RAV4 Based Lexus SUV?
It was in 1998 that the first luxury crossover utility vehicle was ever built, and that vehicle was the Lexus RX 300. Introduced in early 1998 as a 1999 model, the Lexus RX continues to be the best selling crossover LUV to date. Currently there are two larger truck based Lexus LUV’s available, the 7 passenger GX and the 8 passenger LX. But what about something to fit below the best selling RX?
It would be no surprise if Lexus continued to diversify the luxury utility market. A void needs to be filled and the platform that would make the most sense is the Toyota RAV4. Our guess is that Lexus would go with a two powertrain approach here in North America. Because the RAV4 has shared an evolution of the Toyota Celica and Camry platforms, it would make sense for this small LUV to use the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 already utilized in the RAV4 and the 2AR-FXE 2.5L 4cyl Hybrid found in the Camry Hybrid & now 2013 ES 300h. So what do we call this baby RX? Our guess would be either called the TX (Tiny Crossover) or CX (Compact Crossover). Is it time for Lexus to create a BMW X3 & Mercedes Benz GLK fighter? We think so.
How does TX 350 or TX 300h sound? What about CX 350 or CX 300h? Share your thoughts with us! >>
