View Poll Results: Should Lexus kill off the GX for a new CUV (TX)?
Yes
40
41.24%
No
24
24.74%
I think there is room for both vehicles in the Lexus lineup.
33
34.02%
Voters: 97. You may not vote on this poll
Lexus RX / GX / TX speculation
Guest
Posts: n/a
The problem with the GX in the space department is the BOF construction. Unibody designs have more adaptable layouts and floorpan configurations...
My favorite unibody 7 seat SUV is the Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX60. It has the best interior layout, and at 6" tall I can sit comfortably in the third row, which is not the case in an MDX or really a Highlander...certainly a GX. The HUGE downside to the Pathfinder/QX60 IMHO is the CVT...I hate the way a CVT feels on the road. I'd own one if it had a normal gearbox.
If Lexus can make a vehicle with the adaptability and space of the QX60 with a good power train and deliver it well equipped for $50-60k...they would sell 3,500 of them a month I am absolutely sure of it.
My favorite unibody 7 seat SUV is the Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX60. It has the best interior layout, and at 6" tall I can sit comfortably in the third row, which is not the case in an MDX or really a Highlander...certainly a GX. The HUGE downside to the Pathfinder/QX60 IMHO is the CVT...I hate the way a CVT feels on the road. I'd own one if it had a normal gearbox.
If Lexus can make a vehicle with the adaptability and space of the QX60 with a good power train and deliver it well equipped for $50-60k...they would sell 3,500 of them a month I am absolutely sure of it.
I've had a loaded JX to use for a few days and I rented a pretty loaded one before as well. I agree that the space inside is very well done with maybe the best 3rd row or any SUV its size. It was downhill from there, there wasn't anything really luxurious about it at all, some wood and cheap leather does not make a luxury car. The engine sucks gas and isn't powerful. I actually don't mind the CVT.
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
Lexus RX could become a seven-seater
http://www.caradvice.com.au/293954/l...-seven-seater/
The Lexus RX may be offered with an extra row of seating in the future to help differentiate it from the company’s new NX SUV.
Toyota’s luxury arm staged the international launch of the new NX in Canada this week. Although the NX is smaller than the RX, it offers the same five-seat layout while there is also similar interior space and a bigger boot.
The fourth iteration of the Lexus RX that first launched in 1998 is expected to debut in late 2015, replacing the current model that has been around since 2008 (early 2009 Australia).
The next RX won’t be a seven-seater insiders have revealed to CarAdvice, though Lexus officially admits it is considering a third row for the model.
“Three rows is under study for RX,” Lexus’s assistant chief engineer on the NX, Kei-Ichi Nishiyama, told CarAdvice at the NX launch. “There is lots of demand [for seven seats] from the US market.”
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley, who has high-level input as a member of the brand’s global executive council, says he is also pushing for a seven-seater RX.
“Timing for the next RX hasn’t been announced, but if the question is whether Lexus International [formed in 2012 to take responsibility for global markets] will influence design, specification, dynamics, performance and drivetrains of next RX, the answer is yes.
“[Seven seats] has been under study. It’s certainly something we would desire, and it’s something we will strongly lobby for in the product pipeline of the future. But there’s no confirmation on it yet.”
The 2016 Lexus RX will again be based on the Toyota Kluger (known as Highlander in the US), which continues to offer a third row and grew again for the latest generation.
Lexus has trademarked the TX nameplate, suggesting a new model entirely, though a source told CarAdvice that was unlikely to amount to anything.
Lexus has a seven-seater available currently in North America, though the GX is essentially a re-nosed version of the body-on-frame Prado and not renowned for its classy driving manners.
Toyota’s luxury arm staged the international launch of the new NX in Canada this week. Although the NX is smaller than the RX, it offers the same five-seat layout while there is also similar interior space and a bigger boot.
The fourth iteration of the Lexus RX that first launched in 1998 is expected to debut in late 2015, replacing the current model that has been around since 2008 (early 2009 Australia).
The next RX won’t be a seven-seater insiders have revealed to CarAdvice, though Lexus officially admits it is considering a third row for the model.
“Three rows is under study for RX,” Lexus’s assistant chief engineer on the NX, Kei-Ichi Nishiyama, told CarAdvice at the NX launch. “There is lots of demand [for seven seats] from the US market.”
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley, who has high-level input as a member of the brand’s global executive council, says he is also pushing for a seven-seater RX.
