Thank you for watching! And regarding the TX, that was exactly what I was just thinking-that if this engine is just enough for the RX, I wouldn’t want to drive it in the bigger, heavier TX. And I completely agree at the lack of luxury and refinement and that it’s not the same RX we have always known!

100% agree!

@@joshjamescars Appreciate your honest review and agree completely w/ your assessment. My parents owned several lexus and had an RX for 11 yrs. But the recent RX felt cheap, underpowered, loud and overpriced. My dad ended up getting a cadillac lyriq. software issues aside, the lyriq was much cheaper (after incentives), much quieter, much more powerful, rode much softer, etc.

What kind of issues is the TX having? I wouldn't want the base turbo engine in that vehicle but was thinking about a 500h or even the 550h+.

@@fossilmaker5745 The 500h is the Hybrid Max using 6-speed. There have been transmission failures. Not sure if the problems have been resolved as of March 2024. The 550h+ is the V6 hybrid that was on previous gen RXLh, but harder to find.

Thank you!

Thank you! Glad they’ve been helpful to you!

Thank you! This is actually very common behavior for little 3 and 4-cylinder turbo engines. The 3-cylinder turbo in the Nissan Rogue behaves exactly the same way. They’re not meant for great driving they’re meant for sipping fuel and minimizing emissions.

Thank you as always for coming back and watching!!!

I would without hesitation buy a 5th gen 4Runner or better yet snag one of the very last brand new 2023 GXs that are still floating around out there! I think that would be a great upgrade to your 4Runner.

Thank you! And thank you as always for watching!

I’m with you! We’ve managed to wrangle the last 2GR V6 and my GX’s 1UR V8.

Hello! I LOVED the outgoing RX like yours and actually I have loved every single RX up until this new generation which is why I think these new ones make me so sad because it was always a car that felt so special even though it was a mass market, high volume vehicle. As you say, Lexus always paid such attention or the details of the wood grain and the RX always has unique button banks and specially crafted interior trim. These new RXs feel very mass produced without that care and attention to detail. At a higher price no less! Thank you for coming back and watching!!

totally agree. I much prefer smaller wheels with better ride and pothole protection. Depending on the car, you could probably get the smaller wheels used for not much money. Or ppl would be willing to swap / trade up for the larger wheels. I have done that a couple times as I also like the feature content of the higher trim, just not the bigger wheels.

Hello to both of you! I completely agree about taller profile tires and smaller wheels giving you a better ride. I think that’s why my GX rides so well too. To @Wasabi9111’s point, you can search for “new car takeoff wheels” for your car and they’re usually readily available for a decent price on eBay.

I love the Prism!!! That and the Vibe were such unique cars being based on Toyotas but with GM badging!

I have had it 20 years. Some things don't work anymore: AC, POWER Door Locks, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT ENGINE AND TRANNY ARE FINE. CRANK WINDOWS! I LIVE IN MINNESOTA SO I DONT NEED AC ANYWAY

Yes! I definitely agree about the handling and suspension. I still don’t care for the Hybrid Max/500h powertrain, though. I think the V6 like what’s in your 2016 and 2021 is both more refined and smooth but also has a more linear and solid pull to it. And yes at the interior! Especially in the 500h which is a $70k car I expect way more than what you get.

Hello! And thank you so much for the kind words! I would absolutely keep the vehicles you have now, those are both terrific! Between the two you list there I think it would depend on whether buying new is important or not. If so, obviously go with the MDX. But if not, I love the last generation RX. Another thing to consider is, if you like your ES this is probably the last year to get a V6 ES and you can get a fully loaded Ultra Luxury trim for the same price as a low-trim MDX.

Hi Jim! I think the 350h is a great choice for anyone who has efficiency as their top priority! And like you say, the instant electric assist is MUCH more enjoyable than the lag from this turbo/8-speed setup in city driving. And that’s very interesting to hear about the street prices of the hybrid versus the turbo. I think both are still very popular in my market so I haven’t seen the discounts you’re seeing but I’m glad to hear that discounts are coming back! As others have said, if you do end up wanting the smaller wheels you can find them readily available on eBay as new car takeoffs that you could then swap onto your car. Cheers!

