SW17LS

At this stage in my life I would buy the Highlander. I need the space. RX is too small.

If you don't need the space, get the RX. It's a better vehicle in all ways but carrying people and stuff.

Manufacture out of Japan doesn't scare me. Toyota has been making cars here for many years, and statistics don't support the position that quality has slipped.

Peterun

The RX achieves a comfort level far superior to the Highlander. It's a different driving experience. Every detail is so "focus grouped" and thought over. But.....if the third row is what you need, really need....there's your answer.

jtrue28

Toyota quality is great, for Toyota. Lexus quality is superior, and it needs to be to charge a premium for it.

You get what you pay for. No one has ever convinced me otherwise.

JDR76

Right now I'm leaning toward the Highlander. As much as we'd like a new RX and love our current one, we are leaning toward a vehicle with three rows.

My sister is on her 2nd Highlander (just replaced her '11 with a '16). She put 90k on her '11, without a single reliability issue. I'm sure her new one will serve her well.

jtrue28

Have you looked at the GX? You can get a nicely equipped GX for around the same price as an RX and it has 3 rows.

Macs4RX

I'm really reevaluating whether I need a 3rd row anymore (I now drive a MDX). I only use the 3rd row maybe twice a year and that's to transport another of my daughter's friends to some soccer game. But really, isn't 4 girls in the car enough?

SW17LS

Of course it is, but that has nothing to do with my point which is it really doesn't matter whether it's manufactured in Japan or not.

Most RXs sold in the US are not built in Japan. So built in Japan vs not in this case isn't even a valid argument.

In terms of reliability...is anybody doubting that a Highlander would be extremely reliable? It's basically the same engine and drivetrain.

MolayMahem

I was going to buy my wife a 16 RX350 for XMAS. She absolutely hates the new front end. I have to begin the search all over again in Jan. Good news is current vehicles are running fine. No Red Bow for us this year

Lubber

I understand her dislike for it. I didn't like the grill at first either, but it has since grown on me to where it doesn't bother me much anymore.

AL13NV8D3R

For people who is deciding between a 16 Highlander or a 16 RX350, you should consider waiting a couple years to see if Lexus rumored three row crossover is being released. Many publications like Car and Driver have seen concept test mules out in the wild and seems to look like an RX but a much larger and longer one sort of the same size as a Highlander. Code name for this model is TX.

In addition i have heard rumors that the GX is either going to get a redisgn or dropped completely of the lineup.

SW17LS

Not everybody can wait a couple years though, especially if they are in a family situation that requires a 3 row vehicle now.

If you need a short term solution...lease it. Whats what I did with the Sedona.

AL13NV8D3R

What year Sedona did you get? Can you give me your impression or short review of that Mini Van?

SW17LS

2015. I actually have a thread in the CarChat forum that I've updated along the way with my thoughts as I've owned it:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ted-today.html

In short I like it a lot, a lot more than I thought I would.

rayaans

Hmm if price isn't an issue then surely if you need 7 seats a volvo Xc90 might be an option instead?

SW17LS

The new one didn't exist when I got the Sedona.

Issue there also is that as a crossover it doesn't have some things a minivan has that we need:

1. Sliding doors. When my wife is alone and she's trying to strap in two babies on each side, in a parking lot where people have parked up next to her she needs the sliding doors.

2. Flat floor. Makes it much easier to store things around the interior, in front of and in between the middle seats, etc. For instance we can easily slide strollers in front of the second row seats since they are occupied by carseats and keep the whole rear area open.

3. Third row room is never as big in a crossover and we need to from time to time carry adults back there.

4. Cargo room is MUCH better in a minivan either with the third row stored, or the third row deployed. When its stored the height and volume of the cargo area is much better. When its deployed, you have a deep well behind it that dramatically improves cargo room behind the third row.

If you look at the stats they tell the story for cargo room:

Sedona:

Max cargo capacity: 142 cu/ft
Cargo capacity with all seats in place: 33.9 cu/ft

XC90:

Max cargo capacity: 85.7 cu/ft
Cargo capacity with all seats in place: 15.8 cu/ft

So essentially the XC 90 holds 1/2 the stuff. Even if they were the same cost, I'd still choose the Sedona after having lived with it. When the kids are older we'll look at SUVs/Crossovers again but for the next 4-5 years at least, we'll have a minivan.