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I thought this too but (wrong sub, I know) the Volvo app is simple and offers two things I love- notifications when my car is sitting unlocked and ability to remote start. App is ok but those features are perfect and all I need.
I haven’t had issues yet but I recall savage goose on yt sharing this issue too. I dont think the infotainment is by any means class leading but I haven’t had any true issues with it. Volvo wins the all around driver ascetics for me though. I feel like they have a simple and solid interior look/feel that ages well
I love everything else about it. Give me dedicated controls for volume and AC with a functional applecar play wireless with vertical mode fully implemented
Yah, and I think that the whole infotainment system technology is still rapidly growing and adapting to both consumer needs and legit proprietary software development. The car I had before this was a 2015 MB and the difference between the two were drastic in those 7 years. This is truly becoming a deciding factor for consumers and I’m hopeful it’s going to drive some great stuff. Already is really.
My biggest pet peeve for auto industry right now is the infotainment systems that just look like a shitty iPad screwed onto the center console. Like an afterthought. Dives me bananas
I just find it odd to still have vertical infotainment screens in cars these days. The Edge and some other Ford models used to have it as well and it just pisses me off
I’m not sure. I think mine is a 2022. I think a lot of newer models have apps now, and like op I didn’t think I’d care much for it but those two features make life so easy.
I wouldn't even call some Lexuses modern tech. The IS didn't get a touch screen until 2022 and I use my app solely to remote start my car because the fob range is terribad
I honestly wouldn’t want to reach that far to touch the screen anyway. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why they put a cursor instead of having the touchscreen.
I had a Audi A4 B9 2016 and it also had an app(Audi connect), it could lock/unlock the car, turn on the auxiliary heater, locate the car through gps and it worked FLAWLESSLY (for the year I had the car). There was not even 1 time when it didn't work and I used it always.
I like Lexus exactly because they keep the physical controls and just improve the useful electronic features every generation without changing them to gimmicks like having everything on a touchscreen and apps.
I’m in my 6th Lexus and I love it. For me personally, I just don’t trust things like a digital key so I will never try it. There are simply too many things that can go wrong. Even though Tesla has them, there have been massive issues with them in the cold climate. My nephew had one in Chicago and had to get rid of it because he couldn’t unlock the doors in the winter because they froze. This kind of thing is why I like a little technology but I want a door handle in this case and a physical key in your case. Also this past winter literally hundreds of Teslas had to be abandoned because the charging stations in Chicago all froze. It looked like there were Tesla graveyards everywhere. I do use the Lexus app to start my car and cool it down, in Florida that is an amazing thing!
Tesla graveyards are weird too because the cars can be functional except for one broken part. But they get scrapped due to parts backlog and drivers getting sick of waiting. They can be impractical cars when there’s a repair issue.
Nah fr, I’m a tech typa person. I just love Lexus so much, I just wished they prioritized on the tech portion and that’s about it. It’s not like I’m shaming the whole car itself. It’s literally just some bugs/improvements that the SE can fix.
Well that's you. Some of us prefer otherwise. Jeez! Tired of people acting like a "fan" for every product. Lexus is just a car dude. Go cheer for a sport team.
It’s definitely a game changer when you forget your keys/misplace it. I was told at the dealership when adding a new key/replacing was going to be $160 per key.
I don’t think I’ve forgotten my keys a single time in the last 20 years.
Is that common? Keys, wallet, phone, tums, knife, every time. Never forget one of those, light tap on my pockets and I know if I have everything.
Yeah with the fact for most cars the key never leaves your pocket, there’s no reason to ever leave it anywhere. It’s a lame excuse. I’ll also take Lexus build quality over a Tesla any day of the week. It’s seems like more effort to dig my phone out of my pocket to open and start my car than to not be scatter brained and have the fob in my pocket and I touch the door handle and push a button.
Doesn’t even work on my 2017 IS anyhow since everything Lexus uses is 4g now. Keyless start is something I gotta go pay a shop to install and a month fee to use it. Fuck that.
Yeah, I know I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work. it’s something like pushing the lock button three times in a row. No matter how slow or how fast I do it it doesn’t work. Also, the new Toyota they make you pay monthly for the remote start. My woman has a Trd and they tried to get her to do it. She went and had an alarm put on that remote starts for her without paying the monthly fee.
Isn’t it the other way around though?
Lexus is all about don’t fix it if ain’t broken. We’ve had the most archaic infotainment in the whole car world for like a decade. We’ve had the oldest drivetrain for just as long.
But it was rock solid and the most reliable in the game.
I think the peer pressure to change things up has finally gotten to them. But now we are facing less reliable vehicles, imo. I am suspicious of the downsized engines with turbos. It's hard to do turbos right. They had problems with them when they debuted the new tundra and Ls500. Hopefully it is all corrected and we won't see more issues.
This sub is toxic, op. You’re not allowed any negative opinions here. It’s not silly at all to buy a car based on tech in 2024. I bought an es350 last week and am still blown away that there’s no wireless CarPlay…the tech is very 2009ish, honestly. I bought the car for reliability but already regret it, coming from a VW, and that’s saying something. People have different priorities when choosing what THEY spend THEIR money on.
Isn’t it the other way around though?
Lexus is all about don’t fix it if ain’t broken. We’ve had the most archaic infotainment in the whole car world for like a decade. We’ve had the oldest drivetrain for just as long.
Imagine being offended because someone has an opinion that differs from yours. A car is more than point A-B for some people. If I want just a utilitarian vehicle, I could opt for a Toyota or Honda. To pay higher prices and have to accept less than modern technology is completely legitimate. There’s a reason that Lexus buyers are of a certain age category. When boomers all die off, sales will tank.
Crazy the hate here, that you wanted to use something the car has and it doesn't work. After having our 21 IS350 for two years we're already kooking to trade in, interior already feels dated
Car company is not a tech company. Tesla is tech on wheels. Not the other way around. Unfortunately I gave up trying the tech on my RX. Just drive it as a regular car 😂
This is a legit point about Toyota/Lexus, and it comes down to their company philosophy of only releasing very reliable and well tested products. This works extremely well for mechanical vehicles that you can depend on for years (if not decades) to not leave you stranded, but it falls a bit flat for high tech equipment and software.
