Should You Buy a Lexus TX? The Lexus V6 IS BACK!

[@Incomudro1963]

One of the things that I like about your videos, is that even though you are a "Toyota guy" you're not afraid to point out the flaws in Toyota and Lexus vehicles where they exist. Also, you don't call any vehicle all bad. You indicate the good and the bad in all vehicles.

[@jdub976]

Exactly why I wait for these reviews. He tells the truth no matter what is in front of him.

[@hondajacka2]

Car Care Nut is my favorite reviewer. He's the most technical and tells it like it is. He's on the side of the buyer. Most other car reviewers say everything is great and doesn't want to criticize Toyota or Lexus too harshly.

[@sanjeevumd]

Yes, But sometimes what is not a problem he identifies that a problem

[@flat5th]

Mr. Car Care Nut you have defined the top of the game for auto reviews. For not the least reason: "let's start ... under the hood"! Thank you for the consistently intelligent, experienced, detailed and honest information. Forever grateful.

[@davewilson7602]

Seriously this man deserves a shout out if only because he’s the only car review channel that shows you the car… the other ones it’s nice to see what it’s like, but that’s the kind of stuff you can mostly see for yourself in person

[@BC-te9ow]

No doubt. Feel even better about a recent 4Runner purchase after seeing his videos. Great stuff indeed.

[@charley95sheridan44]

He's such a great guy and I'm proud to be a client of his. I drive 3 hours just to go to his shop.@@BC-te9ow

[@MahendraSingh-rp6er]

hope he surpasses carwizard, who has a ego he knows it all. AMD is a genuine human

[@18890426]

I have been learning a lot from him

[@JimDoeman]

I think Im the only one who loves the way this SUV looks. Its interesting and strong.

[@shawnmirza325]

They should definitely make more V6 hybrid vehicles, it's a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability!

[@terrancecloverfield6791]

Is that even possible? From what we've seen from Toyota, they always pair their Hybrids with eCVTs, and I don't know if a V6 really fits into that equation. Do you size a electric motor to assist with low-end torque and cruising, and if so, wouldn't it make more sense to pair that with your I4? We've seen that even with cylinder deactivation, that is less preferable due to blow-by burning the engine oil. I think the perfect blend has been achieved with the 2023 Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid, and they're doing it without turbocharging.

[@ryanturnerboles]

@@terrancecloverfield6791considering plenty of other manufacturers combine every size engine with hybrids and normal transmissions, it’s definitely possible. Toyota just focuses on efficiency rather than a fun driving experience.

[@shawnmirza325]

It definitely is possible to pair a V6 with a hybrid system and an automatic transmission. If you look at the hybrid max powertrain in the crown that pairs a 6 speed automatic transmission with a 2.4L turbo and a hybrid electric system, just replace the 2.4L turbo with the V6 and it would work pretty well.

[@terrancecloverfield6791]

​@@shawnmirza325 I don't doubt it's possible, but the question is whether it's a good idea. If you look at the 2012 Toyota RAV4 4WD, it has a V6 and its MPG is 19/26. The 2024 Toyota Crown XLE MPG is 42/41. Even back then with say a 2012 Honda Civic LX, the MPG was 28/39. All 3 examples is a V6, I4 Hybrid, and a I4. The common denominator of MPG has always been whether you use an I4 or a V6. V6 is the trade off between fuel efficiency and performance, which is why since 2016, you've seen all car makers move away from the V6 and invested deeply into the I4. Even the rumored Toyota Tacoma hybrid is speculated to use an I4, but oversize the electric motor instead to deliver more power. But right now, we only have the Lexus TX 550h+ LUXURY AWD trim to look closely at, since it actually has a V6 Hybrid setup.

[@mikej238]

​@@terrancecloverfield6791Wrong, their hybrids use Ecvt not at all like a cvt

[@tgriebe]

The flex coupling in the exhaust is for noise and vibration control. When the exhaust is rigidly attached to the engine, it goes into mechanical resonance and creates a lot of vibration at a certain frequency. The location of the flex coupling is critical to the tuning of that vibration frequency and amplitude.

[@LotsOfPaypa]

And reduces stress on the heads

[@Charles-q5l]

And will eventually leak

[@khushbeenwk]

There is no one that can explain a car review like you my friend thank you.

