What Company's SUV Will Knock The Lexus RX Off No. 1 In Sales OR Is There No Chance In 2011?

Just as BMW's 3-Series dominates the entry-level premium segment, Lexus' RX is a powerhouse in the luxury, midsize sport-utility vehicle class. Although it was a humble and relaxed driver, many chastised it for its soft ride and cushy driving experience.

But that didn't matter since Lexus' dealership experience was unparalleled and the cars were selling like hotcakes.

At first I though Audi's Q5 or Mercedes-Benz's GLK had what it took. Eventually though it became clear that Audi is just not a volume seller yet and Mercedes-Benz's GLK doesn't have that same universal appeal as the RX.

With that said though, is there something coming down the pipe that will be able to unseat the RX in the near future or even down the road?

**To put this in perspective, the Lexus RX sold over 80,000 units year-to-date in Nov. 2009 and 2010. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz sold only fractions of that. Cadillac's SRX sold approximately 45,000 units as of Nov. 2010 YTD.


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WorldofLuxury - 1/3/2011 4:55:00 AM

+11 Boost

I can't imagine anyone just yet. Even if Lexus is gonna make a crossover to slot below the RX (which they're not), the RX would still be the bestseller. Even if Lexus makes a 3-row RX for a slightly higher price, people would still go for the 2-row. I'm telling you; the RX is the perfect package.

ceric - 1/3/2011 5:37:16 AM

-2 Boost

My fully loaded Mazda CX9 GT AWD is not only much bigger, it is AT LEAST $10K less expensive. Drive better, and probably as fast.
It is also cost much less to maintain.
Having owned it for 3 yrs, I can say that it is also as reliable w/o the worry for UA (unintended acceleration).

dl767captain - 1/3/2011 8:22:33 AM

+10 Boost

That's all great, but it's still a Mazda

dl767captain - 1/3/2011 8:25:22 AM

+12 Boost

The RX has been a best seller since it first came out. We actually had one of the very first ones in 1998 when we moved from San Diego to Colorado Springs and found out there was this thing called winter. We've had RXs ever since. You don't have to think that's it's a sporty car, the best handling car, or even the best looking. But you do have to agree that it's the best and most successful SUV for what it was built for, to be the perfection of affordable luxury for a family car

trungdq - 1/3/2011 8:57:17 AM

-23 Boost

In the next 5 years, Audi Q5 will be the best seller on global scale.

dl767captain - 1/3/2011 9:10:18 AM

+13 Boost

They would have to offer a softer, less sporty version for that to happen and I don't see Audi doing such a thing

knowitall1985 - 1/3/2011 10:26:48 AM

+15 Boost

This is what happens when you deliver a superior product with superior service.....Did I say superior?????

Criticalobserver1 - 1/3/2011 12:06:05 PM

+5 Boost

Check out the 2011 BMW X3 - style, size, interior appointments, handling - all vastly superior to the first generation X3.

enthusiastx11 - 1/3/2011 1:09:41 PM

+2 Boost

love that black thinks the x3 looks warmer over, while the RX has looked largely the same for years and years. lol.

enthusiastx11 - 1/4/2011 11:20:14 AM

+2 Boost

just like we BMW buyers don't consider old-lady/soccer mom/viagra popping man lexus cars.

bmwdrvr - 1/5/2011 9:47:17 AM

+1 Boost

lol @ boy racer bmws, last time I checked lexus f tune little more than louder exhaust, suspension mods, cheap aftermarket looking wheels, and body kits thats boy racer by definition. Not to mention ghastly ISF again boy racer looks, the is was created strictly to compete the 3 series which it fails at. Ignorrance sums up my thoughts on lexus fans...lol @ boy racer bmws...

BondMI6 - 1/3/2011 12:53:58 PM

+5 Boost

There is one car that will definitely beat it-

The completely new and redesigned RX for 2016.........

enthusiastx11 - 1/3/2011 1:08:27 PM

+4 Boost

that's not going to happen. competitive luxury models to the RX are priced substantially higher and, as a result, can't achieve the same volume.

knowitall1985 - 1/3/2011 1:15:04 PM

+1 Boost

That's what you said about the last one...The X3 is fast though 5.5 0-60 but C&D said it still rides hard......

speed123 - 1/3/2011 1:55:33 PM

-3 Boost

FX

MorePower - 1/3/2011 11:40:36 PM

+1 Boost

I love the FX, but RX competition it is not. The FX rides too stiff and requires too much energy & concentration to drive for RX customers.

speed123 - 1/4/2011 1:25:00 PM

0 Boost

Your right, I forgot the RX is aimed more towards those who want an comfy mudane ride, and the FX is more of a drivers sport ride.

9nine3 - 1/3/2011 2:24:46 PM

-6 Boost

rounded over Aztec. A Q5 or 2011 X3 are both superior to this whip.

uaw_lax - 1/3/2011 5:29:39 PM

+4 Boost

The RX has been the sales leader ever since and had many other luxury makers make an RX like car in this segment come to think of it the RX defines this segment as far as sales go.

Auto_expert - 1/3/2011 7:17:12 PM

-5 Boost

If that did happen, it would be very bad for Lexus, because I don't even think they make any other vehicles. I see an IS or ES on a rare occasion, but that's about it.

How's the Veracruz doing?

dl767captain - 1/3/2011 10:00:01 PM

+4 Boost

You see an IS or ES on a rare occasion? Where do you live? I'm writing this after driving up the road to my neighborhood behind 2 IS and an ES about 10 minutes ago.

SSP350 - 1/3/2011 9:26:00 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus created the RX 'segement' ...it sounds right that they're still selling in the #1 spot for that.

Denali - 1/3/2011 9:31:14 PM

+2 Boost

Benchmark cars/Suv CANT get knock off......FACT

MorePower - 1/3/2011 11:49:41 PM

+2 Boost

The reason why Toyota sells so many RX's is because they are extremely easy to drive(elderly & women appreciate this) and are priced well to compete against the Germans which cost more. This is especially true considering the it's the perfect time to buy year in sale that Lexus offers every year.


For the type of vehicle that the RX is, the only competition comes other car based Toyota suv's: Highlander, FJ & Rav 4.

Nissan Murano is too distinctly styled.
Acura MDX is too big, RDX is too small.
Pilot is too big, as well as the Element & CRV too small.
Ford Edge still drives like a Ford(mushy steering)