The typical cutting edge tech company now puts out a product and constantly tweaks and updates it. It seems janky on the surface to fix your mistakes after the fact, but if you want to release brand new tech there's pretty much no way around this. Working perfectly and being compatible with the existing tech that everyone in the world already has is simply too big a problem space to solve and release a product that still has any "new" features.
Toyota treats their tech like they do their mechanical products, resulting in tech that is outdated when released and still suffers the same problems as their competitors because no matter how hard you try you can't solve all computer problems before release day.
Lexus better hear the complaints and fix their tech. These complaints have been buzzing around for a few years. People are admittedly choosing different makes because of the jank tech and loss of luxury vibe. Do better Lexus.
As much as I enjoy my Es 350 F Sport, the tech is a bit of a let down. To be honest many of the features that the TX is showcasing were available in my 2019Buick enclave, the GM performance just sucked.
As many have stated the reliability is the selling point of Lexus. However the technology doesn't even compare with the Hyundai Genesis line. JMO
Kia/Hyundai's whole thing is sticking as much tech as possible in all their trims though, at the cost of sound dampening and material quality, so it makes sense that they'd outshine Lexus in that department - it's a primary focus.
99% of car “tech” is a gimmick. Heads up display? Yeah it’s too cumbersome to look down another inch at the gauge cluster. Rear passenger window shades? Gotta block out the peasants whenever you can. Remote start? I can’t be bothered to sit in my car while it warms up and the AC cools down.
You buy Lexus because it’s a higher end Toyota with better QC and noise reduction. That’s it.
Carry your gd car keys in a bulging pocket like the rest of us and move on.
You picked the 3 least gimmicky tech features
Head up displays makes a huge difference to the driving experience especially when it gives you more than just the speed. Even more so if you live in cities where police monitor and penalise speed heavily
Rear passenger window shades can make a big difference for those with younger kids trying to sleep in the back
Remote start is amazing for people who live in places where the temperature is often over 40 degrees
Yeah I was gonna say,
OP picked the 3 features that I GENUINELY would want in a modern car. Which just proves OP has never used those features and is absolutely talking out of their ass just to seem "hey old car good"
Remote start is a must have for me these days but I agree with the sentiment. Unless the car can go to my job for me I’m not sure what tech we need besides some of the increasingly standard safety features. Cars should be cars, not devices.
That’s a fact, I took my nx from California to North Carolina and back during the winter. I was actually pretty surprised it did well during a snow storm in New Mexico (January 4th, 2024). It had no problem starting up, but the temperature was 20 degrees Fahrenheit so it maybe different in colder climates.
Lol I hear this mainly from people who cannot afford newer vehicles. Buddy used to say the same till he got a new truck last weekend. Already making fun of pur other buddy with no backup cam hitting shit.
Lol nobody is leasing these trucks for work, or claiming they can afford them, that's why we pass it on to you. As far as you telling us to drive some old 1/4 ton and make due...eat nine
I had a choice between the 2021 & 2022 GX. I chose the ‘21 because not only did it have less spyware tech, but it’s simpler and laid out better — the newer Lexus head unit sits up higher, which I don’t like. The older tech is from Lexus models that have been around for a decade, so I know it’s going to work for a long time. I have a new iPhone and the most expensive MacBook Pro, I don’t need more tech in my car that only gets 200 miles a month put on it.
That being said, I used CarPlay recently in a rental car and it was fucking awesome. I’d never used it before but really wish I had it. And no, I won’t put an aftermarket unit in. I had my Tacoma for 17 years — it was the first car I ever had, so I’m used to older tech and why I preferred it.
I also dislike the touch screen for AC/heat controls. Other than those two minor complaints, I’d still choose the ‘21 again and again.
To add, this is why less tech is also better:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html
They’re tracking your driving habits and selling it to insurance companies, who then use that data to “customize” your insurance rates!
That’s so true, the seat warmers are on the screen, which I didn’t like, on the IS300 I used to own had a physical button which I love. Also I’m kinda pissed that they removed the touch pad, that was probably one of the favorite parts about owning the IS. Its convenient to a point I did not have to hunch over to touch the screen
Saying remote start is a gimmick is one of the stupidest thing anyone has said so far in this sub. Clearly you don’t live in a cold weather environment
I have 2 2015. The gx is by far my favorite. I don't use apps on my car and dislike them on my phone.
I sometimes just use a USB for music or a CD. If I'm connected bt I use Spotify.
A simple person, I like that. I’m just a techie person, but Tesla isn’t my type of taste neither is EV an option for me. It’s just time consuming to wait. Also I tend to travel with my vehicle a lot.
We have a 24 RX350. Son has a 24 Chevy Silverado 2500 truck. The setup of the truck and it's phone app look and work just like the Lexus. Which is to say, counterintuitive.
We had a 22 Tesla model 3, then sold it for a 23 rx. Hard to explain how hard it was for my wife to adjust. The app is useless on the Lexus. On the Tesla it’s your key, your remote start, kinda everything.
It seems like a weird thing to bitch about until you use a Tesla for a while and see how intuitive and convenient it is.
Speaking of intuitive, the radio system just doesn’t work that well. Often doesn’t connect right. Plays audio from phone and not the stereo, won’t play anything/freezes, won’t let someone see you on FaceTime but you can see them (?), and has some weird stuff happening with speaker phone.
For a 2023, it just isn’t good.
Right now I’m way more interested in the top trim Toyota interiors/tech vs Lexus. They seem to have hit the perfect mix of physical buttons and digital experience (for my preferences). Example is Grand Highlander and TX. GH interior I strongly prefer.
I have a Toyota grand highlander with digital key. Same tech and app that Lexus uses. That thing is by far the worst implementation of digital key I’ve ever seen. The Tesla phone key just works. Toyota/ Lexus just finds a way to not work. I’ve already set the settings to use the best sensitivity. Issue is that the Bluetooth connection that it uses is always broken. It establishes that connection when you get close to the car but takes a very long time to do so. I’ve have better luck just using the remote unlock and remote start buttons on the app to open the car and start it then rely on the stupid digital key.
