WipeOut

I've towed a 1650kg caravan with the a 2019 RX450h. It's a good stable, comfortable tow car. Don't expect great fuel economy, and while capable, I missed the torque of a diesel turbo for towing particularly on climbs.

I am doing a lot of short journeys, such as drop offs at the station, shopping etc, on cold start up and getting 32mpg on every tank. About 35-38mpg on longer trips.

10 hours ago, AlternativeLUX said:

Hi Nigel,

 

Thanks for that. To be honest that's what I 'm in a quandary about at the moment. I have the funds to sort an RX, Xc90 R-Design or a Q7 , both have air suspension.

The difference between the XC90 Momentum and the R-Design in ride was marked. Not by much but it changed the body behaviour.

On the other hand my Merc has air - and the air suspension went mental a few times on a brand new car.

So I'm kind of torn on that question at the moment.

Suspension makes a difference to me simply because my journeys involve long distance motorway busting a lot of the time and I'm used to the reasonably smooth ride on the Merc. The XC90 momentum wasn't far off my Merc, but you could tell it was was sprung.

How would you describe on the RX in that respect, between the XC90 Momentum and the RX - which has the least wind noise, road noise, and Motorway poise?

While my XC90 Momentum was often in for repair, I did have regular use of the managers R-Design. My recollection is I preferred the ride of the XC90 Momentum. Personally I would avoid low profile tyres if you want comfort and quietness. For me the R-Design distracted from the XC90's qualities as a comfortable car. Air suspenion with a low profile, over a steel sprung with a high profile, if you want comfort and quietness I would go for the latter. 

As for quietness and comfort on the motorway, it would be close, but the RX would be better. The RX is much more refined in town and traffic due to the qualities of the hybrid drive.

I've owned previous Volvo's, and S60, and a XC70 from new which I was happy with. However since the takeover of Volvo by Geely if relaibility is important to you, I would avoid Volvo. That's backed by the customer satisfaction surveys and my experience.

1 hour ago, AlternativeLUX said:

Hi WipeOut (Nigel), ,

 

You seem to be in the same boat as me to be honest. I can't be dealing with unreliability. My family is young so if I can convince one MiniPerson to sit in the back on long journeys its a win.

I notice the Lexus have upgraded the new RX to a better infotainment system with Android Auto support ( though it , frustratingly uses some of the screen as opposed to Apple going full screen.

Which XC90 did you have? Did it have the Touring Chassis? How does the ride and handling compare? How do road and noise levels compare?

 

Al

 

It was a basic spec XC90 Momentum with standard suspension. My recollection was the XC90 was very mariginally better in the corners (not that any SUV is a sports car), but the ride is better in the Lexus. The Lexus is quieter and more refined due to V6 and Hybrid compared to the diesel. The boot and rear seating is better in the XC90. Lexus reliability is superb. 

While rejecting the Volvo was a right pain in the.... I am happy that because of it I ended up with the Lexus. 

I had a new XC90 nearly two years ago. For a large family it's the better car as far a space and practicality goes.

BUT
I successfully rejected it due to numerous faults, including engine warning / emissions lights and multiple electrical problems. I had use of the managers XC90 more than I used my own. Also the diesel 2.0 4 cyclinder is a bit of clattery unit which although plenty powerful enough doesn't suit the nature of the car. Except for inferior rear seats and poor infortainment system, the RX is a better car. Volvo although slow, accepted the rejection and we came to an agreement.

PS Be aware the 7 seater RX cannot be fitted with a towbar.

According to this you've got a 5.4% chance of making a warranty claim in a year with an average cost £535.  I am going to take my chances and not have a warranty. 

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-8843877/We-reveal-reliable-used-SUVs.html
 

I have a 2019 RX450h with a panaromic roof. I've successfully fitted Whispbars and a large roofbox with no issues. I take the fuse out for the sunroof to stop any chance of someone trying to opening with the roof bars fitted. You need to be more careful when fitting the bars that you don't hit the glass roof!

For most of the UK campsites you'll be fine towing across a field. I've towed on wet grass on inclines and it managed fine.  But it's not a hardcore farmers off road mud plugger!

We have a Travall dog guard which is nicely made, and looks near identical to the original Lexus one.

I have a 2019 with Sat Nav, and had tortuous weekend of it "navigating". I am now going to use Tom Tom on my phone. Even the up to date map is hopelessly out of date! Missing multiple roundabouts built in the last decade.  The software diverted us off main roads and back on again, then the long way around on journeys. Loathsome system.