No. Lexus said a few years ago they didn't see that market going anywhere and they were right. The RX outsells the ENTIRE cute ute class. The Germans have done a lot better than the RDX/EX which have been failure since launch.

Could that change? Maybe, considering we have seen the HS and CT come.

Great post. The original RX was more in line with these but that was over ten years ago. It was 180 inches long. The current model is what 190 or so?

Its the same size, the engine is smaller. This is due to China taxes on bigger engines. Smart move by Lexus to sell better there.

 

ah great post for comparison, thanks for the info!!!

very interesting to see that the rx folded down actually has more space than the q7 and x5 (both folded down i suppose)!

 

Yeah that includes the folded 3rd row seat on the Q7 and X5, which while folded still eats up cargo volume. The RX has no 3rd row to being with. I should note also, that Edmunds' numbers (surprise, surprise) don't quite match elsewhere; they say 38.8 cubic feet for the 3RX with seats up, Lexus.com says 40, etc.

Also should add MDX to the list...
Cargo capacity, cu. ft.
MDX 15 (43 folded; 84 with 2nd row removed)

 

ok, a bit confused. so the 3rx folded space (folded 2nd row), it's compared to the q7 and x5 3rd row folded (2nd row untouched) right?

 

Actually, while the RX number (80+ cubic feet) is folded 2nd row; the X5 (75 cubic feet) and Q7 (72+ cubic feet) numbers are folded 2nd + folded 3rd rows as well.

So it can be said the RX has more cargo room than the X5 and Q7, when all 3 are in a 2-seat, rear rows folded condition. However, the X5 and Q7 offer a folding 3rd row seat, which the RX does not.

 

The 3rd gen RX is 187.8 inches long now. It feels cavernous inside compared to previous gens.

Personally I'd like to see a 2 door RX instead of a RAV-4 clone. I don't need four doors and would appreciate a little less vehicle to deal with but with the same level of luxury.

 

buy a CT and put some 22s on it. lol

 

What Lexus should seriously consider, IMO, is an upmarket version of the Toyota Venza. That would perform many of the RX's all-weather functions, but sit somewhat lower and handle more car-like.

 

IMO I see the premium cute ute category growing in the next few years (beyond the relatively low current sales levels of the GLK, X3, Q5). I would like to see something smaller than the RX since I'd consider buying it.

 

Well, like I suggested, a Lexus-ized Venza would sit lower than an RX, though not necessarily be any shorter. Or is what you are suggesting something more along the lines of a Lexus-ized RAV4 or Matrix?

 

IMO Venza is still too big versus GLK/Q5/new X3, but still the idea has possibilities.

And RAV4/Matrix derivatives would be way too down-scale when compared to GLK/Q5/new X3. Not suitable to have Lexus branding in US market.

 

the venza is an RX...but just sits lower and on 20s.

 

Yes it's footprint is very similar in size.

 

oh wow ok, thanks for clarifying. just give me that much more reason to get the rx for the space!

 

comparing the rx with 2 rows of seats, to suv's with 3 roaws of seats isn't a valid comparison, as the third row of seats have to take up cargo room when folded (even if the floor is flat, it's still raised to make room for them).

but not taking anything away from the RX. it's the best 5 seater non-heavy duty SUV!