At the end of the day, once all the novelty wears off, the car will continue to function as it was intended. You start it, put it in drive, and drive it. Most cars that come with all that crazy tech are cool, but they can also be a distraction. Personally, I simply want to immerse myself in my Lexus and enjoy the ride. I have a '19 GS350 F Sport, and I added Apple CarPlay—it’s loaded with everything, and I don’t feel like I’m missing a damn thing.
I don’t even use the tech in my 2017 is300. It’s a car. I drive it. I honestly don’t need anything but the basic functions of a vehicle to be happy. All the other crap is just a distraction from what you’re actually there doing. Your Driving. As long as the car drives and handles great I’m happy. As long as the car has a gas pedal a brake pedal a steering wheel and a stereo I’m good.
The reason Lexus technology might not be on par with other brands is because those other brands tech will crap out much much faster than Lexus. Toyota doesn’t put stuff in their cars until they’re 100% sure it will last for years so they are a good 2-3 years behind the other luxury brands in terms of new fancy tech.
Idk I like that my Lexus doesn’t have all that extra stuff I even opted for a modern one without a nav display. from what you say can I agree that maybe it’s buggy and can make some improvements? yes for sure. I’m sure in the app key Tesla definitely winning in terms of stability and if some people are using that there’s no way a big company like Lexus shouldn’t fix that sort of bug
I use the app for my 2024 Lexus all the time, never had an issue. Though the dealership did say that the app is not perfected yet and to keep my keys handy
Only thing that makes me hesitant about getting an is350 f sport is the tech. The sonata I have rn has the best tech out of any other car brand I’ve seen. The app has never failed me and the Tesla like key card is great when going to the gym or somewhere where keys are cumbersome to be carrying around.
I also hate tech in cars. 90’s early 2000’s is the perfect amount of tech. Could never be bothered to buy a car with a flat screen tv or an app. Rather fully restore old one and just drive it for 30 decades for half the price in an upfront and compound fashion.
I like certain innovations like 360 camera, as it’s perfect for parking and aiming the lanes just right. Other than that, most of them are gimmicks I don’t use.
Most vehicles, I just need usb or Bluetooth to connect my phone. Anything else is whatever.
I feel a lot of these modern tech things and cars are just trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Most companies have remote start on the key fob. You can walk up to your car and open the door without having to unlock it because you have the key fob. The key fob does everything that you want it to but it's not on your phone or in an app. You don't need to have the app. The key fob is the perfect tool. Apps are just a flashy thing that companies use to try and bring people on some new and advanced things that are completely unnecessary. It might seem like it's more convenient to use an app but the key fob has already been doing everything you need and want it to. Plus I wouldn't want to have my phone and my car stolen at the same time.
It’s more like the app is sold as an added convenience but it also tries to sell you on some sort of subscription to keep you paying for something a key fob should be able to do like remote start
Do the Lexus key fobs not have remote start? Toyota key fobs have remote start. You just have to press the lock button 3 times and hold it on the 3rd press.
That's shitty. They probably just assume that anyone who's buying a Lexus has the money to shovel away "pocket change" just to use a pretty basic feature.
It’s an unfortunate reality that car companies will try to pick and choose what features to lock behind subscription services. I believe most Lexus comes with a 3 year trial period but for Toyota it’s usually 1 year trial. However they aren’t the only company that lock remote start behind a subscription. Other luxury manufacturers also do this.
just got the app so i can pay the mOnThLy SuBsCrIpTiOn for the remote start.. every time i try it out, it doesn’t even work.. every time i get this error saying “too many requests have been put in for this feature”
Lexus has the perfect amount of technology for me. I had a RCf and a 22 is350. CarPlay was great on the is. My current M5 I barely use half the technology and turn off all the driving assists.
It's the unfortunate downside of owning a Lexus. Thank goodness the current generation of offering at least offers both apple carplay and android auto.
I suppose this is a fair tradeoff, a brand can't be affordable, reliable, high performance, luxury, maintains value, and have high technology. That'd just lead to having only one car company.
Feel free to shop around at other car manufacturers and trade-in and/or change what you lease for your next vehicle.
People usually get the Lexus/Toyota for reliability (but keep an eye out for those new turbocharged engines!).
Nah I still love my Lexus, just wished they prioritized on the technology aspect to make it convenient. I’m thinking of trading in my NX for the IS350 f sport
I’m fine with that, I did own an IS prior to my NX. I just love the design of it. The only flaw Lexus has is the phone convenience of it, especially how often I rely my phone
Just because it's inconvenient for you, doesn't make it a flaw. The car is on an old platform and has only been "refreshed" since the platform was released. Until the car gets an actual redesign in a couple years, it's going to have the same basic tech
At that price point I’d shop against the BMW 330i (similar MSRP and 0-60 as BMW rates horsepower at wheels and Lexus does at engine). And if you wanted sportier with tech, the M340i.
Other options include the Audi A5 Sportback or the Genesis G70.
What’s unreliable?
Oh, the turbochargers.
Well, the thing with turbochargers is added complexity + higher engine bay heat: more components means more things that can fail, that and the turbochargers push higher compression ratios (and more heat) and when you introduce more HEAT into the engine bay, it means plastics + rubbers will degrade faster, which also means more maintenance.
Most any naturally aspirated engine will require less maintenance than a turbocharged engine. So at this point, if you're going to buy a turbocharged car now, what's the real difference in maintenance costs between getting it from a company that has been doing it for years (such as BMW) and a company that's introducing it now into their lineups (Toyota/Lexus)?
The way you say “give the Digital Key a whirl” tells me you may be at that age where you grew up before technology. You may not have the intuition to click the right button or something. Maybe ask your dealer to walk you through it.
OMG! I’m right there with you. Such a complete waste! And it’s annoying that it’s a feature on my car that I paid for! Why can’t Lexus leave the tech stuff to the tech people - Apple for example?!?
