Would a Lexus Pickup Make Sense for the U.S.?
08-22-18, 03:11 PM
#61
Lexus Fanatic
One of the rare exceptions, of course, is the Subaru Outback, which remains immensely popular, though I agree it would probably be a stretch to call even the top-dog versions (such as the former L.L. Bean model, if you remember it) a true luxury wagon, which it is not. But, nevertheless, the L.L. Bean model was pretty classy inside and out.
08-22-18, 04:05 PM
#62
Lexus Fanatic
Wagons are not popular in the US. Theres no shift towards wagons in the US.
08-22-18, 04:12 PM
#63
Lexus Champion
One of the rare exceptions, of course, is the Subaru Outback, which remains immensely popular, though I agree it would probably be a stretch to call even the top-dog versions (such as the former L.L. Bean model, if you remember it) a true luxury wagon, which it is not. But, nevertheless, the L.L. Bean model was pretty classy inside and out.
) but I wouldn't classify it as a luxury wagon - Maybe premium. I'm not sure how sales are as GM doesn't post them monthly anymore. It seems like it will be a tough sell here. At least they have it available which is a good thing IMO.
08-22-18, 04:43 PM
#64
Lexus Fanatic
Buick just began offering the Tour X wagon in the U.S. (yes, I realize it's an Opel platform ) but I wouldn't classify it as a luxury wagon - Maybe premium. I'm not sure how sales are as GM doesn't post them monthly anymore. It seems like it will be a tough sell here. At least they have it available which is a good thing IMO.
) but I wouldn't classify it as a luxury wagon - Maybe premium. I'm not sure how sales are as GM doesn't post them monthly anymore. It seems like it will be a tough sell here. At least they have it available which is a good thing IMO.BTW, just FYI, the Tour-X is more than just an Opel platform. it is a virtually 100% rebadged left-hand-drive German Opel Insignia wagon, differing from the German version in little more than the Buick tri-shield, color of the dash-lights, and some minor trim pieces. (not even any Buick portholes LOL).
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-22-18 at 04:50 PM.
08-22-18, 05:04 PM
#65
Lexus Fanatic
The more I think about the OT issue, though, the more it seems one possible idea just might (?) make some sense. Most of us agree that a full-size traditional Lexus pickup would probably be unfeasible, but how about a 4-door version of a mid-sizer, with a short bed on the back....sort of like a luxury version of something like the old Ford Explorer Sport-Trac.? That would remove the stigma of it being a big work-truck with a Lexus nameplate on it. It would allow owners to carry 4-5 people, inside, in better-than average comfort and luxury (plush seats, wood/leather trim, etc.....) and allow the practicality of the bed in back for carrying things like reasonably-sized furniture and other loads. The suspension could be softened a little for better comfort....at the expense of maybe a slight reduction in load-capacity. It would probably be Tacoma-based....which may be a good thing, because IMO the Toyota version of the Tacoma is cheap inside and not very impressive, and it could use some work in those departments.
08-22-18, 05:20 PM
#66
Lexus Fanatic
The more I think about the OT issue, though, the more it seems one possible idea just might (?) make some sense. Most of us agree that a full-size traditional Lexus pickup would probably be unfeasible, but how about a 4-door version of a mid-sizer, with a short bed on the back....sort of like a luxury version of something like the old Ford Explorer Sport-Trac.? That would remove the stigma of it being a big work-truck with a Lexus nameplate on it. It would allow owners to carry 4-5 people, inside, in better-than average comfort and luxury (plush seats, wood/leather trim, etc.....) and allow the practicality of the bed in back for carrying things like reasonably-sized furniture and other loads. The suspension could be softened a little for better comfort....at the expense of maybe a slight reduction in load-capacity. It would probably be Tacoma-based....which may be a good thing, because IMO the Toyota version of the Tacoma is cheap inside and not very impressive, and it could use some work in those departments.
08-22-18, 05:37 PM
#67
Lexus Fanatic
Well, the Sport Trac had several competitors in its price class. A Lexus mid-sized equivalent probably wouldn't....at least for now. I still think it would make more sense than the OT...a Lexus-rebadged Tundra.
08-22-18, 06:09 PM
#68
Lexus Fanatic
Lack of competitors doesn't mean much if theres no demand.
I think Toyota is just best to leave trucks to Toyota.
I think Toyota is just best to leave trucks to Toyota.
08-22-18, 07:17 PM
#69
Lexus Fanatic
I think people who are calling the Cadillac EXT a failure are wrong. The EXT and Avalanche need to be viewed upon hand in hand. Just like a Land Cruiser and LX. The Avanlanche/EXT survived 12 years which makes it pretty successful IMO. The recession killed the future development. Also, the Avalanche/EXT was technically a Suburban more than it was a Silverado.
Would a Lexus truck work, IMO. Absolutely.
Would a Lexus truck work, IMO. Absolutely.
08-22-18, 07:27 PM
#70
Lexus Fanatic
It appears there is flickering interest in luxury wagons but still low volume. The future of some wagons are questionable. Personally I hope as the CUV market matures and buyers start looking for attractive versatile alternatives that luxury wagons catch on again in the U.S.
However, Toyota does like to force you into a RX if you want AWD.
08-22-18, 07:36 PM
#71
Lexus Fanatic
Here are two good articles.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/a...rucks-suv.html
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/driv...o-new-heights/
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 08-22-18 at 07:42 PM.
08-22-18, 08:04 PM
#72
Lexus Fanatic
Then why don’t they make an Escalade EXT or Avalanche any longer?
In order to make a wagon work it’s gotta sell in Europe, otherwise the volumes aren’t there just looking st the US. If the ES takes off in Europe you might just see that, otherwise I’ll Buy you a Lexus wagon too if they make one of those lol
In order to make a wagon work it’s gotta sell in Europe, otherwise the volumes aren’t there just looking st the US. If the ES takes off in Europe you might just see that, otherwise I’ll Buy you a Lexus wagon too if they make one of those lol
08-22-18, 08:22 PM
#73
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
tl;dr for the thread but my answer (opinion) on the subject is no. make that hell no. 
lexus does not have any shred of a 'rugged' reputation. it makes about as much sense as a full size volvo pickup. bad idea.
lexus does not have any shred of a 'rugged' reputation. it makes about as much sense as a full size volvo pickup. bad idea.
08-22-18, 08:25 PM
#74
Lexus Fanatic
08-22-18, 08:57 PM
#75
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
the 450 was (is) a tank, a slightly upgraded landcruiser. respectully yours is 22 years old though so not very relevant to product decisions now. the current lx570 is less off road capable than previous versions and while it has great towing capacity, i highly doubly any see any serious off roading in north america.
however, lexus u.s. website says it's rugged, so there is that
now their page is pushing the 2 row instead presumably since it's cheaper but the 2 row still STARTS at 86k. 
however, lexus u.s. website says it's rugged, so there is that
The 2018 Lexus LX 570 is a rugged and capable off-road giant disguised as an elegant, sophisticated 3-row luxury SUV.