[@old75v1]

AMD reviews vehicles in the real world applications, truthful in the good points and not so good points, then lets you decide for yourself. There is no substitute for knowledge, experience and common sense, plus honesty and integrity makes AMD's reviews the best for the consumer! Great Job as always!

[@sunsunny3527]

"sensible people buy Lexus they don't want drama" :) good line. Very good review.

[@WiseTreee]

Sensible people with deep pocket.

[@johnchen3]

This review is way more informative than other KZbinrs. No one buying a Lexus TX is going to prioritize 0-60 speed, how it corners on a track, or the approach and departure angle off-road.

[@omendarklight1526]

Exactly, well said.

[@BigD481]

I agree your typical you tube car reviewers think that all car buyers are NASCAR drivers. Most buyers really prioritize dependability over sub 6 seconds 0-60 times.

[@omendarklight1526]

@@BigD481 Truth

[@HTProdnctious]

I can buy off the car in 3 months of combined income. I dont care about what “car guys” know or 0-60 in 1 second, i care about the sleepy feeling i get when the people i care for, be in the car with me. 😆

[@iloveanime1313]

To be fair, this V6 plug in model does 0-60 in like 5.3 seconds... that is pretty dang fast for a car this size.

[@brassboy77]

Keeping my 2020 Highlander V6 for a long, long time.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Yup. This thing is probably twice as expensive as your Highlander was. Toyota and Lexus are ridiculous.

[@be4unvme]

i got a lexus nx from 2016, that thing is running strong like new. im going to trade it in for the TX soon

[@dennisg1045]

Same for my 2015 Avalon, with V6.😊

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

All modern lexus looks super boring except RCF and LC500 other than that all are crossover POS design looks like Chinese kickstarter brands 🤢

[@LoneWolfSparty]

​@@imnotusingmyrealname4566depending on the trim level of his Highlander not necessarily. A Platinum V6 Highlander was in the $50k range.

[@hugostiglitz47]

I believe the reason why the "things" we dont talk about are removable is to wash them when you get the bottom full of sugar from the soda cups so they dont get sticky and dirty

[@user-zh9kc7tw4n]

Agree that the V6 should be in the RX as well

[@cbotten106]

KZbin keyboard jockeys unite and rise up in unison! And Lexus will continue to ignore you.

[@bernykouadio]

Great review, as usual! Straight to the points, no bias, no unnecessary emotions, giving the pros and cons (even as a Toyota/Lexus guy). Love it!

[@ronaldbishop9873]

Amd, I appreciate your opinion on everything but I bought the RX 350h and the door handles work well after you get use to them. Good safety feature and I understand the reason why they went to them. Considering the TX 500h and would like to have your opinion. Thanks and keep up the great work you do for us Toyota and Lexus owners.

[@thomasstorrs6345]

You are absolutely right about the open area in the rear. Problems waiting to happen. Not a good design for such an expensive vehicle

[@johnb1658]

Electric door handles are a terrible idea! When you are in a front impact accident and the battery gets smashed how are you getting out of the car and how is rescue getting in?

[@lights80088]

I'm glad they have a V6. The turbo engines only, made me rule out Toyota/Lexus. I HATE, HATE, little 4cyc turbo engines.

[@damon323]

I had a 2016 RX450h hybrid with a 3.5L V6. Had a towing package from the factory with a beefed up radiator and a transmission cooler. Amazing vehicle, killer gas mileage, smooth as butter and tons of power with excellent gas mileage. I love my 4Runner, but I traded down.

[@asadb1990]

I have 2020 rx350 and i love the 3.5l natural aspirated.

[@MagicBrownMan]

I'm like 99% sure the to why the V6 is only available to the Plug-in is the same reason they don't have the heat pump in the plug-in and the reason they put a measly 33 miles in the battery. Emissions. By making it a plug in they get to put a combine MPG and/or MPGe rating on it and that lets them build a V6 without getting dinged for the emissions of a V6. It also allows them to charge more, most people would want the tired and true V6 so funneling them into a more expensive model extracts value from the customers that want the V6. The answer to most of these why question is always money/regulations.