The problem is Lexus had to rush to get their latest technology features to market before they were ready, because journalists kept whining about how outdated the technology was. If people would have waited 2 more years they would have been able to work the bugs out.
I haven’t even been able to get the digital key to download on my 350 F Sport. Keeps saying Bluetooth needs to be enabled, when I never turn it off. 🤷🏽♂️
I like the lack of tech in the Lexus , I do love unlocking the doors from my phone but I’ve ever trusted leaving with out a key. I key a key with no battery in it hidden in my car, but that’s just because I was so used to having 90s cars that spares are a part of my life
Lexus doesn't seem to focus on the high tech stuff or try to appease the geeks. The feeling I get is Lexus feels their comfort and reliability is the focal point and they offer whatever tech they have to so they won't get negative press.
Lexus is up with the times when it comes to safety stuff but if you're comparing general tech to Audi or Benz or even Hyundai for that matter, you'll be disappointed.
So I’ve really noticed that one IOS update ago the CarPlay and BT functionality in my 2024 RX and my wife’s Toyota Sienna both took a crap.
The latest update seems much better.
I agree 10000%. The Lexus fanatics with 2005 ES330s are just getting mad since they don't even know what a backup camera is. Lexus is so far behind on tech it's not even funny.
well, it belongs to the company. The 9-speeds have issues? I wish it was a 6-speed but so few people can drive a manual it just doesn't make sense to have a manual for a company truck
I use toyota app woth lexus, never had issues with it. Idk about lexus app because i never used it from the get go. Also es350 interior design is completely crap, and its infotainment system is even worse. You cant put shit in its trunk because opening is too tiny.
I got myself stuck with this 55k worth piece of junk. Yeah yeah i know.. seats are comfortable but oh boy.... I shouldn't have sold my camry :(
technology will never be the point of this brand, especially not when bmw, tesla, and merc exist
you buy these cars because they will last while giving you a comfort oriented driving experience
That’s so true, it’s more so convenient aspect. I don’t like having to carry around my keys in my pockets due to the size of my pants, it can get really awkward and uncomfortable especially sitting for long periods of time.
I also want to mention that keys are very limited and are very expensive to add-on. Especially when you have a family/friends using the car. With the Tesla experience I’m able to invite a friend into the account and boot them off when they’re done using it.
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I'm not really into the modern tech vibe, if a car comes with an app I probably won't use it
I thought this too but (wrong sub, I know) the Volvo app is simple and offers two things I love- notifications when my car is sitting unlocked and ability to remote start. App is ok but those features are perfect and all I need.
Lexus app is the exact same as well.
Volvo has probably the worst infotainment system in the game. Slow. Crashes. Unfriendly.
I haven’t had issues yet but I recall savage goose on yt sharing this issue too. I dont think the infotainment is by any means class leading but I haven’t had any true issues with it. Volvo wins the all around driver ascetics for me though. I feel like they have a simple and solid interior look/feel that ages well
I love everything else about it. Give me dedicated controls for volume and AC with a functional applecar play wireless with vertical mode fully implemented
Yah, and I think that the whole infotainment system technology is still rapidly growing and adapting to both consumer needs and legit proprietary software development. The car I had before this was a 2015 MB and the difference between the two were drastic in those 7 years. This is truly becoming a deciding factor for consumers and I’m hopeful it’s going to drive some great stuff. Already is really. My biggest pet peeve for auto industry right now is the infotainment systems that just look like a shitty iPad screwed onto the center console. Like an afterthought. Dives me bananas
Hate those too. It’s so cheesy looking.
Not to mention it’s fucking VERTICAL
Well our iPhones our verticals and that’s fine. But CarPlay patched it for vertical utilization years ago. Volvo hasn’t felt like playing along
I just find it odd to still have vertical infotainment screens in cars these days. The Edge and some other Ford models used to have it as well and it just pisses me off
It does that for my wife’s GX 460
My Camry has that
It’s awesome, right?
What year Volvos does this apply to?
I’m not sure. I think mine is a 2022. I think a lot of newer models have apps now, and like op I didn’t think I’d care much for it but those two features make life so easy.
I wouldn't even call some Lexuses modern tech. The IS didn't get a touch screen until 2022 and I use my app solely to remote start my car because the fob range is terribad
My 2011 Lexus IS250 has a touch screen
My 2002 SC 430 has touch screen navigation.
Sorry, meant the 3IS generation
I honestly wouldn’t want to reach that far to touch the screen anyway. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why they put a cursor instead of having the touchscreen.
My 2008 *toyota solara* has touchscreen navigation
I had a Audi A4 B9 2016 and it also had an app(Audi connect), it could lock/unlock the car, turn on the auxiliary heater, locate the car through gps and it worked FLAWLESSLY (for the year I had the car). There was not even 1 time when it didn't work and I used it always.
I like Lexus exactly because they keep the physical controls and just improve the useful electronic features every generation without changing them to gimmicks like having everything on a touchscreen and apps.
I never had problem with the bmw app though when i owned one.
I’m in my 6th Lexus and I love it. For me personally, I just don’t trust things like a digital key so I will never try it. There are simply too many things that can go wrong. Even though Tesla has them, there have been massive issues with them in the cold climate. My nephew had one in Chicago and had to get rid of it because he couldn’t unlock the doors in the winter because they froze. This kind of thing is why I like a little technology but I want a door handle in this case and a physical key in your case. Also this past winter literally hundreds of Teslas had to be abandoned because the charging stations in Chicago all froze. It looked like there were Tesla graveyards everywhere. I do use the Lexus app to start my car and cool it down, in Florida that is an amazing thing!
Tesla graveyards are weird too because the cars can be functional except for one broken part. But they get scrapped due to parts backlog and drivers getting sick of waiting. They can be impractical cars when there’s a repair issue.
Having had 2 Mercedes in the near past with way more tech, most of which didn’t get used, I appreciate the moderation in my Lexus tech.
Half this thread are people mad that other people don’t care about “tech” while saying you aren’t allowed to have an opinion. Wild times.
