Is this an RX450h issue?

taffie999 · August 28, 2023

I test drove an RX450h today, but won't be be buying it for several reasons. The principal issue was the driver's seat. At the rear of the base of the seat there was a lump. it wasn't noticeable when feeling the seat but when seated it felt like I was sitting on half a tennis ball. It was noticeable enough to drive me nuts as an owner. I asked to sit in another RX on the forecourt and this felt the same. I'm no lightweight at around 14.5 stone but nothing excessive. The Lexus dealer was very helpful and let me sit in an F Sport, which was definitely better. As I'm comfort orientated I'm not sure if the F sport would suit me. Has anyone else come across this issue?

NemesisUK · August 28, 2023

Never noticed anything like that in any RX I've sat in. My F-Sport is very comfortable (as was the F-Sport RC I had previously) and I've done a number of extended, non-stop drives of 4-5hrs without any discomfort.

DavidCM · August 28, 2023

Did you try adjusting the lumbar support?

First_Lexus · August 28, 2023

Having owned one RX, and driven others, I’ve never noticed anything like this. Very odd.

taffie999 · August 28, 2023

10 minutes ago, DavidCM said:

Did you try adjusting the lumbar support?

It's can't be related to the lumbar support, it was in the base of the seat towards the back

DavidCM · August 28, 2023

Oh..that would be a bumbar problem then.

Herbie · August 28, 2023

Because I have a back injury (severe enough to get me medically retired from my job) I purposely stayed away from F-Sport models because of the sportier seats.

I'm on my 3rd RX now and never felt anything like that and I'm about 18 stone.

Spacewagon52 · August 28, 2023

2 hours ago, DavidCM said:

Did you try adjusting the lumbar support?

The lumber support would push you more forward. Also try adjusting the tilt?

I did have something similar on my RX400h but adjusting the above sorted it.

VFR · August 28, 2023

Was it your wallet in your back pocket Taffie 😉

taffie999 · August 29, 2023

12 hours ago, VFR said:

Was it your wallet in your back pocket Taffie 😉

If it were that, paying the tax and current insurance rates of insurance on an RX would solve it I think.

VFR · August 29, 2023

4 hours ago, taffie999 said:

If it were that, paying the tax and current insurance rates of insurance on an RX would solve it I think.

LOL yes ain’t that a fact. 😉

Spock66 · August 29, 2023

21 hours ago, taffie999 said:

I test drove an RX450h today, but won't be be buying it for several reasons.

Were you looking for a 4th or 5th Gen?

No problems with the seat in my 4th Gen F Sport.

taffie999 · August 29, 2023

9 hours ago, Spock66 said:

Were you looking for a 4th or 5th Gen?

No problems with the seat in my 4th Gen F Sport.

It was a 2021 model

Barry14UK · August 30, 2023

Can't remember just where it was but there were pics and detail of a member who modified his seat in a lateish RX because it was uncomfortable but wish you luck finding it on search facility.

I have a back problem but have to say the seats on my 3rd generation are the most comfortable I have experienced and I have owned and driven many cars over the years.

Out of interest, what were the other reasons you found for dismissing the 4th gen RX and what do you think beats it as a comfortable and reliable SUV?

taffie999 · August 30, 2023

13 hours ago, Barry14UK said:

Can't remember just where it was but there were pics and detail of a member who modified his seat in a lateish RX because it was uncomfortable but wish you luck finding it on search facility.

I have a back problem but have to say the seats on my 3rd generation are the most comfortable I have experienced and I have owned and driven many cars over the years.

Out of interest, what were the other reasons you found for dismissing the 4th gen RX and what do you think beats it as a comfortable and reliable SUV?

I dismissed this car because of accident damage and the seat issue. To be honest, the drive didn't blow me away and I expected it to. This car didn't have AVS, which may make a difference. I drove an RX L 450h which has AVS and it seemed to drive slightly better. I need to drive a standard RX with AVS. I'm struggling to think of another SUV that appeals to me, to be honest

Spock66 · August 30, 2023

12 minutes ago, taffie999 said:

I need to drive a standard RX with AVS.

The RXL must have been the Takumi, only the F Sport and Takumi have AVS.

taffie999 · August 30, 2023

4 hours ago, Spock66 said:

The RXL must have been the Takumi, only the F Sport and Takumi have AVS.

It's advertised as a Premium, but as having AVS

John Walker · August 31, 2023

From my experience the RX F Sport has the better seats although at the begging they might seem too stiff. I have back issues and i find the seats brilliant on my long road trips.

Never noticed the seat problem in the previous RX Luxury spec I had however I had noticed this issue in a 2021 Takumi I sat in at the dealership. So makes me think that this issue might be only in the Premier/ Takumi models.