[@ytj22]

So it should sell at a higher quantity than the other TX models

[@rogerthat117]

I would rather have a stand alone v6. I’m a simple man I like to keep things simple. Now I’ve got to mechanical system to worry about. But like you said they wouldn’t be able to shake us down

[@LoneWolfSparty]

​@@ytj22it won't. It's not going to be the volume model, and they don't have the production capacity for the batteries to even make that a possibility right now.

[@ytj22]

@@LoneWolfSparty exactly, so it takes a bit of the steam out of the OPs theory.

[@tails300]

@@LoneWolfSparty hopefully the “in production” Toyota/Panasonic battery plant in North Carolina will help with that.

[@alannguyen5050]

This is the review I've been waiting for! I love your technical reviews so much!

[@db8646]

You must be commended for the specialist that you are, thank you. What a performance.

[@vinhngo1894]

The T24A is one of the most solidly-built turbocharged engines on the market. Solid valve train, mechanical water pump, vacuum wastegate.

[@Charles-q5l]

And missing two cylinders

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Haven’t had no issues for almost 10 years it being out unlike Hondas 1.5 2.0.T blowing head gaskets

[@vinhngo1894]

@@Charles-q5l sadly, manufacturers are being forced to downsize 😔

[@vinhngo1894]

@@andersonrodriguez8258 The T24A debuted in 2021

[@hongsitu3429]

I test drove the 350 base model. The engine is quite nice as a matter of fact. This is a guy that is currently driving a GX460.

[@jeremyshideler4187]

Stupid door handles for sure. I hate all the new digital gauges. I miss the old school vivid white gauges with a real tachometer and speedometer!!! Give me a Lexus from 2017-2018 … Best ever!!!

[@estuardo2985]

yeah, a lot of manufacturers have gone to small/low bumbers on suv's which mean smaller rear body panels that also can have multiple layers which means that they now need to be replaced now versus repair. So now with a relatively minor rear accident you have now instead of many repair/replacing the rear bumper and maybe the rebar with some slight pull to the rear now you need to replace the lift gate (cha-ching), because of how the bumper gets hit on the top and shearing on the rebar it will more than likely be replaced (more money), replace the rear body panel(s) (cha-ching), depending on the placement of sensors/modules and manufacturer you may need to do calibration (cha-ching) and then people get squeezed as car insurance premiums go higher.

[@ezekielochieng8941]

Great review and thank you for letting us know that there’s still a V6 variant in existence. It’ll be a great buy once the car market cools down to normal levels

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

Nice to see the IS 300 in the back there.. I’ve had my 200 since new for 23 1/2 years only 86,000kms in yellow

[@dsdddsd4543we]

The Lexus Infotainment system is one of the best I've seen. Once your carplay connects, you are pretty much good to go. The safety features also have been pretty good. It slowly brakes automatically once it detects the car in front of you is slowing down. Lane keep assist and Adaptive Cruise control is great on the new Lexus'.

[@omnimoeish]

Yeah I have the 2023 RX and my wife and I haven't had any CarPlay connectivity issues using my iPhone 12 and now iPhone 15. I also like most of the safety features except maybe the distracted driver one but that's potentially because I do get distracted.

[@dsdddsd4543we]

@@omnimoeish Honestly, that one is annoying, but I do appreciate it because that's how quickly accidents do happen. You can be looking at your passenger, and it is telling you to face forward.

[@richardnordt7218]

Have been an RX owner for many years our latest is 2015 RX350 F Sport and was so disappointed they dropped the six cylinder option. Understand the goal to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy but this turned us off as I am sure it will other RX loyalists.

[@marcodarko6941]

Blame the commie government for pushing the climate fear mongering.

[@shawnakavan6600]

Why can’t all KZbinrs bring this much value to viewers - he’s best car reviewer. Deserve a PhD in mechanics. Thank you for not wasting our time.

[@mikeyfourever]

Maybe I’m weird, but I miss cars having an actual bumper. You could bump into something and have no damage. I think the lack of actual bumpers is helping to drive up insurance costs.

[@ChazR25]

We would've considered a RX if it had a V6. We've had two of them already and they're great vehicles! As of now, lexus doesn't offer a vehicle for my needs and are off the list unfortunately. The new X3 coming this year is a top contender at this point.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Exactly my thoughts. Decided against an RX/GHL and most likely going with the Pilot due the NA v6 engine availability.