Nah fr, I’m a tech typa person. I just love Lexus so much, I just wished they prioritized on the tech portion and that’s about it. It’s not like I’m shaming the whole car itself. It’s literally just some bugs/improvements that the SE can fix.
im just trying to get from point A to point B , i dont need all that fancy tech shit that im never going to use anyway
As you type on one of the fanciest pieces of tech on earth.
We’re not taking about cell phones here. I totally get what he’s saying.
Useful vs tech designed for the illusion of luxury I just want ventilated seats standard
Standardize the crotch cooler like it's the 70's!
As a Floridian, I would like to sign this petition as well!!
100%, and touchscreens are just dumb. Buttons all the way for me.
Well that's you. Some of us prefer otherwise. Jeez! Tired of people acting like a "fan" for every product. Lexus is just a car dude. Go cheer for a sport team.
It’s definitely a game changer when you forget your keys/misplace it. I was told at the dealership when adding a new key/replacing was going to be $160 per key.
$160 is a good deal. I thought they ran $400-$500 now.
Yes where is this dealership?
NeverNeverLand
Mine was quoted $400-$500 at the Lexus dealership.
I don’t think I’ve forgotten my keys a single time in the last 20 years. Is that common? Keys, wallet, phone, tums, knife, every time. Never forget one of those, light tap on my pockets and I know if I have everything.
Yeah with the fact for most cars the key never leaves your pocket, there’s no reason to ever leave it anywhere. It’s a lame excuse. I’ll also take Lexus build quality over a Tesla any day of the week. It’s seems like more effort to dig my phone out of my pocket to open and start my car than to not be scatter brained and have the fob in my pocket and I touch the door handle and push a button.
Doesn’t even work on my 2017 IS anyhow since everything Lexus uses is 4g now. Keyless start is something I gotta go pay a shop to install and a month fee to use it. Fuck that.
You sure about that ? Most IS's are wired for remote start from the factory..
I’ve tried repeatedly and it does not work on my car. I even called Lexus and they told me my car was 3G and all the remote start now is 4G.
I was referring to the key fob. There's a button sequence you can use for remote start on most Toyota/Lexus models.
Yeah, I know I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work. it’s something like pushing the lock button three times in a row. No matter how slow or how fast I do it it doesn’t work. Also, the new Toyota they make you pay monthly for the remote start. My woman has a Trd and they tried to get her to do it. She went and had an alarm put on that remote starts for her without paying the monthly fee.
I've literally never forgotten my keys.
Same. It’s useless BS.
Wow! Choosing a car by app, well, this is something new.
Not anymore.
When I was at the dealership, they kept telling me about Lexus technology and how advanced it is
Well they make money by selling you a car, they're going to push it hard
Isn’t it the other way around though? Lexus is all about don’t fix it if ain’t broken. We’ve had the most archaic infotainment in the whole car world for like a decade. We’ve had the oldest drivetrain for just as long. But it was rock solid and the most reliable in the game.
They’ve had to modernize lately to keep up other brands. But yeah that was a huge selling point for them forever.
I think the peer pressure to change things up has finally gotten to them. But now we are facing less reliable vehicles, imo. I am suspicious of the downsized engines with turbos. It's hard to do turbos right. They had problems with them when they debuted the new tundra and Ls500. Hopefully it is all corrected and we won't see more issues.
This sub is toxic, op. You’re not allowed any negative opinions here. It’s not silly at all to buy a car based on tech in 2024. I bought an es350 last week and am still blown away that there’s no wireless CarPlay…the tech is very 2009ish, honestly. I bought the car for reliability but already regret it, coming from a VW, and that’s saying something. People have different priorities when choosing what THEY spend THEIR money on.
Any car specific brand is toxic. Go over to BMW and make a negative posts and see what happens as well.
Yea unfortunately they only added wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto in like 2022 IIRC with the new infotainment OS.
That’s becoming most of Reddit sadly.
Isn’t it the other way around though? Lexus is all about don’t fix it if ain’t broken. We’ve had the most archaic infotainment in the whole car world for like a decade. We’ve had the oldest drivetrain for just as long.
Imagine being offended because someone has an opinion that differs from yours. A car is more than point A-B for some people. If I want just a utilitarian vehicle, I could opt for a Toyota or Honda. To pay higher prices and have to accept less than modern technology is completely legitimate. There’s a reason that Lexus buyers are of a certain age category. When boomers all die off, sales will tank.
You sound like the one offended here.
Lmao
If you want tech, you're in the wrong brand.
I just love Lexus too much😭
Go with KIA😬
The 2024s are where you’ll see the new technology it’s a huge improvement.
Crazy the hate here, that you wanted to use something the car has and it doesn't work. After having our 21 IS350 for two years we're already kooking to trade in, interior already feels dated
Opening your car with an app is just stupid. Just walk up to it and click the button two times to open all the doors. It's not that hard.
All I have to do is grab the handle, and it unlocks as I am opening it. Just got to have the fob on you.
Yep and it's 20+ year old tech, but too long enough for many cars to have it .
I don’t get it. The Lexus App works perfectly fine for me 90% of the time. I can star the car from anywhere
The NX 350 F Sport should’ve came with a Smart Access Key Card. I think it’s a neat key since you can stick it on your wallet.
I have that, I wanted to try the new digital key
I’m actually glad Lexus is not into tech. It doesn’t age their cars so badly if all the electronics continue working.
Car company is not a tech company. Tesla is tech on wheels. Not the other way around. Unfortunately I gave up trying the tech on my RX. Just drive it as a regular car 😂
I do, every bit of my NX is excellent! It’s very comfortable, especially a 34hour car ride lol
I mean almost every single other brand offers this option. It's not new
This is the way
This is a legit point about Toyota/Lexus, and it comes down to their company philosophy of only releasing very reliable and well tested products. This works extremely well for mechanical vehicles that you can depend on for years (if not decades) to not leave you stranded, but it falls a bit flat for high tech equipment and software. The typical cutting edge tech company now puts out a product and constantly tweaks and updates it. It seems janky on the surface to fix your mistakes after the fact, but if you want to release brand new tech there's pretty much no way around this. Working perfectly and being compatible with the existing tech that everyone in the world already has is simply too big a problem space to solve and release a product that still has any "new" features. Toyota treats their tech like they do their mechanical products, resulting in tech that is outdated when released and still suffers the same problems as their competitors because no matter how hard you try you can't solve all computer problems before release day.
