Is Lexus going to offer a unibody SUV with third row seating anytime soon?
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Is Lexus going to offer a unibody SUV with third row seating anytime soon?
I remember reading several years ago how Lexus was planning on releasing a GS-based SUV that I presume would fit in price wise somewhere near the body on frame GX.
I'm guessing increasing gas prices and the focus on fuel economy might have made Lexus decide not to further crowd their SUV lineup.
Still, at that point I would have anticipated either the RX being offered with a third row, or the GX being moved to unibody construction.
As it stands now it seems if I want a smooth riding luxury SUV with third row seating, Lexus is not an option.
I'm guessing increasing gas prices and the focus on fuel economy might have made Lexus decide not to further crowd their SUV lineup.
Still, at that point I would have anticipated either the RX being offered with a third row, or the GX being moved to unibody construction.
As it stands now it seems if I want a smooth riding luxury SUV with third row seating, Lexus is not an option.
#2
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
I think the RX should have an elongated version, just like the LS.
It would make it more popular than ever.
However, since the RX has just recently been redesigned, I doubt it's gonna happen.
Lexus will most likely turn towards smaller SUV/crossovers based on other platforms.
It would make it more popular than ever.
However, since the RX has just recently been redesigned, I doubt it's gonna happen.
Lexus will most likely turn towards smaller SUV/crossovers based on other platforms.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
IMO, Toyota/Lexus is happy to just steer buyers needing the 3rd row to the Toyota dealership. The potential sales volume for Lexus is not a big opportunity loss.
Mercedes sells a low number of GL and RL (versus ML) and BMW no 3 row SUV's so far in US.
Mercedes sells a low number of GL and RL (versus ML) and BMW no 3 row SUV's so far in US.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Toyota already has the unibody V6, 3-row RAV-4, so it shouldn't be that big a deal for Lexus to do a version with upgraded interior and sound-insulation. The interior, though, would need a serious upgrade......that is one of the current-generation RAV-4's worst features.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-04-11 at 03:01 PM.
#6
Toyota already has the unibody V6, 3-row RAV-4, so it shouldn't be that big a deal for Lexus to do a version with upgraded interior and sound-insulation. The interior, though, would need a serious upgrade......that is one of the current-generation RAV-4's worst features.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
There was a mock up of a 3RX with a third row but Lexus did not like how the design looked so they dumped it.
There seems to be a market for a 3rd for car based SUV as many Lexus owners or potential owners would like it.
Looking at the design of Highlander vs the RX the RX has a much more curvaceous exterior and sloping rear roof compared to the Highlander.
There seems to be a market for a 3rd for car based SUV as many Lexus owners or potential owners would like it.
Looking at the design of Highlander vs the RX the RX has a much more curvaceous exterior and sloping rear roof compared to the Highlander.
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#8
Lexus Champion
BMW does offer the third row in the X5. It's a complete joke, but it is an option, and some actually buy it.
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-05-11 at 10:01 AM.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Good points about X5 (and I almost forgot the LR4 with more usable 3rd row). Certainly Enclave (being full-sized and much longer and heavier than mid-sized RX) comes up when a stretched Lexus RX is discussed with a usable 3rd row.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
The Enclave's interior is glitzy, overstyled, and a bit dated. I don't think Lexus is worried. From what I have witnessed in L.A., the Enclave buyer is a different demographic than the RX buyer.
#12
Lexus Fanatic
A stretched 3rd-row RX, BTW, might also get some competition from the Lincoln MKT (sorry....I know you don't like Lincoln's alphabet-soup ), not just the Enclave.....though the MKT's styling turns off some buyers.
Originally Posted by Fizzboy
The Enclave's interior is glitzy, overstyled, and a bit dated.
I don't think Lexus is worried.
From what I have witnessed in L.A., the Enclave buyer is a different demographic than the RX buyer.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-05-11 at 10:19 AM.
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Dimensions between a RX vs a 7 seat Enclave/MDX etc are pretty clear. Its also clear people prefer what the RX offers looking at sales. Of course there is a 7 seat market they are missing but then we can say they are missing out on more sales in comparison.
#14
I'm a bit surprised that Lexus has not done a 3 row crossover based on the Highlander. Ford seems to do well with two different size crossovers, the Flex and Edge. Lexus product planners must not see much incremental sales advantage to adding another product.
Steve
Steve
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Its also clear people prefer what the RX offers looking at sales. Of course there is a 7 seat market they are missing but then we can say they are missing out on more sales in comparison.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-06-11 at 08:30 PM.