[@johnconnors5123]

I saw in summer of 2022 that the V6 would be not in 2023 RX350. Went to dealer and put name on a 2022 RX 350 Luxury model . Car came in a month later . Love the V6 !

[@Pinkorchid72]

Thanks for the review of the TX. I was tempted to get one, but the struggle with the doors would drive me insane. I’ll look to the GH now.

[@Adik1975]

Being a car guy myself, and having owned at least 50 passenger cars (personal and in my company) of different brands I can state that the best door handle I've ever seen is in my LC 200, which I bought recently 😀 BTW the LC 200 is my first Toyota ever 🙂 Thank you for your great yt channel, I enjoy it a lot!! Keep it up. Any V8 Land Cruiseiros videos are warmly welcome ;-)

[@francofamily4462]

Wow, I guess the new experience is really worth it

[@azizbassman]

I would definitely go for the V6 power train. But if the headliner doesn't come in a lighter colour it'll a deal breaker for me because it'll make me feel claustrophobic being black .

[@patrickrk44]

Let me help with some of the review, respectfully. The 350 does not have the hybrid battery, nor rear wheel steering of the 500. I test drove both, and you can easily see the 350 is absolutely pushing its motor more, where as the 500 was near silent. Also, the 500 nearly out turns my 2022 Camry. I bought the 500h in mid December, and what's not the greatest is my MPG is around 22-25. Its very quiet, and the 22 rim size isnt as jarring as you might think.

[@JayJay-wv1vx]

My friend, an observation after watching few of your car review videos. It's wonderful you talk about in detail about valve covers or block or collect valve or water pump and all the components BUT it would be wonderful too if you point it out with a finger or a arrow when you mention and talk about it so viewers get clear idea because many of your viewers are not mechanically inclined or would know about each parts.

[@charley95sheridan44]

For the eagle eyed viewer such as myself, did anyone see in the video his new shop?? I did. So glad to be a client of his and wish him nothing but success!!

[@charley95sheridan44]

Sure looks like it to me.@@efil4kizum

[@MichaelSmith-57]

“Do you see my point here?” Absolutely! I’ve been driving Toyota’s since 1983 and love them, but I’m saddened to see some of the changes going on. That’s why I went ahead and bought a ‘23 TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner and I am considering a ‘24 XSE V6 as well for this very reason. V6 please… Thank you for your channel.

[@aparamon]

The entry price for a V6 is almost $70k. Not so long ago it was a standard engine for Camry. Are they serious? The MPG gain from going to the turbo4 instead of the v6 is negligible.

[@danielpm926]

You missed the fact that those cup holders, because you can take them out, they are easier to clean and also, you can take one and out it on the 3rd row.

[@Michael-yi4mc]

When AMD is happy, I am happy as well.

[@JacobTJ1]

Love the fact they combined v6 with the eCVT

[@gbock4314]

Mr. Care Care Nut. I ACCIDENTALLY STUMBLED ON YOUR CHANNEL. IM BLOWN AWAY WITH YOUR INTELLIGENCE, HUMBLENESS, HONESTY AND PROFESSIONALISM. UNFORTUNATELY I AM A GM NUT, BUT IF I EVER GET A TOYOTA IT WOULD BE AN HONOR TO HAVE YOU SERVICE IT.

[@i82much9]

Love the discussion about round object holders - wouldn't mind a thorough review in each car!

[@josephremenar3117]

Very informative review, thank you. Hopefully you’ll get to review the new Lexus GX550 in the near future.

[@BP_ATL]

AMD is hands down the best car reviewer on youtube. Covers the core things true car enthusiasts and consumers look for, which is quality and craftsmanship. Instead of counting cup holders and USB ports. By the way, my neighbor bought a TX350 luxiry trim, cost was 83K out the door. It has been a year now, he tells me that he regrets it. Recenty he was on a long trip and there was rain on the way, water was dripping from sunroof on the center controls. Then dealership asks dumb questions like was the sunroof open. Turned out to be they had to replace the sunroof gasket and assembly but damaged the head liner pretty bad. Parts are back ordered and still waiting that to be replaced. Thanks AMD, i am sticking with Older GX460.