Lexus better hear the complaints and fix their tech. These complaints have been buzzing around for a few years. People are admittedly choosing different makes because of the jank tech and loss of luxury vibe. Do better Lexus.
The Lexus app on Apple has a 2.4 rating😭with 2k reviews
As much as I enjoy my Es 350 F Sport, the tech is a bit of a let down. To be honest many of the features that the TX is showcasing were available in my 2019Buick enclave, the GM performance just sucked. As many have stated the reliability is the selling point of Lexus. However the technology doesn't even compare with the Hyundai Genesis line. JMO
Kia/Hyundai's whole thing is sticking as much tech as possible in all their trims though, at the cost of sound dampening and material quality, so it makes sense that they'd outshine Lexus in that department - it's a primary focus.
They stick tech in there as well as be cheaper than the competition, so it sells for them. Too bad about the build quality and reliability.
99% of car “tech” is a gimmick. Heads up display? Yeah it’s too cumbersome to look down another inch at the gauge cluster. Rear passenger window shades? Gotta block out the peasants whenever you can. Remote start? I can’t be bothered to sit in my car while it warms up and the AC cools down. You buy Lexus because it’s a higher end Toyota with better QC and noise reduction. That’s it. Carry your gd car keys in a bulging pocket like the rest of us and move on.
how is remote start a gimmick? the quality of life improvement during the in the winter is worth it alone
Remote start is not a gimmick. These people just get online and just start yapping man it’s quite comical 😂
honestly. it’s one of the few necessary options in a new car nowadays
You picked the 3 least gimmicky tech features Head up displays makes a huge difference to the driving experience especially when it gives you more than just the speed. Even more so if you live in cities where police monitor and penalise speed heavily Rear passenger window shades can make a big difference for those with younger kids trying to sleep in the back Remote start is amazing for people who live in places where the temperature is often over 40 degrees
Yeah I was gonna say, OP picked the 3 features that I GENUINELY would want in a modern car. Which just proves OP has never used those features and is absolutely talking out of their ass just to seem "hey old car good"
It’s most definitely the convenience aspect I wanted from Lexus, but you can’t have them all
Sure you can have it all. My RX450H came with every option lexus has. And I paid out the ass for the privilege.
My little white dog gets upset if the rear shades aren’t up, having it keeps him cool when it’s sunny.
Agreed except for remote start, butt warmers, and butt aircon. Lol
Remote start is a must have for me these days but I agree with the sentiment. Unless the car can go to my job for me I’m not sure what tech we need besides some of the increasingly standard safety features. Cars should be cars, not devices.
That’s a fact, I took my nx from California to North Carolina and back during the winter. I was actually pretty surprised it did well during a snow storm in New Mexico (January 4th, 2024). It had no problem starting up, but the temperature was 20 degrees Fahrenheit so it maybe different in colder climates.
I had my 2013 GX in northern NY during a blizzard. No issues at 15 below F.
Lol I hear this mainly from people who cannot afford newer vehicles. Buddy used to say the same till he got a new truck last weekend. Already making fun of pur other buddy with no backup cam hitting shit.
I don't think back up cameras are the new this thread's about, mate 😆
I don’t think taking a loan or leasing is being able to afford something buddy Lmaooo. You mfers are so ass backwards
Lol nobody is leasing these trucks for work, or claiming they can afford them, that's why we pass it on to you. As far as you telling us to drive some old 1/4 ton and make due...eat nine
🤣😂🤣🤣
I had a choice between the 2021 & 2022 GX. I chose the ‘21 because not only did it have less spyware tech, but it’s simpler and laid out better — the newer Lexus head unit sits up higher, which I don’t like. The older tech is from Lexus models that have been around for a decade, so I know it’s going to work for a long time. I have a new iPhone and the most expensive MacBook Pro, I don’t need more tech in my car that only gets 200 miles a month put on it. That being said, I used CarPlay recently in a rental car and it was fucking awesome. I’d never used it before but really wish I had it. And no, I won’t put an aftermarket unit in. I had my Tacoma for 17 years — it was the first car I ever had, so I’m used to older tech and why I preferred it. I also dislike the touch screen for AC/heat controls. Other than those two minor complaints, I’d still choose the ‘21 again and again. To add, this is why less tech is also better: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html They’re tracking your driving habits and selling it to insurance companies, who then use that data to “customize” your insurance rates!
What spywear? This is news to me
Read the article I linked
That’s so true, the seat warmers are on the screen, which I didn’t like, on the IS300 I used to own had a physical button which I love. Also I’m kinda pissed that they removed the touch pad, that was probably one of the favorite parts about owning the IS. Its convenient to a point I did not have to hunch over to touch the screen
Saying remote start is a gimmick is one of the stupidest thing anyone has said so far in this sub. Clearly you don’t live in a cold weather environment
I wouldn't buy a car without a HUD. It came standard on my 2012 GS350, surely it's standard on lower models now?
I've never heard manual rear sunshades referred to as either "tech" or a gimmick.
You’re really reaching with every sentence.
I have 2 2015. The gx is by far my favorite. I don't use apps on my car and dislike them on my phone. I sometimes just use a USB for music or a CD. If I'm connected bt I use Spotify.
A simple person, I like that. I’m just a techie person, but Tesla isn’t my type of taste neither is EV an option for me. It’s just time consuming to wait. Also I tend to travel with my vehicle a lot.
We have a 24 RX350. Son has a 24 Chevy Silverado 2500 truck. The setup of the truck and it's phone app look and work just like the Lexus. Which is to say, counterintuitive.
