Dropped by the Lexus dealer on Sunday and was able to park my wife's RAV4 right next to an NX. Here are the pics:
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RAV4 & NX side by side
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nighthawk33
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Dropped by the Lexus dealer on Sunday and was able to park my wife's RAV4 right next to an NX. Here are the pics:
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As you can see, there is no mistaking that both cars are "cut from the same thread".
Here are my thoughts:
The wheel base and tire size on both cars are the same (18 in on the Rav4 Limited)
The NX definitely sits lower.
The RAV4 rear entry is approx 4 in lower.
The sheet metal body skin gauge seems exactly the same.
We were able to sit in the NX:
The rear window in the NX slopes down more and cuts into head room in the rear passenger seat.
The RAV4 interior feels bigger since it does not a center console as large as the NX. The center console interferes with my knees and makes sitting or driving kind of uncomfortable. Long drives may not be as pleasant as the Rav4 (Had the same problem with her IS 250 too.)
The NX is certainly finished better, but commands approx $12K more for the same options.
Here are my thoughts:
The wheel base and tire size on both cars are the same (18 in on the Rav4 Limited)
The NX definitely sits lower.
The RAV4 rear entry is approx 4 in lower.
The sheet metal body skin gauge seems exactly the same.
We were able to sit in the NX:
The rear window in the NX slopes down more and cuts into head room in the rear passenger seat.
The RAV4 interior feels bigger since it does not a center console as large as the NX. The center console interferes with my knees and makes sitting or driving kind of uncomfortable. Long drives may not be as pleasant as the Rav4 (Had the same problem with her IS 250 too.)
The NX is certainly finished better, but commands approx $12K more for the same options.
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Yes.. if you want all the option like the Rav4 Limited with Tech pack. NX need 12000- 15000 more.. last friday, the Lexus sales try to put it as a nice gadget to sell me but I already use it two year. :laugh
Yes. NX cargo area is much smaller than Rav4. Interior feel smaller too.
After the test drive, I still thinking I want to pay 12000+ for NX or not.
Yes. NX cargo area is much smaller than Rav4. Interior feel smaller too.
After the test drive, I still thinking I want to pay 12000+ for NX or not.
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My wife has the limited with the navigation & tech package. A similarly equipped NX is $12-14K more.
NX - more $, less room, quieter cabin, better interior parts
We have 10K miles on her RAV4, no problems, we are glad we bought the RAV4
over the NX.
NX - more $, less room, quieter cabin, better interior parts
We have 10K miles on her RAV4, no problems, we are glad we bought the RAV4
over the NX.
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Here in Canada, I think the gap is even much bigger for the 2016 Hybrid, which I suspect to start at $35k.
The NX 200 Hybrid is a whopping $65k here.
I will definitely go with the RAV4 Hybrid if it starts at $35k.
The NX 200 Hybrid is a whopping $65k here.
I will definitely go with the RAV4 Hybrid if it starts at $35k.
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I do not think few if any interior parts can be transferred. Though it would be interesting to know which body and suspension parts can be swapped.
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We thought that as well. The wheel base is exactly the same but the RAV sits almost an inch higher, I suspect longer suspension travel.
The more vertical rear window on the RAV also makes it seem longer at eye level.
We do seem to really like the RAV and it's really a nice car to take on really long trips. We've done a couple of 7+ hour trips to Toronto and we always seem to remark how the drive seems far far less exhausting in this car. We used to take my wife's Lexus IS250 (her old car) and that was quite tiring.
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The NX has the same sloping back glass as the RX series, a family trait. Different customer demographic, most people aren't shopping RAV4s against NXs. You have to see the value in the brand, upgraded bits and materials. We saw one on the road a month ago and just didn't like the look.
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We did and her last car was a Lexus (which was an incredibly well made vehicle).
When we bought her Lexus the dealership was upscale but not "snooty". Now it's just snobish and arrogant.
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So you shopped between the Lexus and the equivalent Toyota model and were considering the pros and cons and the $10+K difference wasn't a factor? I can't quite wrap my brain around that, I'd think you'd be shopping Lexus against Infinity, Caddy, BMW, etc. Were you trying to see if you could settle for a Toyota or move up to the Lexus?
I think it's perfectly logical to shop Toyota-vs.-Lexus. The reason is that if you compare similarly equipped vehicles, the price difference is much smaller than you think, and frequently in favor of Lexus.
You can't compare the RAV4 base model (LE) against the base model of the NX. Even the bare-bones NX is better equipped than top-of-like RAV4 Limited. The difference in MSRP between RAV4 Limited vs. NX, is $5k, for which you get many things not even available in the RAV (better engine, better suspension, better quality interior materials, better noise insulation).
The same happens with most other models. Top-of-the-range Highlander is more expensive than base RX. Well-equipped Avalon is more expensive than Lexus ES. Prius Five is only $2k cheaper than Lexus CT200.
You get better warranty with a Lexus, and generally better customer service (valet service and loaner vehicle during services).
Once you compare apples-to-apples (comparably equipped cars), Lexus and Toyota price difference shrinks, and actually Lexus becomes better value thanks to significantly better quality, many things that are not available even in top-of-the-range Toyotas, and much better customer service.
When it comes to value, a base model Lexus will usually beat a "pimped-out" Toyota.
The NX has actually higher ground clearance than the RAV4. 6.9" vs. 6.1". And yes, it's all due to better routing / design of the exhaust. The rest of the underbody is exactly identical.
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The "value/dollar" argument can be hashed forever, but the $6K+ difference in dollars is still $6K, roughly 20% more. Not going to spend time looking at every spec but it looks like a base NX with a sunroof and audio upgrade is $38K+ and the similar RAV Limited is $31K-. These are MSRP, no idea how much a Lexus dealer will move on price but I'll bet the OTD difference is greater after normal negotiating.
I could use the value/dollar argument to justify jumping from our '14 XLE all the way to the $50K Q5 Audi diesel a guy at work bought last year. :doh:
I could use the value/dollar argument to justify jumping from our '14 XLE all the way to the $50K Q5 Audi diesel a guy at work bought last year. :doh:
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I agree that it is reasonable to shop a RAV4 Limited against an NX. But how is a paying 20% more for a base model NX than an optioned out RAV4 Limited a better value? Sure you are getting a more refined vehicle, but I wouldn't say it is 20% better. The laws of dimishing returns still apply.
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Like I said her last car was a Lexus so we know and understand the whole upscale package.
She got a Limited with the tech package and navigation. An NX with those "goodies" (plus a few more minor ones) stickers at $45K where the RAV4 comes in around $33K. Thats a big difference in price and I am not sure that the Lexus is worth paying 33% more to get a better, quieter, but smaller interior.
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We shopped the RAV against the Audi Q3. The $8k difference in price was certainly a factor, but not the deciding factor.
The biggest difference between the RAV and the NX isn't in the options, but in the engine, suspension and body (which is much stiffer). You can't get any of these in the RAV, no matter what optional equipment you add and how much you pay.
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