2018 RX350 3-Year Owner's Review

[TexasRaj]

2018 RX 350 FWD, 50K miles. A few of this user's observations from my 3-year ownership:

 

From day one off the dealership lot, there was a metallic rattle from the driver side door panel which sounds like a paperclip in a tin cup. It is alleviated with pressure on the door panel where the wood trip is. The dealership keeps saying they don't hear it. So, I drive with my elbow against the panel to avoid going mad (with the trade-off of elbow bursitis).

 

The rear driver side door does not consistently lock--the other three doors will lock with fob/sensor, but not this one. Also, the exterior rear-view mirrors do not fold in when locking doors.

 

Lane keep assistance (LKA) is not reliable especially around curves--even gentle curves on highways. It will violate the lane in well-marked lanes around curves. Compared to a Hyundai dive assist which was perfect! The Hyundai is pretty much self-driving except they aren't calling it that. Thus, for my Lexus, I'm not at all at ease with the LKA. Have post-2018 models bettered this?

 

The entertainment system's radio tuning display is incongruent in that the highlighted station on the selection list may not be the one that's actually playing. That is, what you see is not what you get. Do you all know if post-2018 models have remedied this incongruity?

 

The climate control display is not the most intuitive. For instance, to turn on/off the rear-seat vents, you have to go into a "hidden" screen to toggle on/off. The dual climate control segregation could be better buffered for the front seats.

 

Carplay is not available. Do the post-2018 models have wireless navigation app interfaces like Carplay and music streaming?

 

360-degree view. Is this feature available for the 2022 model?

 

Ride quality on rough roads (as is common in Houston) could be better. As a comparison, the ride quality in a RAM 1500 truck on rough roads is smoooooth. A Lexus luxury vehicle should not be bested by a pickup truck for heaven's sake.

 

Software updates. Does Lexus offer continuous over-the-air updates like Tesla?

 

For comparison, can anybody offer a personal experience of the RX350 vs Tesla Model Y?

[Les Lex 2018]

Lane keep assistance (LKA) is not reliable especially around curves.

I tried it a few times on the 18 RX. Don’t like it and don’t use it on the 2020 RX.  The wife gets excited when I take my hands off the wheel.  But if I used it the way it weaved within the lane, the Cops would have pulled me over for sure.  I’ll try to test the 2020 and report back.

The entertainment system's radio tuning display is incongruent.

I did not see that problem.  MP-3 music was great.

The climate control display is not the most intuitive.

You are right, a lot of functions went to software and made in complicated.

The dual climate control segregation could be better buffered for the front seats.

I thought it was fine.

Carplay is not available. Do the post-2018 models have wireless navigation app interfaces like Carplay and music streaming?

Yes for Carplay..  With all my 6000 tunes on one USB, I do not use streaming.

360-degree view. Is this feature available for the 2022 model?

You have to play the “Package” game to get that.  Hard to find…. The parking radar was and is so perfect that all you have to do is watch for the warnings.

Try to hit a post with the 18 and 20.  It stops you dead in your tracks.  Same for backing out or lane changes.  No need for 360 view.

Ride quality on rough roads (as is common in Houston) could be better. As a comparison, the ride quality in a RAM 1500 truck on rough roads is smoooooth. A Lexus luxury vehicle should not be bested by a pickup truck for heaven's sake.

You have the concept somewhat wrong.  You can’t please Car and Driver with handling by designing a SUV that rides like a 6000 pound Lincoln Continental.  The use of thin 20 inch tires guarantees you a stiff ride of sorts.  If you put 500 pounds of cement bags in the cargo area, the ride would be improved.  The Ram is heavier than the RX.  You can't compare the two.  Go with 18 wheels rated for comfort if that’s your thing.  But it will hurt your resale value.  i.e. Don’t fiddle with the O.E.M config.

Software updates. Does Lexus offer continuous over-the-air updates like Tesla?

Never needed one.

For comparison, can anybody offer a personal experience of the RX350 vs Tesla Model Y?

No, the Y has been declared io be somewhat less than reliable?

Thanks for asking...