Considering a 2016 RX vs. 2015 RX
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
From: Ont, Canada
Considering a 2016 RX vs. 2015 RX
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!
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!
10th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: MO
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.
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.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,641
Likes: 3,430
From: NJ
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!
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!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 613
Likes: 86
From: Quebec, Canada
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.
The 6 gear is for sure more responsive, but setting to Sport Mode would give the equivalent of the 6 gear.
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 609
Likes: 21
From: Colorado Western Slope
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 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.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 581
From: New York
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 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.
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Rookie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 88
Likes: 16
From: WA
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!
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!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 581
From: New York
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 88
Likes: 16
From: WA
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!
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!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ost-159-a.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...vibration.html
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