[@tynitty7363]

I'm definitely considering TX although I like gx a little better the difference for me is the TX have that extra space

[@aross924]

I considered the GX. But that fuel economy was worrisome for me personally. We are getting the TX.

[@ytj22]

Two very different vehicles no? One is truck based, one is not. Interesting that you'd be cross shopping them.

[@aross924]

@@ytj22 both are 3 row SUVs. Nothing weird about that.

[@ytj22]

@aross924 A Sienna is also 3 rows and probably has more in common with the TX. I find it strange cross shopping a car with a truck just because they have 3 rows in common. For my next purchase I will cross shop the TX with a Camry because they both have tires.

[@aross924]

@@ytj22 good for you.

[@majorcarlton137]

Patent the phrase, ' that's ok ' 👍 👌 Love your videos man!

[@alphadraconis83]

Amazing review! In depth and honest information. Definitely agree with the V6 comments.

[@s0me0wlB]

33 miles for the plugin is perfect for the local work commute or the grocery store run, pickups for school, whatever.. not a deal breaker and plenty of mileage in my opinion!

[@AndrewG.-wo4zd]

TX owner here, the "issues" he brought up are not actually issues in the real world. People figure out the handles real quick-people are intelligent (for most part). The distracted driver beeping is very subtle and not intrusive, but set on an appropriate timer. The cross traffic beep-again, subtle and only comes on in certain situations. Overall, don't let these "issues" fool you, the TX is built to be soft and quiet and that's exactly how it feels and drives. It is a VERY nice vehicle! FYI I got 4k off msrp.

[@bearstokes9030]

I feel Toyota has been living off the past rep and now the build has shown it

[@cloudypac]

True

[@chibbyylol]

Living off past reputation of being reliable and …still to this day they’re the most reliable (jd power and consumer reports agree)

[@cbotten106]

And I'll be buying this V6 plugin based on exactly that: Toyota's ability to deliver reliable hybrids over the past 20 years. Nobody else has even been close in pulling that off.

[@Paddy-power]

I like when you say “they did something interesting”. You should have merchandise it.

[@mightysidyoung5874]

When you pointed out the oil cooler. I notice it is a rubber line. That down the road will be a weak point and eventual failure point like the 3.5 V6.

[@user-zh9kc7tw4n]

7:30 One can only guess that they use the cooliant heater to heat the engine up as well to reduce emissions and engine wear

[@poolmonkey]

@pdubsyyyy Google some pictures of Los Angeles smog in the early 1970's. Emissions garbage can be annoying but have done heck of a lot to clean up the air.

[@cbotten106]

@@poolmonkey The Bay (S.F.) Area was like that too here in Silicon Valley in 1974. You couldn't even see the mountains. It was bad. Now we have come a long way and still have a long way to go. But we are headed in the right direction.

[@johnnyk6906]

LOL, yes the door handle is exactly as described and tiring explaining to new riders when door gets jammed in between opening/closing and yanking at it. love the fuel efficiency but it sure does buzzes when the four banger "working".

[@800fmoore]

Thanks!

[@vsavatar]

Can you please explain something? If the Grand Highlander and the TX both use the T24A-FTS engines, why does the TX require premium gas, but the Grand Highlander does not?

[@rossjohnson2478]

We saw this as the Chicago auto show. I had my wife sit in the passenger seat. Then I got out and enjoyed the next few minutes watching her get more and more angry trying to open the door. It was a very quiet ride home.

[@voterdown]

🖐😳 I was sold on this vehicle for my short list, that is until I watched your excellent review! Thank you for the heads up !🔥🔥

[@vapeking466]

For many of us once we get that first Lexus we know that's the car brand we're going to be driving from now on! 💯🔧Thanks for your very honest reviews it's helped me choose my 2018 Lexus es350 with 40k miles that I just got a week ago. It's sitting out next to my 2006 Lexus is250 standard shift. That was my first one it's at 240k! The AC compressor went out last summer and the clutch is slipping needs replaced but otherwise still runs like a sewing 🧵 machine! My only concern is the Micky mouse spare tires. They should really include a full size spare in all cars but especially all Lexus or at least a wheel well big enough for a full size spare. Then we could buy one full size Lexus wheel and tire from a salvage for a spare.