Thank you! And yes, I’m so glad I did. I’m going to keep it for as long as you’ve kept your Highlander and Prizm! Hopefully in as good condition as you have kept yours too! ;)

Thank you, Jeffrey! As are you!

Thank you! And thanks as always for coming back and watching! I could not agree more about the even swap. That’s exactly how I feel about my GX versus the new one. Just like you I wouldn’t give up my old Lexus quality and wonderful smooth engine for the new one which is less all around.

@@joshjamescars so well said

@@joshjamescars my daily driver is a 2016 Lexus ES 350 with over 300k milage; to be honest best vehicle I've ever owned. Could not phantom giving it away for a newer 1 , I just had a couple of clients ride in the rear seats , and they both fell asleep..... Definitely a smooth operator

I think the 2022 RX is absolutely one to get if you can find a good, low mileage CPO (always have it inspected by a third party mechanic too, even if it’s CPO). Or, if you want to go new, the Acura MDX still has a V6, is VERY nice to drive, and I think looks MUCH better than the RX. The Infiniti QX60 would also be an option. Nissan’s VQ-series V6 is a proven motor just like Toyota’s GR-series V6 and and now that the QX60 has a proper 9 speed auto and not a CVT, I think that’s a really compelling package. The interior looks great too.

Thanks you have given me quite a few choices beyond Lexus and thanks fir that

I like Mazda but their reliability is hit or miss depending on model. CX-5 is solid because it’s been around so long but CX-50 and CX-90 are having issues since they’re so new. Also, Mazda resale isn’t as good as Toyota so you pay more over the long term simply because of depreciation. On the plus side, Mazda’s ride and handling is usually the best in class which Mazda buyers think is worth the trade off in resale. Personally their cars don’t really interest me but I’m not their target demographic. :)

Yes! Completely agree with this. And your comments about the Domain, LOL! It’s the bane of my existence.

That’s interesting! I hadn’t personally noticed that, but this new RX is way below either of those in terms of interior design and materials.

Definitely a smart idea to give it another year or so. But of course year 4 is also the refresh when more things will be new.

Yep! It’s a combination of the transmission fighting you to stay in top gear and the turbo lag/logic that creates that but it’s a noticeable delay. And yes, if you want a newer RX, I would absolutely go with a CPO 2022 RX450h.

Depends what you want. If fuel economy is your goal, go with the 350 hybrid. The downside is it’s loud and slow as all can be. If you want more power, the 350 turbo is the way to go. Test drive both back to back. Experiencing both will probably make your decision one way or another.

100%! Plus Honda/Acura, Nissan, and the Americans.

Yes! Our GX is definitely quieter at all speeds. I drove my GX back to back with this RX and it’s night and day. And you’re spot on about the unique center console and real buttons too.

This is the 2024...not the same

@dreamlife808 The 2023 and 2024 RX are the same new-generation model with no changes other than the improvements I noticed in the powertrain.

Hi Rebecca! Emailed you back! :) thanks for watching!

Yes! Exactly to all of this. Although I honestly don’t think the mileage is that much better than the V6 it used to have especially since the engine has to work way harder like you say. And yes, it’s considerably more expensive than the last generation with the V6.

@@joshjamescars that’s what happens when you ask a four pot to do the job of a six or a six to do the job of a V8. Physics must always rule and triumph.

Either of those are terrific! Personally I’d probably go with the IS.

Yes! I totally agree with that as well. It’s insane how expensive cars are now, and the RX PHEV is great! Shares the same powertrain with my RAV4 Prime and it’s a fantastic drivetrain.

The 500h is better for sure but if my money were on the line, at $72K MSRP, I’m passing on that and buying an actual luxury car. Also the wood may be real but it’s awful compared to what Lexus used to put in their cars. My GX with its gray sapele wood or the mahogany, the old RX with matte bamboo, etc.

Couldn’t agree more! The old RX felt like a proper luxury car like my GX does. This one feels like a semi-premium mainstream crossover.

