Lexus Admits Lack Of A 3 Row Version Of RX Crossover Is Eating Into Sales Of The Brand

Although it is the No.1 seller in its segment this year, the Lexus RX’s 3-row competitors are eating into its volume.

And that’s keeping Lexus dealers awake at night.

“Dealers are really focused on that (and) I would say if it’s not (their top complaint), it’s one of the most important misses from their perspective,” Jeff Bracken, senior vice president for Lexus in the U.S., tells WardsAuto in an interview here.

Lexus for years has been pondering a 3-row RX or another CUV with three rows, knowing many Americans like to have the option of a third row in a midsize CUV, even if they won’t frequently use it.

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cidflekken - 8/13/2015 12:26:07 PM

-2 Boost

Well, this is going to potentially deliver a serious blow to the MDX and QXwhatever. Acura and Infiniti better get cooking on some serious updates/redesigns. The RX is popular enough with just 2 rows. Can only imagine what will happen with a 3rd row (if done right).

MDarringer - 8/13/2015 12:34:26 PM

-4 Boost

Given how right the RX is and given how pleasantly surprised I am by the NX, I say bring this on and let's makes some money.

bnilhome - 8/16/2015 9:49:33 AM

+1 Boost

Matt D-What about this new RX is so right? It's hideous looking. Had Lexus came out with a nice evolution of the last gen design, and added a 3rd row, I agree that would be helpful.

Car4Life - 8/13/2015 2:43:29 PM

+1 Boost

Smart move Lexus, will definitely keep the RX a top seller for a while to come, offering a third row presumably at a much cheaper price than the german competition,

bnilhome - 8/14/2015 8:32:30 AM

+1 Boost

I would tend to agree that the RX needs to have more qualities like the MDX in terms of size and drivability. When I drove the RX I just felt it was a cruiser and it did not have much feeling from the driver's perspective.

BUT, before they worry about a 3rd row, they need to re-do this latest redesign. It actually looks worse than the new Murano redesign. Lexus customers tend to be very conservative and want "reliably luxury." Putting Pontiac Aztek qualities into the RX will diminish sales even further.

Dexter1 - 8/14/2015 9:57:51 AM

+1 Boost

Forget about 3rd row seats—it's the hideous, polarizing design language these idiots are assaulting us with that's eating into sales of the brand.

skytop - 8/14/2015 9:59:13 AM

-1 Boost

Looks like Lexless was not thinking, as usual.

knowitall1985 - 8/14/2015 8:09:57 PM

+1 Boost

Your much smarter, but your not running the richest car company on the planet.....LOL!!!

david999 - 8/17/2015 1:35:32 PM

+1 Boost

People love the look of the new NX, what makes people think the new RX with similar design won't be?

philippz - 9/13/2015 12:07:30 PM

+1 Boost

I redesigned the RX to give it the look that the designers originally intended before the front wheel drive architecture screwed up their design:

Shorter overhangs:
[IMG]http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/philippz555/Lexus%20RX%20PZ.jpg[/[IMG]

Original:
[IMG]http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/philippz555/Lexus%20RX.jpg[/IMG]

philippz - 9/13/2015 12:09:31 PM

+1 Boost

One more try with the pics:

I redesigned the RX to give it the look that the designers originally intended before the front wheel drive architecture screwed up their design:

Shorter overhangs:
[img]http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/philippz555/Lexus%20RX%20PZ.jpg[/img]

Original:
[img]http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/philippz555/Lexus%20RX.jpg[/img]