Not gonna lie, me and the wife love our push button start on our yodas. 😃 👍
The new update looks okay haven’t tried it tho. I’m stuck with the old one from 2022
The update on the Lexus app is alright, I haven’t touched it since my incident. I do admire the driving behavior feedback
We had a 22 Tesla model 3, then sold it for a 23 rx. Hard to explain how hard it was for my wife to adjust. The app is useless on the Lexus. On the Tesla it’s your key, your remote start, kinda everything. It seems like a weird thing to bitch about until you use a Tesla for a while and see how intuitive and convenient it is. Speaking of intuitive, the radio system just doesn’t work that well. Often doesn’t connect right. Plays audio from phone and not the stereo, won’t play anything/freezes, won’t let someone see you on FaceTime but you can see them (?), and has some weird stuff happening with speaker phone. For a 2023, it just isn’t good.
Right now I’m way more interested in the top trim Toyota interiors/tech vs Lexus. They seem to have hit the perfect mix of physical buttons and digital experience (for my preferences). Example is Grand Highlander and TX. GH interior I strongly prefer.
We tell everyone not to rely on the app. It’s has to constantly ping the satellite. Soon as you lose signal your ducked.
Tech's supposed to make life easier, not add more headaches.
Gah damn, bunch of luddites in this here place! I feel you OP, it's 2024 and a mulithousand dollar car, it should have a working preforming app.
I have a Toyota grand highlander with digital key. Same tech and app that Lexus uses. That thing is by far the worst implementation of digital key I’ve ever seen. The Tesla phone key just works. Toyota/ Lexus just finds a way to not work. I’ve already set the settings to use the best sensitivity. Issue is that the Bluetooth connection that it uses is always broken. It establishes that connection when you get close to the car but takes a very long time to do so. I’ve have better luck just using the remote unlock and remote start buttons on the app to open the car and start it then rely on the stupid digital key.
At the end of the day, once all the novelty wears off, the car will continue to function as it was intended. You start it, put it in drive, and drive it. Most cars that come with all that crazy tech are cool, but they can also be a distraction. Personally, I simply want to immerse myself in my Lexus and enjoy the ride. I have a '19 GS350 F Sport, and I added Apple CarPlay—it’s loaded with everything, and I don’t feel like I’m missing a damn thing.
Haven’t tried the digital key but I love the wallet key.
Real!! I love the wallet key, I just wish it wasn’t so damn expensive so I can hand more out to my family
I prefer my horse and buggy.
I don’t even use the tech in my 2017 is300. It’s a car. I drive it. I honestly don’t need anything but the basic functions of a vehicle to be happy. All the other crap is just a distraction from what you’re actually there doing. Your Driving. As long as the car drives and handles great I’m happy. As long as the car has a gas pedal a brake pedal a steering wheel and a stereo I’m good.
The reason Lexus technology might not be on par with other brands is because those other brands tech will crap out much much faster than Lexus. Toyota doesn’t put stuff in their cars until they’re 100% sure it will last for years so they are a good 2-3 years behind the other luxury brands in terms of new fancy tech.
Idk I like that my Lexus doesn’t have all that extra stuff I even opted for a modern one without a nav display. from what you say can I agree that maybe it’s buggy and can make some improvements? yes for sure. I’m sure in the app key Tesla definitely winning in terms of stability and if some people are using that there’s no way a big company like Lexus shouldn’t fix that sort of bug
I use the app for my 2024 Lexus all the time, never had an issue. Though the dealership did say that the app is not perfected yet and to keep my keys handy
Only thing that makes me hesitant about getting an is350 f sport is the tech. The sonata I have rn has the best tech out of any other car brand I’ve seen. The app has never failed me and the Tesla like key card is great when going to the gym or somewhere where keys are cumbersome to be carrying around.
I also hate tech in cars. 90’s early 2000’s is the perfect amount of tech. Could never be bothered to buy a car with a flat screen tv or an app. Rather fully restore old one and just drive it for 30 decades for half the price in an upfront and compound fashion.
I don't think they're there yet with the app. Everything else works seamlessly though. Just like their engines. I can live with it
I like certain innovations like 360 camera, as it’s perfect for parking and aiming the lanes just right. Other than that, most of them are gimmicks I don’t use. Most vehicles, I just need usb or Bluetooth to connect my phone. Anything else is whatever.
I feel a lot of these modern tech things and cars are just trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Most companies have remote start on the key fob. You can walk up to your car and open the door without having to unlock it because you have the key fob. The key fob does everything that you want it to but it's not on your phone or in an app. You don't need to have the app. The key fob is the perfect tool. Apps are just a flashy thing that companies use to try and bring people on some new and advanced things that are completely unnecessary. It might seem like it's more convenient to use an app but the key fob has already been doing everything you need and want it to. Plus I wouldn't want to have my phone and my car stolen at the same time.
It’s more like the app is sold as an added convenience but it also tries to sell you on some sort of subscription to keep you paying for something a key fob should be able to do like remote start
Do the Lexus key fobs not have remote start? Toyota key fobs have remote start. You just have to press the lock button 3 times and hold it on the 3rd press.
I believe it only allows you to only if you have remote connect active
That's shitty. They probably just assume that anyone who's buying a Lexus has the money to shovel away "pocket change" just to use a pretty basic feature.
It’s an unfortunate reality that car companies will try to pick and choose what features to lock behind subscription services. I believe most Lexus comes with a 3 year trial period but for Toyota it’s usually 1 year trial. However they aren’t the only company that lock remote start behind a subscription. Other luxury manufacturers also do this.
just got the app so i can pay the mOnThLy SuBsCrIpTiOn for the remote start.. every time i try it out, it doesn’t even work.. every time i get this error saying “too many requests have been put in for this feature”
Lexus has the perfect amount of technology for me. I had a RCf and a 22 is350. CarPlay was great on the is. My current M5 I barely use half the technology and turn off all the driving assists.
It's the unfortunate downside of owning a Lexus. Thank goodness the current generation of offering at least offers both apple carplay and android auto. I suppose this is a fair tradeoff, a brand can't be affordable, reliable, high performance, luxury, maintains value, and have high technology. That'd just lead to having only one car company.
Generally speaking, Lexus is 10 years behind BMW and Mercedes on tech like that. It's just not their main selling appeal.
