It's time to get my wife a new 2022 RX to shuttle the kids around with. We're going to order this week or next. My primary consideration is resale value and secondary is styling. She doesn't care which option we go with. I'm looking to maximize value and very much considering resale value in 4-5 years.

The question comes down to Non-F sport FWD vs F-sport FWD vs hybrid.AWD.

All configurations:

• Running Boards
• Heated & ventilated seats
• Intuitive Park Assist with auto braking and rear cross traffic braking
• Body side moldings
• Kick sensor

Option 1:
Non-F Sport FWD:
Add Premium Package and Power Moonroof (required to get the heated/vented seats)
$50,400 (or ~1.05 BTC as of 8/15/21)

What I like: Cheapest option but not by much
What I dislike: We have to get the moonroof to get the heated/ventilated seats. Don't really care about having a moonroof.

Option 2:
F-sport FWD
$52,090 (or ~1.05 BTC as of 8/15/21)
What I like: For only about $1690 more we get F-sport features and style, particularly the 20" wheels. Not needing to pay for moonroof helps keep this competitive.

Option 3:
RX450h AWD
Add Premium Package and Power Moonroof (required to get the heated/vented seats)
$53,140 ((or ~1.10 BTC as of 8/15/21)

Comments: We also pick up AWD vs/ option 1 and 2. We plan to drive this 6-8000 miles a year for 5 years. Gas mileage not a big factor for us. Resale value question is if hybrids hold value better which I do not know. We lose the F-sport package and add back the moonroof and premium package for about $1000 more than F-sport (MSRP-wise) and $2740 more than Option 1. However, note that it appears that asis the case right now, there is $1000 Lexus Cash for non-hybrid and no Lexus Cash for hybrid which means this might actually be $2k more than F-sport and $3740 more than Option 1. Unknown if there will be any incentives in 3-4 months when this arrives. This is for primarily Phoenix city driving.

Which option would you suggest and why?

 

Did you try the FSport seats? Some folks find them uncomfortable. It was a non starter for my wife and I and we're average sized. The bolsters are very tight.

 

I had them in my IS350 F-sport - I assume they are the same or similar. I loved the seats. My wife only sat in it a few times. I don't think she though much one way or the other about the seats.

 

I wouldn't assume anything. Try them out first.

 

I second @ravenuer 's suggestion to try the RX F-Sport seats before ordering. I sampled both the RX and IS in the F Sport configuration and found the RX F Sport seats to be significantly less comfortable. The bolstering is much more firm in the RX. Some like it better, some don't like it at all. I was in the latter camp.

 

Don't make an *** out of you and me We passed on the RX FSport but I did in fact purchase an ES FSport. World of difference in the seats from one to the other.

 

OK, point taken. Assume for now that we are OK with the seats. Which one should I choose?

 

When i tried to order a RX350 i could not find a dealer to take my order. It was you take what shows up but if they find one already made at a dealer you have the option to buy it at dealers added cost IE shipping to your dealer. best of luck!

 

This is subjective and for you to decide. Three choices - you'll get votes for all three.

 

I'm working with a broker who says he can get it done no-problem. I won't be surprised if this turns out to not be the case but I am hopeful his connections can come through. I will let everyone know.

 

With all respect it's not subjective. Hybrids will either hold their value better or lose value faster than non-hybrids. F-sports may hold value better (or not). Maybe RX's without moonroofs are very difficult to sell. People in this forum know this stuff.

 

So you have the answers to your questions already. Options preference are completely subjective so we agree to disagree. I like a moonroof, others may not. I hate the FSport seats, others love them. On and on. If you're only concerned with resale value, you can probably do the math.

 

How do I "do the math?" I don't know if F-sports or hybrids hold their value better or worse.

 

In 4-5 years, no one is going to want a complex hybrid. They either want full EV or something easy and cheap to fix like a regular v6.

 

You should be able to get good historical data by finding the MSRP for 2016 Base, F Sport and Hybrid models, configure them identically and then see what KBB and the other sites say they are now worth for your zip code. Location matters, which makes asking this forum for help problematic. 2WD might be popular in AZ and TX, but you couldn't give one away north of the Mason-Dixon line. Likewise, hybrids probably hold their value better in CA - the land of $5 gas - than they do where gas is selling for $2.89.

Another thought is to go through the lease process for each model, and see what the 3 year residual is compared to MSRP. That would give you some idea of how Lexus FS thinks the 2022 models will hold their value, at least through 3 years.

You mentioned that you plan to keep whatever you buy for up to 5 years. It will likely have lost half its value by then. The different model's used values will converge over time. Since you plan to keep it awhile, perhaps buying what you like best and enjoying it is the right plan.