[@ifechukwuonwusonye]

The “for lack of a better word” parts always gets me flying out of my seat 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alstines1]

Lexus/Toyota should hire you as a consultant to their design teams

[@maxfinity5640]

I personally like the TX front end than the grand highlander. I will be considering the Tx just because of thr v6.

[@johansaldarriaga660]

I can't wait for you to review the new GX. I'm sure it will be an epic video.

[@71gmonet]

When he was going over the door handle on the TX being over engineered 🙃 I thought of my ES350 door handle😊. It is fun to open because the handle feels so nice in the hand. The design engineer on the ES350 you deserve a thank you. Lexus TX needs the ES350 door handle but 15% bigger. Hope you’re listening Lexus. Quit fixing problems that do not exist. The steering wheel controls from the ES 350. If you like copy and pasting, paste those to the TX. After he explained the TX steering wheel controls I was sad. I want a TX but not until Lexus listens to us and makes some changes. Till then thank you Lexus for my v6 ES350, I love it.

[@mnwolves180]

Mazda did this with the CX-9, putting a 4 cylinder turbo. They realized with the CX-90, it needed a bigger engine. Wish Lexus did the same with these TX lower trims. Decided to put the same engine in a huge car that an NX has😬

[@jcto6013]

The V6 TX model is priced starting at $80k. That's...... crazy town

[@frikitonxplosion]

Going to stick with a 2020 BMW X7 M50 523hp 😂 with all the options Lexus now has 4 yrs and even a Mazda CX-90 more bells & whistles

[@kevinparker2608]

And no sun roof

[@iloveanime1313]

this is a preproduction model, the final build comes with a panoramic sunroof standard@@kevinparker2608

[@FYMASMD]

@@frikitonxplosionyeah good luck with the bmw 🙄

[@greensleeves8095]

Truth be told, some of Toyotas latest models are absolutely trash. And thats coming from someone with 3 Toyota V6s in the driveway.

[@jdub976]

Awesome I was waiting for a review these are my favorites. Thank you.

[@adrianbalea2396]

I like the exteriror design of this car. It's tidy and beautiful to my eyes

[@benbruno6656]

Especially with the iridium metallic color, such a beautiful car

[@nathanielross8232]

He loves the V6. We all did. On this TX, it costs $20k more than the 4cyl. In fact it’s $82k. At that price point, there is no way I could even consider this thing. Plus, there are only a few on the ground. Very rare, why bother if you are not going to produce it. The V6 was everywhere in Toyota and Lexus SUV’s in the recent past. Now, it’s a super expensive rare bird.

[@stephenogon1905]

And I bet you, it will be discontinued somewhere along the line. Probably during the facelift, it will be dropped. But I know for sure it will not see the end of this model.

[@cbotten106]

Supposedly, the U.S. dealers begged for a V6 model and that is why this 550h+ came to be in the first place. It's only supposed to be

[@hassanabdi2542]

Nobody should buy for this ridiculous price. Toyota is a money grabber now.

[@davidc5027]

I own a copy of the v6 Rx350 and have driven the new turbo 4 banger around quite a bit too. I give Toyota credit; the 4 cylinder turbo does a good.

[@dilshodsayfidi]

Thank you brother Ahmad for telling for what it is. Lexus messed up TX. It has silly look and minivan like, plus those drama door handles. 3,5 V6 Hybrid would be better of course.

[@muddyducker3336]

I think this is exactly the point. We just cross shopped this with the odyssey and Sienna when our old odyssey engine failed. The hockey moms are going to love this, just like mine did. The new vans feel so incredibly cheap, and the Sienna is crazy underpowered. For an additional $15K Canadian the 500 hybrid checked all the boxes.

[@tomdrummy4984]

I agree 💯 with the V6 comments 👍. I said the same thing……..why couldn’t they put the V6 in the RX !?

[@hotwheelsystem]

Good review! You mentioned the plug in hybrid is a 450h but it's actually a 550h. TY!

[@tundrav8georgia]

I want the v6 back on all Toyotas

[@GuitarCinemaOfficial]

Does anyone else also go "HULLOOOOO" everytime they start watching one of these videos?

[@WisdomeSage1989]

I really like the design language with for this one. I like the cut of its "gip!"

