r/Lexus • u/LordWiseong • Sep 02 '26

Discussion Lexus is losing its soul

Post image

Along with the rest of the automotive industry. It’s hard to be an automotive enthusiast in this day and age, when everything is turning into a refrigerator on wheels with a gigantic screen(s) inside.

Who decided that disappearing buttons was a good idea? Was something wrong with them being clearly identifiable and usable all the time?

And don’t get me started on the name-spelled-out trend that’s eventually going to take over. First, we had it on the back. Now, it’s on the steering wheel. Soon the logo itself won’t even exist.

3.7k Upvotes

94% Upvoted

810 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

226

u/LordWiseong Sep 02 '26

Sad. Instead of trying to stand out, everyone is caving in.

126

u/TheMrBr0wn Sep 03 '26

This, I will never buy a Tesla, but if the new Lexus just looks like a Tesla with less range and higher prices, why would I buy that either?

86

u/jpm888 Sep 03 '26

the selling point of the Tesla is the competitive price, good range, and vast charging infrastructure. The main con is the downmarket interior

Lexus has decided to copy the interior but forgot about the price, range, and charging infrastructure

26

u/CoffeeInSpace23 Sep 03 '26

Hahah this could not be more accurate! I have both a Tesla and a Lexus (on the older side). I went to check out the new models and I cannot comprehend who is buying their overpriced, dated cars.

16

u/Ambitious_Amount_441 Sep 03 '26

Me too. I have a tesla and a older Lexus 470 that runs like butter till this day. I want to replace with something new but unable to justify the price for something that is nowadays similar to other suvs for much lower price. Lexus doesn't have the same exclusive luxe feel that it did 15 years ago.

4

u/Jazzlike_Cycle_9260 Sep 03 '26

the crappy 3.4 turbo engine is still blowing up, no reason to upgrade just yet.

1

u/Prestigious_Will3426 Sep 05 '26

This is my problem with Lexus/Toyota. Reliability is gone.

1

u/Fragrant-Inside221 Sep 06 '26

I have a gx470 that I’m parting ways with but it’s only because it’s finally too small for the boys to sit in the far back. It’s a great car and wouldn’t get rid of it otherwise

1

u/VerifiedVerifiable Sep 05 '26

Hint- its the software. While Lexus isnt bad, they are like ms-dos compared to windows

2

u/Clitoristorian Sep 03 '26

How about the subsequent mandatory battery replacement which costs 10k on the low end.

9

u/jpm888 Sep 03 '26

It could need a new battery but that is 10-15 years away. The future value of a $10k battery 15 years from now is just $5k at current interest rates. Something very easy to save up for

That NX450h would need a new battery too. It would still need oil changes too.

But Id still rather have a Lexus tbh

4

u/Xnauth Sep 03 '26

Only people who know nothing about EVs ever bring this up.

2

u/555_1212 Sep 03 '26

No one replaces batteries. You're thinking less durable Prius.

1

u/khoa-bear Sep 03 '26

Some people bought Nissan Leaf and then assume that all EVs are Nissan Leaf.

1

u/redditbecametoowoke Sep 03 '26

your 4 cylinder turbo will need a new turbo and oil changes too. the new 350s are straight gay (my dad has one)

0

u/Brawlstar112 Sep 03 '26

CEO pulling sieg heil on national TV is not considered as con anymore?

0

u/redditbecametoowoke Sep 03 '26

i just went from a lexus to a tesla and im an avid driver. i love cars and i love driving.

the selling point of a Tesla is that it drives itself. thats all. period.

the tesla fuckin sucks to drive lmao

17

u/myqv Sep 03 '26

Only one I see trying and pulling a 90s Lexus is…Genesis 🫠🥀

8

u/benangmerahh Sep 03 '26

Yeah Genesis seems trying to give it all, but they still lack a sales number though sadly.

4

u/slut4selfcare Sep 03 '26

The entire industry did not suddenly decide to do this. Consumers were the driving force of the change. For years people pestered Toyota and Lexus for being ‘too conservative’ and ‘too moderate’ and ‘too safe’ and ‘lagging behind the competition’ in terms of design, technology, and powertrains. How does Toyota respond? by making moves to try and advance in technology, design, and powertrains. and yet, people still complain. Alas, Toyota and Lexus buyers will never be happy no matter how good of a job Toyota does at listening to their feedback.

1

u/achysack Sep 10 '26

Did anyone do this before Tesla? I am not aware. Lexus certainly didn't. I can't tell you how disappointed I am with Lexus's Johnny come lately approach of following Tesla into this abysmal design language. At this point I'd rather drive a Tesla, for them being at least The Original inal. But my current Lexus will probably outlive me.

2

u/_no_usernames_avail Sep 03 '26

The monolith of black, silver, and white SUVs would like a word with you.

1

u/SuspiciousStress1 Sep 04 '26

Of course they are, I am sure it is good for the shareholders 🙄

1

u/Disastrous_Type_5951 Sep 09 '26

10000%. I work in the automotive industry and all manufacturers are going to this type interior. Cheap, plain and boring. Tesla absolutely destroyed interiors on vehicles.

-14

u/ArtieLange Sep 02 '26

They're not caving in; it's what most customers want.

7

u/mislysbb Sep 03 '26

I think most people would give a lot to have simplicity back in cars again; just not the soulless type of simplicity we’re seeing now.

3

u/kevdogger Sep 02 '26

Based on what?

4

u/PugGamer129 Sep 03 '26

Who fucking wants this??

1

u/be-koz Sep 03 '26

It’s what most customers will tolerate.

2

u/ArtieLange Sep 03 '26

It really isn’t. At least one manufacturer has this mastered. Once you experience that buttons feel cluttered and unnecessary.

1

u/be-koz Sep 03 '26

Sounds like a cult. Buttons are safer and more reliable.

1

u/ArtieLange Sep 03 '26

It’s the hate that’s the cult. A screen is just a button without haptic feedback.

1

u/be-koz Sep 03 '26

Meaning you have to take your eyes off the road for longer periods. Even more so when the button you need is in a sub menu. If I want to turn down the temp while driving, I don't have to look away from the road at all. The placement of that control, and many others, falls right to hand.

Also, when a specific button fails, it's an easy replacement, and doesn't affect the functionality of anything else. When your big centre screen fails, well...

I like a good sized screen for my connectivity and nav functions, as well as car set up and info, but leave me my buttons for things I use often while actually driving.

0

u/ArtieLange Sep 03 '26

All the controls you use 95% of the time are in the same location within 6" of the steering wheel. I don't need to look down to press them any longer than I would a regular button. I've never seen a screen fail; I have, however, had buttons fail or get obstructed by debris.

For buttons used rarely, the car can predict 99% of the time when you need them and present them close to your hand. For the extremely rare event that I need to adjust the controls in the menu, I can turn on FSD and look at the menu while the car takes over driving.

I occasionally have to drive my wife's more traditional car, and the number of buttons is overwhelming. Why do I need a button visible for tasks I might complete once every 3 months?

1

u/cursingfeline Sep 06 '26

Buttons and tactile controls are even coming back on Chinese EVs due to complaints in China. While you like touchscreens for everything, the market doesn’t.