Listed cargo capacity is 18. The infotainment system interface lacks user-friendly qualities, and basic cupholder ergonomics seem like afterthoughts. Available information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report. Small-item storage up front is limited to the armrest bin, the door pockets and the glovebox. Value in Its Class It has been a little more than four years since , and a lot has changed since then. There is no touch screen, so you have to make adjustments using either the standard knob or the optional mouse-like Remote Touch controller.
Lexus also doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, two features commonly standard in many vehicles in the class. The Editorial department is independent of Cars. Fuel economy is estimated to be 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The Editorial department is independent of Cars. As you can see from the image above, the door trim panels feature the same red leather as the seats. This safety suite includes a pre-collision system forward collision warning combined with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking , lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
There is also red contrast stitching on the center console. Although it operates like a computer mouse, the ultra-sensitive controller is clumsy and distracting to use while driving. The infotainment system interface lacks user-friendly qualities, and basic cupholder ergonomics seem like afterthoughts. Engine makes a ticking noise and sound is in general at too high of a pitch. Beautifully stitched leather and premium soft-touch surfaces abound, and ergonomics are top-notch, thanks to logically arranged buttons on the center stack that fall easily to hand.
Interior Changes inside are relatively minor. For 2017, a number of advanced safety features were added as standard equipment — for not much of a price increase. Last year's redesign saw the gear selector moved from the center dash to a spot in the console below. The taillights have the same shape, but the internal layout has changed. The Hybrid uses the same engine along with an electric motor to deliver 275 horsepower and a whopping 442 pound-feet.
The seat cushion is also a little low, resulting in a slightly knees-raised seating position. With its good legroom and foot space, the backseat is big enough to comfortably seat two adults. The cabin is remarkably enveloping thanks to the high center console, but it never feels cramped from any seat in the house. The transmission works better with the V6, where it readily performed both part-throttle downshifts and full-throttle kickdowns. Available options include a navigation system with a 10. Rest assured, you'll still get that elevated view of the road that makes crossovers so popular. The driver and passengers will surely find it comfortable and serene.
Exterior and interior design elements are also upgraded, including special instrumentation and F Sport heated front seats. With it, they come wrapped in semi-aniline leather and have power lower cushion lengtheners, making these the most comfortable seats in the whole lineup. The infotainment system is placed high on the dashboard so you don't have to take your eyes far off the road to read it. Available features include a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, ventilated and heated front seats, power-folding and heated rear seats, and leather upholstery. The , Giulia and were much more entertaining sedans. The three tether anchors are easy to access and connect. Gas pedal response is very gradual, and power comes on much more slowly than it does in competitors like the , and.
It is mated to a Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. However, it has a difficult-to-use infotainment system, which takes away from the overall appeal. They are back by a black trim insert that gives the appearance of unlimited depth. Other standard amenities include a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and Lexus Safety System+. I am curious to see what Lexus does with the pricing point, though. Graphically, the system is pleasing, but your blood might begin to boil as soon as you have to work through Enform's menus. However, the patterned-plastic and silver-colored surfaces look cheap — a problem magnified by competitors like the A4, which includes standard aluminum trim.
Navigation is too low, and you cannot manipulate it while moving. However, the seat belt buckles are sunk into the seat cushion, and kids in booster seats may have difficulty buckling in on their own. The biggest issue with Remote Touch is its freeform nature, which creates problems in a moving car. In addition, my back-seat passenger was also pleased with the amount of comfort she felt after our extended Sunday drive. On the inside, the infotainment display screen has received an update, and there are a few other refinements within the cabin. With it, they come wrapped in semi-aniline leather and have power lower cushion lengtheners, making these the most comfortable seats in the whole lineup.
Down below, the same shark-fin-shaped reflectors are on each corner. Although it operates like a computer mouse, the ultra-sensitive controller is clumsy and distracting to use while driving. On the down side, the infotainment system can be frustrating for the driver to use, and the trunk is one of the smallest in the class. Otherwise, the ride is comfortable, controlled and well-suited for long-distance cruising. New for 2017 is the standard Lexus Safety System, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and lane keep assist. The info panel in the dash is too small, so you have to scroll through several options to find what you are looking for. Compare the Lexus with the , LaCrosse and a more traditional compact luxury offering, the ,.
The unevenness limits what you can carry with the seats down. Otherwise, the ride is comfortable, controlled and well-suited for long-distance cruising. In keeping with the current Lexus styling theme, the center stack sits flush with the rest of the dash, improving accessibility and aesthetics. The subjective scores and objective performance numbers from our comp. That includes a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, as well as a lane departure warning system with steering assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.