Having been an RX owner for the last two generations, and looking to change into the 3rd model (hybrid), Im just curious as to what was made better in the 330/350 model of the 2nd generation. Each successive model is no question better than the outgoing one, but lexus designers probably made some bad decisions here and there.

I was looking at the pictures and noticed that the hidden cubbies that were available on the old RX in the cargo area is no longer available on the new RX. I liked the cubbies because they included hooks that could hold grocery bags in place. Also the hidden feature is good for hiding precious items that you dont want people to see. I guess they had to remove this because the temporary spare now goes into the trunk, while in the past, it was placed under the vehicle.

What do you notice is missing from the new RX that made the old RX better?

 

Ah yes, it's hard going from one to the other. I am going into my third RX too. Each one has its unique qualities so I try to balance it out with the new and/or improved gadgets and other things - ride, trans, etc.

Speaking of the spare, it's a donut, not a full tire like in the old models. And it takes up the hidden cargo space underneath. Now I really didn't look too closely underneath but I saw the wheel well does not intrude into the cargo area as much on the '10. That helps.

My two biggest gripes are first, the taillights. Why did Lexus change them on the '10? They were unique to the RX and made them stand out from the other SUVs. Now they're blah. Second, what's up with the little buttons to the left of the steering wheel? It looks cheap. They could have at least made them bigger and hid them under a panel.

IMHO, I feel Lexus went a little German on the interior on the '10. Will it stop me from buying it? Nah!

 

Here are some more steps backward for the new RX: 1) Rear door is not powered open when opened by the latch on the door 2) You have to get the luxury package to get lighted sill plates 3) Storage area on the floor between the front seats is more difficult to access 4) Doesn 't seem as quick as my '07 5) Gets lower gas mileage on the highway than my '07 (perhaps a little higher around town, though) 6) Console storage and glove compartment storage space is reduced. I like my 2010 a lot, though, as there are many improvements. I like the styling of the new one better, expecially the rear quarter and rear, which have been cleaned up a lot, imo.

 

Yes, the sill plates. I'm going to miss those too. And the controls are friendlier on the old RXs. They seem like they went a little backwards in the '10 - functional but primitive. I don't have my '10 yet to give the best overview. But hopefully I can overlook these things and enjoy. Who am I kidding, I have to change the taillights. I want the old ones back. Lexus, are you listening?

 

I also favor the old dash design because i like everything to be symmetrical, everything just makes sense this way. I am an orderly person though. Im sure i can get used to that sweeping curve though.

 

Cubbies, easily accessible power outlet, armrest, full size spare are only things I miss from 05RX. IMHO, 10RX have improved everything from ride, comfort, quieter cabin, steering feel [little more weighted], awesome remote control console, exterior styling, improved AFS, LED light treatment, and lastly, smell of new leather. Hope Lexus can maintain the current physical size instead of getting larger with each new model and continue to improve gas mileage. I am averaging 20MPG [city/hwy combined] so this is the most fuel efficient SUV/CUV I have owned to date. I have a friend with new AWD CR-V which averages 22MPG so I am a “happy camper” with my 10RX.

 

I was skeptical when Lexus teased us with the 'come see the completely reinvented all new 2010 RX.' OK, I'm thinking. I've driven RXs for 10 years. What's this all about? Then I drove the car. It was like driving the 99 RX all over again - very new, a bit radical, unbelievably awesome, and yes, a little ugly. But I got it. Now I can't wait to get it.

 

The power outlets aren't easily reachable.
Noise/sound from wind and the engine is a little louder.

 

We had 05RX so that's our comparison: Less interior storage. The center console is smaller (ditto the complaints about accessory power outlets location). The divider in the glove box is odd and can't fit papers without folding them up alot. Someone mentioned the auto open feature when you manually unlatch the rear hatch...you can get that programmed to raise up once unlocked. My biggest "complaint" compared with 05RX is rear sliding cover. The new 10RX cover doesn't retract automatically...have to manually do it and it comes out of the "track" and I frequently miss the groove putting it back on (again, just have to get use to it I guess). Overall, better ride, handling, noise suppression, and mileage compared to our old 05RX. Will be happier when the bumper cover gets fixed...

 

the cover should retract automatically as well. like the 2nd gen RX, there should be an option to have it retract or not. i know in the old model, you push in the two sides of the connectors on the car, and it does not retract.

 

There's no button or latch on the 10RX to lock the rear cover like on our 05RX. I can't imagine they would change the rear cover as an option...we don't have nav...just premium package (no luxury or sport etc) About as basic of an RX that one can get.

 

I find the second generation RX has a much more handsome interior and wood trim. The third generation's interior looks cheap. Separate A/C controls for driver and passenger are too small and almost appear to be an after thought. Rear tail lamps are ugly! We will just have to get used to it.