Trying to decide… Lexus, Highlander, Venza, or Crown?

We’re looking for a new ride… or at least new to us. We’ve had a Sienna, Camry, and RAV4, and they’ve all been great. I drive the RAV4 now and like it, but the ride is too rough, especially since I injured my neck a few months ago. Every bump is miserable.

Car prices are insane, so we’re open to buying used. I don’t know much about Lexus, but they seem great—just expensive, and the gas mileage isn’t amazing (understandable for bigger cars). We don’t have kids to haul around or go off-road, but having cargo space is always nice. We’re keeping the RAV4 and probably passing the Camry to our adult son.

SUVs or crossovers are preferred over sedans. Any advice or recommendations?

Checked out a Crown Signia last night after researching for a month. What an awesome car. It’s got the highest luxury you’ll find on a Toyota. The ‘Limited’ trim feels like a Lexus but costs about $8K-$10K less than the top RX350 models.

@GaryRoberts
I’ll have to check it out! Are you planning to buy one?

Sai said:
@GaryRoberts
I’ll have to check it out! Are you planning to buy one?

It’s tempting. My wife has a few concerns, though—tiny glove box, less cargo space than her RAV4, sunroof doesn’t open, and only two interior color choices (black or brown). And black is a no-go in Texas heat. Also, I’m not a fan of the 21-inch wheels.

The RX350 is a solid middle ground. Lexus ride quality and comfort, but it still runs on regular gas. The Venza is a good second choice. Crown is nice, but used prices are still nuts since it’s so new.

@TomToyotaFan
New Toyotas are actually more expensive than some Lexus models. This market is crazy.

Sai said:
@TomToyotaFan
New Toyotas are actually more expensive than some Lexus models. This market is crazy.

Yeah, new car prices in general are out of control. A lot of used cars cost just as much or even more than new ones.

Lexus RX—super comfortable!

Lexus hybrids get way better gas mileage than people think. I just replaced my RAV4 Hybrid with an NX350h. Cargo space is smaller, but the overall size is about the same. The ride is WAY smoother than my old RAV4. I’d suggest test-driving a Lexus before deciding—that’s what convinced me.

@Harlow
Yeah, I think it’s time for some test drives. Our son’s CR-V just gave up for good today, so the search just got real. That CR-V lasted since 2006—would’ve been nice to see it hit 20 years.

Venza was discontinued, Highlanders are super hard to find, and Crowns are limited too—but if your dealer has one, you might get a solid deal. Crown is much smaller than a Highlander, so ask yourself if you need a 3rd row.

They upgraded the standard features on Crown XLEs, so they’re pretty loaded now. Crown Signia is the replacement for the Venza—basically a Crown that sits higher with more cargo space, more like a wagon. RX is a great option but will cost more.

@Jason
I thought the Venza was gone, but I saw some 2024 models online. Maybe leftover stock? We’re definitely open to used options. Thanks, I’ll check out the RX too.

Sai said:
@Jason
I thought the Venza was gone, but I saw some 2024 models online. Maybe leftover stock? We’re definitely open to used options. Thanks, I’ll check out the RX too.

We don’t really need a 3rd row.

@Sai
I have a 2021 RX350 and a 2024 Venza. RX is always spacious and comfortable. Personally, I’d go with a 2021 over a 2023 since it has a V6 and runs on regular gas.

If you go for a Venza, get the Limited trim—it has most of the fancy features Lexus offers but costs a lot less. Cargo space is a bit tight, though.

Crown Signia is brand new, so you won’t find used ones yet. It’s bigger than a Venza but smaller than an RX. The good thing is you can negotiate since demand is lower. I got a Crown Signia Limited quote at 12% off MSRP just by asking online.

Hope that helps!

@Luchivya
It does, thanks!

Highlander Hybrid (regular or Grand) is a great car.

Thorne said:
Highlander Hybrid (regular or Grand) is a great car.

We’re definitely considering that! Our RAV4 is a hybrid, and it’s hard to imagine going back to gas-only. Just worried about the price of hybrids right now.

Check out the Grand Highlander—tons of space and great fuel economy for something that big.

Lexus GX.

4Runner.