Lexus RX400H review needed (2nd or 3rd gen)

At the time I was looking to switch out to something else when I had a Hyundai Veracruz, which is the RX copy, and it is a whole lot quieter, which is what surprised me the most, at idle you cannot hear that motor, and only at WOT do you actually hear that is a V6.

Hmm I should probably check out the prices on the Veracruz, only reason I got rid of it was that it was FWD, and did not like snow, the AWD version should work fine. It really was a nice car.

 

We have a new RX450h and it is dead quiet. And it will be louder than the Prius because it is a huge giant engine coupled to the HSD...

 

yeah, checked prices on Used ones, way too high for us. Heck even the Highlander Hybrids are expensive beyond belief.

 

I test drove a 2010 Lincoln MKT Ecoboost yesterday, mixed highway and city, and got 24 MPG. For $32K, its a pretty good deal.

 

$32k???? Jeez! Well equipped they were over $60k when new. That's a hell of a lot of resale lost from new. EPA for that 2010 EcoBoost Ford is 16mpg - 22mpg (19mpg blended) Maybe your calc's were off because 24mpg blended just doesn't make any sense.
2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost First Test and Review - Motor Trend
So if you can get 24mpg in the ford - you could easily get over 34mpg in the Rx/hihy .... that's over 25% better mpg's between the 2 vehicles ( that's extra important with gas heading for over 5 bucks a gallon ).
I'e done a bit better than 34mpg in tht Rx - but it definitely takes work.
(see my mpg picture pasted around the 3rd post)
Resale is a bit better with the hyhi & RXh's too. Plus - many states exempt true hybrids from smog checks. If you read the comments on that linked web page you'll see that many folks don't think too highly of the Ford, either. But if that's what you choose to get ... good luck!
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I have always done good driving the Ecoboost engines. Heck 24 MPG in the F150 on the interstate isnt bad either. The MKT/Flex can tow 4500 pounds, and that is why I am considering it. The HiHy can't, wont even attempt it. There is also more room in the MKT, oh and a refrigerator.

The one feature that has me leaning toward the MKT is the Adaptive Cruise control. I found that to be so helpful in daily driving as a stress reliever. People around here dont know how to maintain a steady speed, 45-60-45-35. Drives me nutz(which is why the 2013 Fusion Hybrid is parked, I dont drive like that, I dont need to in my 2010 to get EPA in it). It is also quiet and comfortable, with a killer sound system. The kids like it in the way back to, they feel like they are on a ride in the amusement park with the way our roads are.

I never should have sold our Flex, been kicking myself for doing that for quite a while now.

 

hugh? I don't know how you figure that ... both standard & hybrid Highlanders are rated for 5000 pounds towing.

Toyota | 2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Add New Entune® Multimedia System Features and 'Highlander Plus' Grade

 

Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb for the Hybrid

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base 4dr SUV 3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD CVT Automatic Features and Specs

 

I see why you're confused. Maybe you didn't notice but your link is about 4 years old. 2009 was the end of the first generation. 2010 - 2013 Gen II models have the higher / 4,500 lb rating. That's why I provided you with the current Gen II Tow rating link.

 

not confused, 2009 is the only one I can find around here. All the rest are way over priced.

 

I hear ya ... finding what you need in the area you're at isn't an easy job. We couldn't find what we were looking for (at a super great price) in all of So Cal. We ultimately found our used RXh in Lancaster Pennsylvania ... Even after shipping it to Montana we still save the boat load. Good thing the Amish aren't big on cars.
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LOL


Well I had an interesting conversation with an attorney. Without going into details, I no longer am looking for a replacement vehicle at this time. I need to retain ownership of the Fusion for now. Sit down, Strap in, Shut up and Hang on, going to be a wild ride the next year or so!

 

I agree, sitting in the Prius seat is like a launch chair compare to the Lexus is like a sofa.

 

Hmm the 2010 Lincoln MKT with Twin Turbo Ecoboost V6 also gets about 23 MPG and runs on 87 Octane. makes me wonder why pay more for the Lexus.

 

Actually the RX will run on premium or regular ... says so right in the book ... Or you can ask your hybrid specialist at the dealer . The timing automatically adjusts according to your fuel grade. Regular gets you worse mileage - so it's kind of a wash, cost wise - but it's nice that you can use any grade.

 

Are you referring to Hybrid? The octane requirements change in 2012 on the RX350. 2010 to 2011, premium then in 2012. I found this with a quick search, "Most significantly, the 2012 RX 350 has been tuned to run on regular unleaded (87 octane) fuel. Premium (91 octane) is recommended for the 2012 RX 450h. "

A family member owned a 400h and mpg wasn't very good. In the low to mid 20's. I drove it a few times and that car is designed to use the hybrid system for power. Very torquey like a V8. I prefer the RX350 much better in terms of driver feedback and handling.

In terms of space, the RX350 is clearly larger. I had same debate with family member. I can say though, due to low roof line on RX hatch, the Prius's useful space is very good though smaller overall.

Premium hybrids seems to be for power and status thing. You won't be saving enough to justify the increase in cost.

 

To OP topic, I wouldn't suggest going hybrid if Lexus RXs are concerned. Just get a regular and save the money.

The Lexus RX really hold their value and used cars sell for a lot. The 3rd Gen's improvement, IMHO, is well worth it. But if all you need is a reliable car, the 2nd gen will do just fine. I found that 2nd gen RX350 very powerful as it's lighter than 3rd gen.