While I can appreciate that people can achieve better mpg than what EPA reports, taking comments and YouTube reviewers (who are not likely going through extended city-driving) as gospel can skew your perception. I had a GS and would hit 15-18 on mpg, and sure I would have good days where it was 24 mpg but reporting that I get 24 mpg routinely would be disingenuous. For most drivers the mpg is probably closer to what Fuelly is reporting and not what is being reported by enthusiasts or short term reviewers.
5th Generation RX Discussion: Official Thread (RX 500h, 450h+, 350h and More)
- Thread starter Gecko
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If you are interested in spirited sporty driving in an SUV package you should get the X5 or a Macan/Cayenne. I would rate the ride comfort higher for Lexus. Yes, the RX500h is Lexus’ “sport” trim but it’s still a Lexus so in my opinion they emphasized comfort and reliability.
Interestingly, I would feel safer with BMWs B58 engine because the I-4 turbo hybrid in the RX500h hasn’t been out that long yet. Everything else such as electrical system I would feel the Lexus’ is more reliable but we won’t know until long term data is out. For purposes of commuting to work or running errands I would probably pick the Lexus. It is for the Lexus driver who just wants enough sport but not sporty enough to convert people who traditionally drive BMW sports cars. If I am leasing and I don’t have to worry about warranty I would pick the X5.
F1 Silver Arrows
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The issue I have with the EPA reports is that they have a very rigid testing program that isn't entirely accurate of how a lot of people drive. Hence why I'm adamant on a lot of people's testimonies, as it has happened far too many times where people did not match the EPA numbers for numerous reasons.
Otherwise, what you're saying isn't incorrect, I'm just bringing up a separate argument.
My entire point is that for the increase in what you're paying the X5 50e isn't really worth it over the X5 40i. Be it efficiency, handling, or refinement.
Latest B58 with mild hybrid, according to SG: mid 20s in the city, over 30 on the highway.......we know it's well over 400 hp @ crank and getting this kind of fuel economy is just nuts!
Kelvin2020
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Sitting in the brand new RX450h+ at the dealership, the seat is extremely comfortable. No wonder RX sells so well.
F1 Silver Arrows
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That interior is truly pretty. Other Lexus models need to have a nice use of wood, leather, and metals. I'm not crazy about the RX but I truly think the interior looks good.
Gecko
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One of my friends just got an RX 350h (Luxury package, Nori Green with the Macadamia leather) and I got some hands-on time with it recently.
My experience is similar to @Kelvin2020's... RX interior is probably the best of any Lexus SUV/CUV. The mix of materials, layout, colors, features, ergonomics, design, and quality are top notch. Better than GX/LX/TX IMO.
My experience is similar to @Kelvin2020's... RX interior is probably the best of any Lexus SUV/CUV. The mix of materials, layout, colors, features, ergonomics, design, and quality are top notch. Better than GX/LX/TX IMO.
A performance hybrid that struggles to keep up with a 12-year-old GS350 F Sport, and its fuel consumption is just barely better than modern i6s? So much for F sport performance lol. I can't believe after all these years, Toyota still refuses to develop a truly competitive i6 engine. They just don’t seem to care about the brand anymore, do they?
F1 Silver Arrows
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I genuinely do believe that their problems would be answered if they actually built a new I6.
That being said, you can also see how much more efficient Toyota hybrid systems are compared to much less powerful competitor solutions. The X-Trail e-Power has a 1.5T variable compression engine (much, much more complicated than even the T24A-FTS) and a 2.1kWh battery and the total system output is only 210PS. Yet its highway fuel efficiency is worse than the 500h with 77% more power. Their hybrids are still the best balance of power and efficiency. It's just that the 500h system isn't up to the same level as the eCVT hybrids. I wonder how much better it can get when it gets a lighter and higher capacity Li-ion battery instead of the bipolar NiMH battery. I really hope Toyota will pass the cost reduction to customers with either cheaper prices or more efficient and powerful products at the same price.
Isn't the Nissan e-Power a series hybrid (with no engine assist)?
qtb007
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Do you actually think that RX sales are suffering because they lack an I6?
The RX550h exists because they need an RX to sell to people that want more than 250-265hp. 9 out of 10 customers are totally fine with the base turbo engine and the hybrid in an RX. The 550h is for the buyers that already know they want an RX but want more umph. They're still easily averaging in the mid-upper 20s in fuel efficiency and -- despite the raw performance numbers not being particularly impressive -- it feels really nice out on the road. These aren't people doing stoplight drags. They want it to accelerate with some authority but still be an RX at its core. That immediate kick from the high power motor on the rear axle feels really nice. Same with accelerating through a few gears because the e-axle is still pushing while the front drivetrain is shifting.
Lol who gives a damn about Nissan? It should always be compared with luxury brands.
