I am trying to choose a luxury SUV and I keep going back to Lexus because they have a good reputation for reliability and handling issues. I am having a hard time deciding on a model. I just watched some reviews on both and they seem to prefer the TX350 even though they had some complaints about the RX350’s drivetrain. Aren’t they both the same? I test drove both vehicles. I liked the TX size but the engine noise was quite loud when accelerating. There is a nice 2023 RX350 Luxury for sale near me with around 11k miles, or I could pay $15k more for a 2025 TX350. What do you all think about both models? Aren’t they pretty much the same drivetrain? Are there any known issues with either?
Thanks for sharing your question. Before you continue, maybe check if your question fits better in one of these forums:
General Car Buying or Purchasing Advice:
-
forum for asking about cars for sale
-
forum for what car to buy
Advice on Vehicle Maintenance:
-
forum for mechanics
-
forum for mechanic advice
-
forum for asking a mechanic
Advice on Damage Estimates:
- forum for body repair
Car Insurance Help:
- forum for car insurance assistance
Other:
- forum for car guys
If any of these forums suit your question better, please delete your post here and try there instead. Otherwise, you don’t have to take any action. Any questions that don’t need advice specific to this forum will be removed and redirected to one of the listed forums.
Do you really need the extra space? That was the main factor for me. If you need more space, go with the TX. If not, the RX is the better choice.
I generally view the RX350 as a better option compared to the TX. The TX was clearly made because of the RX350L for those who need three rows, but it’s still just a Grand Highlander at its core. There are no triple beam headlamps or wood steering wheel options in the TX even at the highest trim. You can also notice many parts of the bodywork are borrowed from the Grand Highlander.
The RX350 is essentially a Highlander, but a lot of buyers don’t consider it because of the two-row versus three-row differences. It has its own body design and all the premium features you notice with the Luxury trim.
@Ronald
As someone who owns the TX, I completely agree with your points. We needed the extra space and looked at the Grand Highlander as well. We chose the TX 550h+ because having a plug-in hybrid was important to us, and Toyota doesn’t provide that with the Highlander.
The reviewers preferred the TX drivetrain way more than the Grand Highlander.
They also really liked the size and usefulness of the TX, especially when compared to its main competitor, the MDX.
Their only downside was the four-cylinder engine, and even then, they mostly complained about the loud engine rather than its performance.
@Kelby
Adding to this, they didn’t have the 500h version.
I am leaning more towards the RX350 Luxury because of all the features. I really like the wood trim and the Mark Levinson audio. Does anyone have any issues with the RX?
Aeron said:
I am leaning more towards the RX350 Luxury because of all the features. I really like the wood trim and the Mark Levinson audio. Does anyone have any issues with the RX?
I have one. It’s a great vehicle, but the Mark Levinson system is a bit underwhelming. Sometimes the engine sounds a bit raspy, but overall it drives well and we are happy with it. I might have considered the Mercedes GLE 350 because the backseat space is much larger.
Aeron said:
I am leaning more towards the RX350 Luxury because of all the features. I really like the wood trim and the Mark Levinson audio. Does anyone have any issues with the RX?
I used a few RX350s as loaners when my TX was at the dealership and I really enjoyed driving them. Honestly, I think the RX is much better built by Canadians compared to the TX built by Americans. The interior is nicer with lights on the dashboard. While the TX is just more spacious and a bit rougher in my opinion, if you can, go for the Luxury RX or RX500h, which is quicker and gets better mileage.
I have a different experience compared to that TX. I got mine around the same time. There’s no cabin noise or rattles in mine. After 20k miles, no issues, it has a huge panoramic roof, heated seats, and it drives really smoothly. I had a loaner RX500h F-Sport, which was nice but totally different. I would test drive both, but for me, it’s definitely the TX, rain or snow, I am getting to my destination comfortably.
I’ve been driving the TX since December of 2023. I regret buying it. It’s not a true luxury car, feels rushed out and cheap. The cabin is filled with plastic, has rattling noises, and the loud engine noise is a huge downside.
My TX has been at the dealership over ten times for different problems. It’s a quality mess from Lexus.
It’s your choice, if you don’t need three rows, skip the TX. If you truly need three rows, look at other options. I thought I needed them but realized I didn’t. I’m probably going to trade mine for an electric vehicle next year.
Here’s my friendly suggestion—no TX for you.
@Rav4Rider
You might have gotten a bad one; I’ve had the complete opposite experience.
@Rav4Rider
It’s a shame the TX is just a rebranded Grand Highlander and has these quality issues. Lexus took too long to enter the three-row crossover segment and still delivered a subpar vehicle.
@Rav4Rider
What would you suggest instead of the TX?
Has anyone thought about the GX?
Miller said:
Has anyone thought about the GX?
I heard the GX has issues too, even if it’s made in Japan. I wouldn’t recommend the first generation based on my own experiences.
Miller said:
Has anyone thought about the GX?
I heard the GX has issues too, even if it’s made in Japan. I wouldn’t recommend the first generation based on my own experiences.
What are the problems with the First Gen? Other than maybe the air suspension? It has the same durable 4.7 Liter 2UZ-FE engine found in many Toyota trucks at that time. Are you talking about rust issues?
I’ve owned my 2024 RX350 for over a year now, and it has 20k miles without any problems. Had to get a small alignment once which felt like a money grab while getting an oil change.
It really comes down to whether you need the extra space. If space doesn’t matter, choose the one you enjoy driving more.