“Timing for the next RX hasn’t been announced, but if the question is whether Lexus International [formed in 2012 to take responsibility for global markets] will influence design, specification, dynamics, performance and drivetrains of next RX, the answer is yes.
“[Seven seats] has been under study. It’s certainly something we would desire, and it’s something we will strongly lobby for in the product pipeline of the future. But there’s no confirmation on it yet.”
The 2016 Lexus RX will again be based on the Toyota Kluger (known as Highlander in the US), which continues to offer a third row and grew again for the latest generation.
Lexus has trademarked the TX nameplate, suggesting a new model entirely, though a source told CarAdvice that was unlikely to amount to anything.
Lexus has a seven-seater available currently in North America, though the GX is essentially a re-nosed version of the body-on-frame Prado and not renowned for its classy driving manners.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,260
Likes: 1,884
From: WA
I have mixed feelings on the prospect of a 3 row RX.
But what I find is most intriguing is the schedule. Perhaps it's because I work on products that take about 8 years of engineering work to release, but I have a hard time understanding how they could still be in a phase where they are only "considering" the prospect of a third row on a vehicle they intend to unveil next year.
But what I find is most intriguing is the schedule. Perhaps it's because I work on products that take about 8 years of engineering work to release, but I have a hard time understanding how they could still be in a phase where they are only "considering" the prospect of a third row on a vehicle they intend to unveil next year.
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
^^^ Agree.
I remember about a year ago, a similar statement was being made from Lexus about them "seriously considering a compact SUV". Haha. Well, surely they were already at 85% complete with the NX at that time so it's just a question of them not wanting to reveal anything until the official unveil.
The interesting insider info is that the TX name will likely not be used, plus factor in the NX which is 90% the size of the current RX - combine the two and the prospect of a 3-row RX is highly probable, like they've done with the latest X5. 5-seater standard with optional 7-seat arrangement.
I remember about a year ago, a similar statement was being made from Lexus about them "seriously considering a compact SUV". Haha. Well, surely they were already at 85% complete with the NX at that time so it's just a question of them not wanting to reveal anything until the official unveil.
The interesting insider info is that the TX name will likely not be used, plus factor in the NX which is 90% the size of the current RX - combine the two and the prospect of a 3-row RX is highly probable, like they've done with the latest X5. 5-seater standard with optional 7-seat arrangement.
Last edited by corradoMR2; Jul 1, 2014 at 01:35 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 8
From: CA
I am not interested in 3rd row seating and I wouldn't buy an RX with that option. A 3rd row seat would be a clear indication that it is time for me to move on to another vehicle because the RX was just not targeted and tuned for my requirements.
Last edited by UCSB; Jul 1, 2014 at 02:51 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,430
Likes: 249
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The problem with the RX is that, even though it is done on the Highlander's Camry-based platform, the Highlander, which does have a 3rd-row seat, has significantly more usable room in back because of its higher, more squared-off rear roofline. The RX's styling is considered more classy and less-conservative than the Highlander's, but the penalty is less room in back. Sure, Lexus might be able to actually squeeze in a third-row seat, but would it be usable for anything except children? I wouldn't bet on it.....and the second-row seat may have to be placed slightly further forward, too, making for less room in that seat as well.
IMO, if the RX is going to get a reasonable third-row seat, it's going to have to start either with a new design or a stretched version of the present one.
IMO, if the RX is going to get a reasonable third-row seat, it's going to have to start either with a new design or a stretched version of the present one.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jul 2, 2014 at 06:18 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
I said it before but it's worth repeating.
BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and even Nissan Rogue? ( or is it the Pathfinder) have optional 3rd row seating WITHOUT any changes to the exterior.
If Lexus can do that to the RX, that will be ok for me.
Buyers need to realize, how uncomfortable the 3rd seats are for long trips and normal size adults.
And once they use that 3rd row, cargo capacity suffers.
If you NEED third row, nothing can beat a minivan.
BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and even Nissan Rogue? ( or is it the Pathfinder) have optional 3rd row seating WITHOUT any changes to the exterior.
If Lexus can do that to the RX, that will be ok for me.
Buyers need to realize, how uncomfortable the 3rd seats are for long trips and normal size adults.
And once they use that 3rd row, cargo capacity suffers.
If you NEED third row, nothing can beat a minivan.