Yea I get what you're saying but the problem is, here in Taiwan, the RX500h (fully loaded) and the X5 40i (decently loaded) are almost at price parity. Now tell me, why would I pick the RX over the X5 when they are within reach of each other? Assuming Lexus was able to make a car that's almost identical to the X5 (RWD, i6, aluminum suspension), objectively speaking, wouldn't it already need to be cheaper than the X5 because BMW has the mindshare in the luxury car space? Let alone the fact that the RX, in reality, is inferior in almost every way - except perhaps in maintenance and peace of mind, where it has the edge over the Bimmer. For the RX to make sense as a purchase (especially the 500h), it has to be priced more like an X3 30i, don't you think?
The Lexus engine lineup is just missing a turbo-6. The IS needs something new, NX could use a FSP. A new turbo-6 would have better NVH than the 2.4L while potentially being almost as fuel efficient depending on the tune. It could also be dropped in a Supra/LC+RC coupe
What I read in your post is “Lexus is missing a new IS and new RC”.
It is the only car that is missing a turbo 6, because it is also the only car to be able to have one. The rest are FWD cars. The LS and BOF cars have a turbo 6.
If they were to make a V6 turbo I'm sure it'd be able to fit under NX/RX/ES. Just look at the MDX.
A V6 turbo will weigh about 200kg. That amount of weight in front of the front axle will make a terrible handling car. The days of V6 FWD is over, and any brand that pretends otherwise are delusional.
The only way I see they can fix the 500h is replacing the T24 with G20 (300PS version) and the NiMH pack with a 3kWh class bipolar Li-ion pack. But that still doesn't solve the problem that the 450h+ is more desirable and competition have sportier offerings.
The only way I see they can fix the 500h is replacing the T24 with G20 (300PS version) and the NiMH pack with a 3kWh class bipolar Li-ion pack. But that still doesn't solve the problem that the 450h+ is more desirable and competition have sportier offerings.
RX sales are not suffering, but the 500h is. In my area they are the only TMC hybrid product that have discounts. And the reason is it's not that much faster than the 450h+ and much less efficient. People would pay markups on top of the already higher MSRP of the 450h+. The 500h should be renamed to 450h and priced at just over USD 60k. The type of buyers you are describing are either buying the 450h+ or moved to other brands. Lexus originally intended over 40% of 500h sales to be conquest, I wonder how that worked for them.
mikeavelli
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I’ve had a GR Corolla manual for the last few days and it’s absolutely sensational. Handling and grip is absolutely outrageous. With 300hp right at 3300lbs it’s a hoot…
So mid slide Im trying to figure out what Lexus comes close to this or reminds me of this. And the 500h FSP is the only thing that came to mind. Hear me out. The GR Corolla and RX 500h are not overpowering hp vehicles. The RX 500h actually has heavier steering which surprised me. The 500h has a 6 speed auto which is a throwback to not having to paddle shift 500 times with current 10 speeds. The 500h at the limits on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires is a blast to drive around. Fun, throwable, balanced. Like the GR. It ultimately lacks the ultimate grip of the GR and feels way more isolated with luxury being a Lexus. Also you can’t mask some of the raised ride height over the GR Corolla.
Lexus and Toyota are nailing the chassis I can only imagine if GR got their hands on the RX and turned things up a notch with 400hp plus how good this could be,
One last part is the RX continues to be shown in the normal RX light and there are opportunities to show how much better the 500 FSP is over a 350. No one really talks about how good the RX drives because no one is really doing it. Kinda sad it’s really good.
As for MPG that GR Corolla 3 cylinder gets 21/28mpg lol. RX i think is 27/28 with a 4 cylinder hybrids. I assume a ten speed comes and that jumps to 30mpg.
I know i’m not crazy because no NX comes close to driving like this.
So mid slide Im trying to figure out what Lexus comes close to this or reminds me of this. And the 500h FSP is the only thing that came to mind. Hear me out. The GR Corolla and RX 500h are not overpowering hp vehicles. The RX 500h actually has heavier steering which surprised me. The 500h has a 6 speed auto which is a throwback to not having to paddle shift 500 times with current 10 speeds. The 500h at the limits on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires is a blast to drive around. Fun, throwable, balanced. Like the GR. It ultimately lacks the ultimate grip of the GR and feels way more isolated with luxury being a Lexus. Also you can’t mask some of the raised ride height over the GR Corolla.
Lexus and Toyota are nailing the chassis I can only imagine if GR got their hands on the RX and turned things up a notch with 400hp plus how good this could be,
One last part is the RX continues to be shown in the normal RX light and there are opportunities to show how much better the 500 FSP is over a 350. No one really talks about how good the RX drives because no one is really doing it. Kinda sad it’s really good.
As for MPG that GR Corolla 3 cylinder gets 21/28mpg lol. RX i think is 27/28 with a 4 cylinder hybrids. I assume a ten speed comes and that jumps to 30mpg.
I know i’m not crazy because no NX comes close to driving like this.