[@jdesaavedra0432]

My 2006 Highlander base has a home here for a long time. I plan to replace lower control arms in the spring for cracking bushings. Looks like an easy job and the parts are common to my 2003 Camry. This has way too much technology for me. I can't see that power liftgate being serviceable for 20 years in the north. Valve cover gasket was a recreational activity. Once I got past the lack of lubrication on the orignal brakes, all is good.

[@LoneWolfSparty]

I was a Lexus tech in the North -- the lift gate isn't an issue even on older ones (RX300's). The main thing on the newer ones like this are that the rear hatch struts are expensive, and there's no aftermarket available due to the design.

[@devinlwoods]

When youre folding the rear seats you dont have to hold the button down after it beeps. Itll continue its slow descent after the beep.

[@rustynail7866]

I guess to each his own. I wanted a luxury vehicle that wasn't flashy and the TX fits. Love mine and it's much quieter and more refined than a Grand Highlander.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Great review. Wish Toyota had equipped the GHL with a NA V6 option, big car for a boosted engine. Not sure reliability will be great vs the same car with a V6. For this reason, and taking your review into account, I'm looking to get a Pilot. Seems they have gotten the message and begun reverting to having the V6 at least on this vehicle/trim. All, the Camry, Avalon, Rav4, the GHL, the RX and the TX should have a NA V6 option at every trim level letting the consumer decide what is best. Restricting consumer choice will lead to decreased sales of the platform in the US market.

[@thewhitecarrot]

Power train Option 2 sounds like the Mazda CX90 setup. And of course option 3 sounds really nice.

[@DragonfireRC]

All of the CX90s have an inline 6 cylinder, option 2 for the TX is Turbo 4 with hybrid, 3rd option for TX was the Plug in hybrid with the 6 cylinder starting at $82k!

[@return.of.the.nac18]

V6 and V8 should be standard for this big car.

[@LoneWolfSparty]

Toyota V8 's are massive and wouldn't fit in the engine bay of this vehicle or any Toyota vehicle this platform is based off of. A V6 will fit though.

[@marcodarko6941]

A minimum 3.5 v6 all the way!

[@paulfrancis2476]

I agree the door handles suck, electronic gear selectors also suck, yYES bring back the V6

[@cbotten106]

It can have a V6.

[@DIYDaveOK]

My big gripe with the non-mechanical door handle is emergency access. I want a mechanical handle to at least give me the chance at opening the door in an emergency (either getting out or letting someone else in).

[@niuhuskieguy]

I believe they do have a mechanical backup for getting inside the car

[@jasonalpha]

Yes, you pull the handle from the inside for mechanical exit

[@jd2plus2]

In my viewing it certainly had 3rd seat room . It works for a family of six . It would be interesting comparing the grand highlander . I’m thinking the big deal is v6.

[@alexmassengale433]

If you have a family of six, you really ought to be looking minivan for the far superior cargo space.

[@timsouttahere]

i love the front grille!

[@maxh4782]

Keeping my V6 2GR-FE, these new 4 cylinders just arent as smooth

[@faheemabbas3965]

What would you get next then? I mean, after you don’t have your 2GR-FE anymore?

[@maxh4782]

@@faheemabbas3965 Ive had ‘17 Wrx (4 cyl turbo), Genesis G70 (TT V6 but didnt have room) to Mazda 3 Turbo now the ES350. The 4cyl’s lacked low end torque. My next move will be EV!

[@BrucifyMe]

Same here with my 2011 Avalon. It's awesome how quiet and smooth it is, what little engine noise there _is_ disappears completely once you're going about 20mph. Sounds like it's not even on. What's crazier is that as good as it is, it's not even the smoothest V6 Toyota/Lexus ever made either.

[@maxh4782]

@@BrucifyMe Agreed! Ive driven the 1GR on the 4runner, its insane how smooth it is! Other manufacturers just cant live up to Toyota

[@steelio5]

Not related to this video, just wanted to tell everyone I saw an old school Camry wagon going down the road today. Up until that moment, I completely forgot they even existed. It was in flawless condition.