Take the 500h for a test drive before you commit to anything. Some folks feel like that powertrain needs some work. I don’t mind it, personally, but as you say, it’s really up there in price and will still have the low-rent interior. I think a fully loaded 500h here is $72K USD and that’s a fully loaded QX60 Autograph (which are usually discounted) or an MDX Type-S both of which have V6s, nicer interiors, and are way better to drive.

@@joshjamescars Great. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out those other options too.

Haven’t had a chance to drive that one just yet but looking forward to it soon.

@@joshjamescars oh cool . If you do please drive the 2024 TX 350 fwd.. so we can see what you think..there different opinions out there..hard to tell which is the overall correct ones

@arni7810 I can tell you having driven this RX350 that’s not the one I’d go for, simply because this was enough power for an RX but would be lacking in something the size of a TX. I think you would definitely want the 500h. And honestly, given Lexus’ lackluster interiors and exteriors, I’d much rather spend the same money on a nicely optioned Grand Highlander Hybrid Max.

@@joshjamescars oh understood..thanks

Actually that’s not necessarily true. They did the same thing with the old cars. The 2GR V6 got dropped into everything including the Tacoma and Rav4, and at one point the same way the T25A is getting dropped into everything now. It’s just that, to your point, the engines that they have available to drop into their cars today are more efficient and less enjoyable than the old ones were. And there are pros and cons to each. I love my tank like GX but I also love my RAV4 Prime for all it does really well. Just depends on what one cares about.

Okay I see your point now, thanks for that. Pivoting from this point, however, isn’t it fair to think that aligning new engines to new standards will compromise durability and maintenance costs? Maybe not from a parts and service perspective, but from people wanting to hit the pedal and get the same feeling they got from their v6 RX (aside from the sound of course). I love your channel by the way, and your videos have helped shape my 23 yr old head into appreciating cars most people my age don’t. With your knowledge, I believe you would have a valuable opinion on other brands. Can’t wait till you upload again.

Hey there! Personally having seen and driven both of them there isn’t a huge difference between the TX and Grand Highlander (in fact many parts are identical). Plus, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max tops out at $59K and that’s the one I would buy hands down. Also, I know most people don’t love minivans, but the Sienna is basically a Grand Highlander/TX with the basic 350h drivetrain. And it’s not a joy to drive, especially loaded up LOL.

@@joshjamescars we just prefer the better fit and finish of TX and we find the seats a lot more comfy. The sienna is a no go because second row doesn’t fold and the grand highlander with the normal hybrid doesn’t come with a platinum trim

What do you think of the QX80 now that its out? IMO its what the LX should have been@@joshjamescars

@rishinarang9966 I COULD NOT AGREE MORE. I’m obsessed with it and I actually think the QX60 is what the RX should have been too. I’m trying to figure out how I can get my hands on one to do a video…

Why not get one of the last 2023 GX460s on the market now? Buy it brand new and keep it for another 20-25 years like your Land Cruiser. My local dealers don’t have any left but I saw 15-20 of them still available at Westside Lexus in Houston. I have a great contact there if you’re interested.

@@joshjamescars I considered it. But wife didn’t want two of the same cars. And my LandCruiser with 300K on it, isn’t as trouble free as it once was. Once it hit 300K, it thinks it’s a ford. But I did strongly consider. Get new or CPO with updated dash. I’m sure dealers are… dealing…on them now. She didn’t want two gas guzzlers. Nevermind that’s what we currently have. We’ll see. Want to hold off until May when prices dip back down a bit

Of the three, I wouldn’t even consider the RX350 or CX90 and would happily take the MDX all day long. The RX with this drivetrain and this interior is a non-starter for me and the CX90 has had A TON of issues from engine to transmission to electrical on both the I6 and the PHEV. Not super surprising considering the entire car is new from the ground up, but not something I’d sink my own money into for another few years at least. The MDX, on the other hand, is solid Honda quality and lovely Honda V6. Plus I happen to think it looks GREAT, especially when compared to the RX with its unattractive face and unfortunate proportions.

Yes! I can’t remember if they call it Palomino in the ES but that interior color would probably be my choice as well.

Get a 2020 with low mileage. You save a ton vs 2022 but get essentially the same car with only very few, very small differences.

