Sulu

Whatever happened to the (prospective) buyer has spoken? Could it be that focus groups said no to a 3-row RX (but perhaps yes to a larger 3-row TX)?

This same question was asked back at the intro of the current 3Gen model and the answer was that buyers did not see a need for a 3-row RX.

swajames

I agree the RX could have/should have a third row option. I read somewhere that it's coming maybe next year? Anyway, in this class and in light of the competition an occasional use third row would be a smart addition to the RX. New one looks like a big upgrade from our 450h.

pman6

no 3rd row?

Just throw the kids in the trunk and hope no one rear ends you.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

They need to sell the new RX with this,

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^ goggles sold separately

jwong77

Whoa that could get kind of sketchy above 60mph, lol

G Star

iTrader: (2)

I thought this was already confirmed for early 2016.

-J-P-L-

Am I missing something? Old outgoing RX: March sales 9200 units. New MDX: 5500 units in March.
I wonder who's doing it right? Where is he getting his info?

Anyway, I see the RX as mostly a luxury utility cruiser for empty nest couples or smaller afluent families just looking for crossover utility but mostly comfort. An alternative to a luxury sedan. A strategy the even Nissan has stuck to with the new Murano purposely sticking to 2 rows and focusing on comfort.

The best choice for 3 rows is the Highlander. Get a limited platinum and you essentially have a $50K Lexus.

viperdoc

Must agree with the author. Had the rx had a three row option I would have gotten it to replace our minivan. Instead I got an mdx. Didn't want the gx for the reasons the author mentions....too bulky without providing more interior space, horrible gas mileage, and truck like drive and handling. At least offering it as an option would immediately pull buyers from other manufacturers. I ended up with an rx for me (I don't need three rows in my car, the mdx is my wife's) and the Lexus is by far nicer than the acura.

rxonmymind

Take a look at the new Buick Enclave and that's what you'll get with a new RX with third row option. It's a BOAT. Looking at it in person I didn't care for it at all. However, just because it doesn't fit my lifestyle doesn't mean it's not for you.
To each their own.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

people are sensitive and get mad so easily. maybe put some thoughts to the claim instead, even if it's way exaggerated.

if comes months and lexus indeed release updated version of rx (or tx) with 3rd row, suddenly it's the best idea ever

RNM GS3

This article makes no sense.

Current RX has no 3rd row seats and sells more than any other luxury SUV, obviously its customer base doesn't need it. New RX will continue to be a sales success imo but personally im not a fan of it.

LordBowral

Omg ! What storm in a teacup ! The new RX is sensational and will continue to be a market leader regardless of a silly 3rd row seat option .
The 3 rd row IS confirmed coming 2016 ... If you need that many seats in the meantime get a bus

Mr. Burns

Lexus RX 2015 US sales YTD: 22,236
Acura MDX 2015 US sales YTD: 14,437

The RX is outselling the MDX at a rate of close to 2:1, so what crown is Lexus trying to retake according to Jalopnik?

If anything they're sticking close to a formula that is already clearly very successful.

Also most of the commenters on that site seem to be completely unaware of actual hard sales numbers, one guy called the ES an also ran.

gyrase321

Jalopnik is an echo chamber composed of mostly post-pubescent males who can't really afford to buy any of the cars they fetishize about (mostly German). But, they try to outdo each other to prove their "street cred", so they go bash Lexus at every opportunity...because Lexus in their minds is the antithesis of their German luxury car fetish.