[@brentmcgillis]

I own a 2005 Toyota Avalon with the first Gen 3.5 V6, and I put a lot of highway miles on this car. The V6 in the Toyota gets really good mileage -- On the Highway -- that most people do not believe when I tell them. Toyota transmissions are superior, we also have a Hybrid Camry which for those who don't know -- (It gets Insane mileage). For any other manufacturer the V6 would be a negative for mileage, but if most of your daily commute is on the Highway or Freeway, the V6 engine IS the WAY! I simply am not able to wrap my mind around what the 3.5 Yoda V6 would be like coupled with the Hybrid transmission, it is my opinion that this car would get surprisingly good gas mileage given the MASS of this car in this Prime Mover configuration. The only thing that would turn me off of this car is the Byzantine Empires dousing of TOO much Carmel Sauce poured onto an already sweet treat, this is what would make this purchase of this Land Yacht a no go buy for me. If you know history, the Byzantine Empire was the LAST Roman Empire because the people revolted against their Roman Govt's "micro-managing their lives". A great combination of Drive-train qualities in a car with TOO much safety micromanagement, that is bumming out the driving experience and other great components/features of this SUV. The door buttons are counter-intuitive to every humans natural instincts towards an automobile, the safety beeping and warnings would become a "Quick lets SELL this thing hon', while it is till worth something." The 3.5 V6 engine and Hybrid would be the #1 draw for me, the removable cup holders are a wonderful invention (Easy cleaning of what is typically a nasty gross collection of dried beverages/dirt = scuz). The ONLY maintenance of the 3.5L V6 for me in over 5 years was the alternator. Nice set of wheels for a family sedan. Great channel with in depth analysis with great content.

[@mAzeem600]

Very true about no drama thingy. Toyota should consider opinion of his fans

[@JamesSusanka]

ah life is back to normal - got my car care nut video fix. like that color. I wonder if you go in a lake the door handles would work since they are so electronic. something does look right about those wheel they may be too big.

[@garyf2871]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. My family is trying to decide between Grand Highlander or Lexus TX this year coming from a 2015 Sequoia with rear subframe is rusting out. I do like the Grand Highlander's 8 seating that can possibly fit 3 in third row. Lexus is apparently 7 person max seating. Wife likes the luxury of Lexus & I like the economical and practical aspect of the Grand Highlander. The doors and electronics might be a deal breaker for my wife since she is not great with the technology side of things. I will show her this video and it might well make the case for the Toyota! Thanks AMD!

[@landshass2849]

You brought a good point, 6 seater 3-rows is a bad idea. Once you have a trip to the airport with luggage for 4 travelers plus the driver (total 5) you'll end up with 4 seats only once you fold the 3rd row to fit the luggage. You loose some cargo space if you decide to erect one side of the 3rd row to fit the fifth person.

[@freedomlineman3105]

We opted for the Grand Highlander Platinum and are very happy with the level of comfort and features and savings over the Lexus. I think both are very high quality vehicles. No complaints so far.

[@everydayfun9531]

You guys should go for the hybrid Version of the grand highlander the 8 seater one since its gonna be good on gas and will save you a little money on gas in the long run!

[@gNoj8956]

Thx! Pls review the TX500h with rear wheel steering 🙏🏼

[@Michael-yi4mc]

Great place to hide the contraband in the void, but I wouldn’t do that. I’m watching too much news on TV.

[@motioncompensation1544]

That little vent for cooling under the car would just be a water scoop, where I live. Streets get flooded here a few times a year, almost every year.

[@exception2]

The last pure V6 of any Toyota is the 2024 4Runner. No GDI no Turbo no CVT. Simple and solid.

[@RonaldHarvey-fy9fd]

Thanks for your article I think my views on the TX have now changed my mind on buying one. 44:28 44:28

[@cbotten106]

Congrats on changing your mind in a timely way. Oh, and saying it twice too.

[@poolmonkey]

12:42 Apparently Toyota didn't learn their lesson with rubber external oil lines. The one on my Lexus RX 350 ruptured when my wife was driving it and could have easily destroyed the engine. Luckily she was close to home, where it produced a lake of engine oil under the car in my garage. They had a TSB that replaced the rubber line with a metal one. I have no idea why they'd go back to a rubber line unless it's some new super tough rubber.

[@cbotten106]

Your first "upgrade" is already penciled in. Congrats.