Threxx

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.

PhilipMSPT

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.

IS-SV

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.

mmarshall

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.

MR_F1

Lexus really does not need yet another SUV.

spwolf

isnt Highlander/RX much better candidate for 3rd row? I mean if they dont want to fit it in big RX, why would they do it in much smaller Rav4?

LexFather

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.

CDNROCKIES

BMW does offer the third row in the X5. It's a complete joke, but it is an option, and some actually buy it.

mmarshall

No doubt, the Lexus marketers have noticed how many buyers have been drawn to the Buick Enclave. One look at the Enclave's interior will tell you why.....and the Enclave's third-row seat, unlike most mid-sized SUVs, has room for American-sized adults.

IS-SV

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.

Fizzboy7

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.

mmarshall

Yes, that's one reason for the Enclave's good sales. Although the Enclave's interior materials, are, in general, not quite up to those used in Lexus SUVs (for instance, most of the Enclave's "wood", except for the steering wheel, is thin plastic), the ultra-plush look, at least, combined with the 3rd-row room, is enough to sway a lot of buyers.

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.

That's another reason why it sells. Few vehicles, today, have interiors like that....especially at that price. Some people like a lot of wood-tone, chrome/brushed-metal, and glitz....and don't consider that "dated". I happen to like it, myself. But I agree that Lexus uses better-quality materials inside......the Enclave, despite its plush look, is mostly glitz-covered plastic.


I'm not so sure. They have got to be noticing the Enclave's sales-numbers.


Possibly.....I can't comment on sales in SoCal. Here in the D.C. area, both the Enclave and RX seem to be very popular with more or less the same groups of middle-aged couples and soccer-moms.

LexFather

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.

oldcajun

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

mmarshall

Can't really compare the MDX and Enclave in size.....the MDX is substantially smaller than the Enclave, and about the same size as an RX.

Although this is just my opinion here, and can't necessarily be proved by fact, I think the main sales appeal the RX has over the MDX, regardless of the seating capacity of either vehicle, is simply the noticeably better smoothness/quietness/refinement of the RX. The MDX, though a nice mid-sized, car-based SUV, lacks the silky-smooth drivetrain and library-quiet ride of the RX.....people notice that.