<< NFS4:
2) Its unit-bdoy frame is more suited to off-roading than the Camry-frame which is suited for comfort. That was my point. And from what I understood, unit-body was used for trucks, correct me if im wrong.
When you say ride comfort you mean on the highway-type comfort? The RX300 would have better since its based on the Camry. THe problem with the RX300 is that it drives like a car. You don't want a SUV that drives like a car. If you wanted a car ride you'd buy a car, if you wanted space, you'd either buy a large car or a stationwagon. My uncle (who I prevously mentioned that bought the QX4) didn't like the RX300 because it drove like the minivan they already had. It didn't have that rugged feel to it and it drove like a car. (that was their complaint).
However for off-roadng the QX4 would be way better. Its 4WD system is also more advanced compared to the Lexus one. Since the QX4 is a SUV (like the RX300, etc..) it would be better. I don't care if people buy SUVs and don't take them off-road, but in my opinion SUVS were designed to go offroad therefore the one that could perform best offroad would be the best one.
You don't want a car like ride, you want a rigid frame that does not flex and therefore transmits the vibrations while it negoitates the terrain.
Personally I wouldn't have gone for the QX4. I wouldn't pay the extra $5k to get better service and wood dash and plus I wouldn't want to get it dirty since its expensive. I'd go for the Pathfinder or the Toyota Land Cruiser or Pajero (but we don't get either in Canada). >>
Unless Kenazo's dad is gonna be taking the vehicle off-road, I don't think off-roading will be factoring in here. All trucks (pickups) are not unit-based. They use ladder frames, either "U" shapped or fully boxed. Unit-based construction is used on cars and ALL newer car based SUV's. When the Pathfinder/QX4 came out, the only unit based SUV's were it and the Grand Cherokee/Cherokee. Every other SUV was frame-based.
Most people WANT an SUV that drives like a car. Why would you want to pay $35,000 for something that bucks you around after every pothole? That's what's good about the Highlander/RX300. I drove the Highlander for 750 miles up to Baltimore and driving around Baltimore's TERRIBLE city streets. Nary a creak, groan, rattle came through the cockpit and the ride was smooth with muted thuds as the wheels navigated the surface. Out Explorer would shake us to death on the same surfaces. The QX4 tends to hop around on it's rear axle on similar terrain.
As for SUV's vs station wagons, that's up to the BUYER to decide, not us. If they don't want to drive a wagon...more power to them. My dad HATES station wagons. It's all up to the person. Same as to why someone would choose a Focus sedan vs a Focus Wagon or Focus 5-door hatch. It's all up to the person PAYING FOR IT.