Lexus Banking On 3 Row RX To Bolster Lead In The Segment

A three-row variant of the segment-leading Lexus RX has been captured by spy photos while testing in Southern California, signaling the seven-seat family crossover is closing in on the launch pad.

Lexus dealers are itching to take on competitors such as the Acura MDX with their own seven-seat family hauler.

The RX continues to dominate the midsize premium crossover market, even with U.S. sales falling 2.7 percent to 56,369 through July.

Read Article

MDarringer - 8/23/2017 8:29:50 AM

0 Boost

A 3-row RX seems like a good idea, but the way Toyota is doing it is dumb. Instead of lengthening the wheelbase significantly, they are essentially putting the 3rd row in the luggage area of the current one. There were illustrations of it based on the prototypes and the result was ungainly looking.

They need a modern product to replace the horrible GX that is a pretty ancient machine. The Prado it's based on dates back to 1999 and the vehicle has only had the most minor changes along the way.

I don't know that the 3-row RX is the right vehicle.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 8/23/2017 10:49:43 AM

+3 Boost

Not sure the need with most people having 2 kids. But has MD said this is not the way. Same with the 3 row 4 runner. The last 2 seats are a joke. Save it for the next generation. I personally like the Lexus GX as it is a taller 4Runner with a V8, but it is not a dynamic handling vehicle. Old school SUV.

MDarringer - 8/23/2017 10:57:44 PM

+1 Boost

Some of us have more than two kids. Some of us have a multiple of that. LOL

malba2367 - 8/23/2017 11:32:20 AM

+4 Boost

The 3 row RX should be competitive with the MDX/Infiniti JX as It shares the same wheelbase as the Highlander which has an ok third row for occasional use. The only CUVs that have a third row good enough for a couple hours use by an average sized adult are the GL, XC90 (although a little tight) and the Enclave/Traverse. For a fully useable third row and cargo space you have to go to full size suvs or minivans. This product will be a hit for Lexus because many of these three row SUVs are bought by people who rarely if ever use the third row. P

bnilhome - 8/23/2017 11:43:35 AM

+1 Boost

Until Lexus changes the front of its Aztek...I mean RX, adding a third row is not going to help. If Lexus is trying to compete with the MDX, it will struggle as well until it can improve drivability and performance, especially now that Acura is offering the same type of sports hybrid found in the NSX.

cidflekken - 8/23/2017 12:04:18 PM

+3 Boost

Not sure this will change anything from a sales perspective. Unless there is a huge price premium over the 2-row RX, it's almost a no-brainer to just go with the 3-row for an "just in case I need it" situation. Of course this is assuming Lexus will be selling both the 2-row and 3-row together. If anything, it would make sense to just move to the 3-row and let the NX be the 2-row option.

cidflekken - 8/25/2017 9:51:56 PM

+1 Boost

Wow. Did anyone see the partial shot of the 3rd row at C&D? It looks super tight and overly claustrophobic. Maybe the 2nd row seats in the pic are pushed far back,