int/ext, but not much else. Are there any things to lookout for when buying?

Thanks!

 

Lots of things to consider. Look for threads here that have the most views.

 

We recently got a 2016. Didn’t look at any earlier models. However a friend has a 2014 RX 400h. It’s very nice but, I don’t care for the dash as it seems like it has lot more harder plastics. The ‘16 RX has a lot nicer materials, and overall I like how it feels compared to my previous ‘13 Genesis R-Spec.

The 8-speed is like all the others to me. It shifts from first to second to third very quickly which is slightly annoying. You can use sport mode to hold gears a bit longer (it feels more normal that way), or manual. On my Genesis (8-speed) I nearly always started from second gear. We traded a ‘18 Honda Odyssey for the RX. It had a 9-speed that could be equally annoying, but it had a sport mode and paddle shifters which seem laughable, but were actually useful.

I would definitely consider the ‘16 over the ‘15 if it has the Safety System+. I’ve had adaptive cruise since my first 2011 Genesis and wouldn’t buy a car without it anymore.

Oh, listen for the “drone” or “growl” on low rpm acceleration. I guess Lexus wanted a sporty sound and failed miserably. There’s a huge thread about it, and TSB fix. But, it doesn’t bother me much, and I never notice it on the highway.

 

16+ rx450, drove a 19 rx350 loaner, definitely missed my 450. in comparison.

 

Different generations - totally not the same.

 

All the new models (all accross brands) are going to the 8-9 gears tranny for fuel economy and tune to run the engin to rev at lower speed, and they all suffer of jerkiness...

The 6 gear is for sure more responsive, but setting to Sport Mode would give the equivalent of the 6 gear.

 

We just traded in our 2015 on a slightly used 2018. Aside from looks, we noticed two big differences: 1) the 2018 is much quieter on the highway, but some of that may be attributed to different tires. 2) the 2015 sure seemed to accelerate better when getting on the highway/freeway.

I had to turn off all the "safety" systems on the 2018 that affected the steering. Not that I don't appreciate safety systems, but I was constantly fighting the steering wheel. MUCH better driving experience with all that stuff turned off.

 

I agree with turning that stuff off, did the same thing.

 

yeah.. that lane assist thing really "freaked" me out at first... i was wondering why the car felt like it was floating and swaying from where i wanted it to...
much better after it was turned off

 

Stay away from 4TH Gen RX, especially 350RX. I'm speaking from experience having owned both the 2019 450 and 350. You've been warned.

 

I think the vast majority of RX owners are pretty happy with their car, as I am. Sorry you aren't.

 

Read these threads thoroughly and carefully and educate yourself. You don't want to end up with these problems. Lexus and dealers will either deny the problems exist or deny to fix the problems. Good luck!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ost-159-a.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...vibration.html