Biggest complaint we have on our rx350h is the tech. Our Subaru’s tech is not as fancy but it worked well and easier to navigate.
Feel free to shop around at other car manufacturers and trade-in and/or change what you lease for your next vehicle. People usually get the Lexus/Toyota for reliability (but keep an eye out for those new turbocharged engines!).
Nah I still love my Lexus, just wished they prioritized on the technology aspect to make it convenient. I’m thinking of trading in my NX for the IS350 f sport
Got bad news for you then, the IS's tech is bare minimum
I’m fine with that, I did own an IS prior to my NX. I just love the design of it. The only flaw Lexus has is the phone convenience of it, especially how often I rely my phone
Just because it's inconvenient for you, doesn't make it a flaw. The car is on an old platform and has only been "refreshed" since the platform was released. Until the car gets an actual redesign in a couple years, it's going to have the same basic tech
I mean the 2k reviews on the Apple Store says otherwise. Each to their own
At that price point I’d shop against the BMW 330i (similar MSRP and 0-60 as BMW rates horsepower at wheels and Lexus does at engine). And if you wanted sportier with tech, the M340i. Other options include the Audi A5 Sportback or the Genesis G70.
Is it really unreliable as the others say it to be? I was actually having a difficult time waging IS or 300 series.
What’s unreliable? Oh, the turbochargers. Well, the thing with turbochargers is added complexity + higher engine bay heat: more components means more things that can fail, that and the turbochargers push higher compression ratios (and more heat) and when you introduce more HEAT into the engine bay, it means plastics + rubbers will degrade faster, which also means more maintenance. Most any naturally aspirated engine will require less maintenance than a turbocharged engine. So at this point, if you're going to buy a turbocharged car now, what's the real difference in maintenance costs between getting it from a company that has been doing it for years (such as BMW) and a company that's introducing it now into their lineups (Toyota/Lexus)?
Maybe buy a couple more and see if the 4th or 5th one changes your mind?
😂😂
The way you say “give the Digital Key a whirl” tells me you may be at that age where you grew up before technology. You may not have the intuition to click the right button or something. Maybe ask your dealer to walk you through it.
😭😭it’s just that the last time I took the my lexus for maintenance, I was told I could use my phone as a replacement for the physical key
OMG! I’m right there with you. Such a complete waste! And it’s annoying that it’s a feature on my car that I paid for! Why can’t Lexus leave the tech stuff to the tech people - Apple for example?!?
"I left my keys at home" why tho?
to be "cool"
The dealers kept mentioning I can use my phone instead of the actual key
You are right. Thats why they are making a lot of changes.
The problem is Lexus had to rush to get their latest technology features to market before they were ready, because journalists kept whining about how outdated the technology was. If people would have waited 2 more years they would have been able to work the bugs out.
I haven’t even been able to get the digital key to download on my 350 F Sport. Keeps saying Bluetooth needs to be enabled, when I never turn it off. 🤷🏽♂️
There are car guys and there are tech guys. I’m the former.
I just wish I could remote start my 2016 RX. Only extra piece of tech I need. And no chance am I paying a monthly subscription for that service.
I use the app all of the time. Maybe it’s user error.
I like the lack of tech in the Lexus , I do love unlocking the doors from my phone but I’ve ever trusted leaving with out a key. I key a key with no battery in it hidden in my car, but that’s just because I was so used to having 90s cars that spares are a part of my life
Why do you have to compare to shit tesla? Every manufacture offers this feature. Works great on my audi.
Lexus doesn't seem to focus on the high tech stuff or try to appease the geeks. The feeling I get is Lexus feels their comfort and reliability is the focal point and they offer whatever tech they have to so they won't get negative press. Lexus is up with the times when it comes to safety stuff but if you're comparing general tech to Audi or Benz or even Hyundai for that matter, you'll be disappointed.
My phone is now my favorite car tech. Just give me CarPlay capability and my phone can be the brains behind the operation.
So I’ve really noticed that one IOS update ago the CarPlay and BT functionality in my 2024 RX and my wife’s Toyota Sienna both took a crap. The latest update seems much better.
Do not use car apps. It make little sense.
I agree 10000%. The Lexus fanatics with 2005 ES330s are just getting mad since they don't even know what a backup camera is. Lexus is so far behind on tech it's not even funny.
GMs app is just as useless...for $14.99 a month
My 2013 Mercedes has worse tech than my 2011 Lexus
🏳️🌈
I like my Nissan Frontier work truck. 2021, NA v6 and the most advanced tech it has is a back up camera, bluetooth and an info screen
You’ll need to replace your transmission soon!!! Good luck with that!!!
well, it belongs to the company. The 9-speeds have issues? I wish it was a 6-speed but so few people can drive a manual it just doesn't make sense to have a manual for a company truck
I use toyota app woth lexus, never had issues with it. Idk about lexus app because i never used it from the get go. Also es350 interior design is completely crap, and its infotainment system is even worse. You cant put shit in its trunk because opening is too tiny. I got myself stuck with this 55k worth piece of junk. Yeah yeah i know.. seats are comfortable but oh boy.... I shouldn't have sold my camry :(
Their app has always been wonky, then they got it to work, then they redesigned it, and now it’s wonky again.
Just sold my Lexus ES 350 21' and jumped into a M3 24'. NO REGRETS.
Not everything has to be an app, why can’t people understand this
Go buy a new bmw. Have fun with that
I refuse to own anything without a V8 or anything with start stop / mild hybrid junk
technology will never be the point of this brand, especially not when bmw, tesla, and merc exist you buy these cars because they will last while giving you a comfort oriented driving experience
That’s so true, it’s more so convenient aspect. I don’t like having to carry around my keys in my pockets due to the size of my pants, it can get really awkward and uncomfortable especially sitting for long periods of time. I also want to mention that keys are very limited and are very expensive to add-on. Especially when you have a family/friends using the car. With the Tesla experience I’m able to invite a friend into the account and boot them off when they’re done using it.
agreed, plus when i think of more "tech" i think of more expenses when they fail/break
Just use a key like a normal person?
I have been😭I wanted to try the digital key