@k.j.hulander2204 Except that most 2020s are going to be 4 years old at this point and ineligible for the new car extended warranty which most 2022s will still be able to get.

And @linhunnicutt6556 I would most definitely buy a 2022 with the V6 as well.

@@joshjamescars oh?! Here in Sweden Lexus cars get warranty coverage for 10 years or 200000 km, whichever comes first. This applies to used cars too, as long as they’ve been serviced exclusively by Lexus. So you can get a 2020 model today that would effectively have six years of extended warranty left as few cars from that time have travelled very far due to the pandemic. You can get really good deals if you buy to keep and own.

Oh wow that’s terrific! Here in the US, our new vehicle warranty is only good for 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. You can buy an extended Lexus warranty but only before the new car warranty expires.

This is very common of cars with electronic gear shifters like the RX. Most are going that way since joystick or button gear shifters don’t need to have a physical linkage to the actual transmission. To know what gear you’re in simply look at the gauge cluster display.

TGIF here too! Having had (leased) a Volvo, I completely agree that if they had better reliability I would 100% be over there right now, LOL!! I don’t know why but Mazda has never really been that interesting to me. And unfortunately the new CX90 is having all kinds of issues though that’s not entirely surprising since it’s a totally new vehicle inside and out. Hopefully they’ll be able to get that sorted over the next few years. As for Toyota quality, while Koji Sato hasn’t done much, Akio Toyoda was actually at the helm when all these cars were being developed so you can thank him for that. He put a huge emphasis on hybrids and efficiency across the line (which was the right move, obviously), but that’s also why we lost all of the V6 and V8 cars too. Akio Toyoda also wasn’t a truck guy at all so he’s also why their truck line aged so significantly but they were at the top of their game with performance and sporting cars.

@@joshjamescars True to that, but Sato was representing Toyota/Lexus in America, and he knows that in a country like ours...we need v6/v8. And yes cx-90...feel sorry for them, because I like the brand Akio as a former racer so is understandable why the Trucks line were not a big think for him, The same amount they spent with Century they should invest in Lexus America.

@wonderboy1998 Oh yes you’re totally right about the Lexus part of it. 100% under Koji Sato’s per view. And yes, totally agreed at needing the V6 and V8 in our country!

Terrific! If you like it, go for it!

Nope. Toyota has firmly moved away from the older V6 and V8 cars in favor of their new turbo I4s which replace the old V6s and turbo V6s which replace the old V8s.

@@joshjamescarsIt'll be interesting to see how this stubborn commitment to turbo 4's exclusively works out for the world's largest car company. We own a 2012 RX and are in the process of trading for new. While my wife would love to just have a new stylish RX and not even bother looking at the competition, but I've ruled out the Lexus because of no V6 option. I think other consumers will as well. I don't understand why they can't just sell a base model with a 4 and luxury model with V6, I'd gladly pay up.

@jeffcobb331 Yep! I’m with you and it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. Personally I think I bought my last Lexus with my 2023 GX as I’m not interested in the twin turbo V6 drivetrain which has had problem after problem. And I agree, frankly with the way this new RX feels inside and drives you’re better off getting a nice Toyota Highlander or Crown Signia.

This engine does have it, it was turned off, and so that’s not causing any of the lag you see in the video. It’s even worse when that’s enabled!

In Josh’s video he said the little 4 cylinder is only getting about 22.3 mpg. He also said that’s no better than the prior 6 cylinder.

Yes! @nosmo_king is right. Not to mention the turbo 4 requires premium fuel where the old V6 ran perfectly well on regular.

Yep! Completely agreed. I definitely miss the V6. Also, we’ll likely see THS Gen-5 for the mid-cycle refresh.

@@joshjamescarsYeah, I’m really interested in the 5th gen hybrid RX. No idea why Prius and Camry can have it first.

Yep, definitely agree!

Yes! Agreed. The same was true of the old GR-series V6s too, though there were 8 different versions of that engine. But yes, lack of innovation and creativity is spot on.

Just know how much of a headache you’re in when it comes to maintenance and long term repair on one. 😂😅 I loved my XC90 but there was a reason I leased it.

Yep! Same, I had them on my NX and I didn’t miss them when I sold it!