For all you Lexus product gurus out there, I just saw the news release for the 2011 Highlander update and it is available with 3 row seating.

I've always thought the RX platform is related to the Highlander mimicking the production relationship of the LX and the Landcruiser, so if that's true, will the RX eventually offer 3 row seating as well?

Or do the product planners at Lexus feel that the RX does not need 3 row seating?

Curious...

 

I believe the chassis is more Camry than Highlander.
I don't think you'll see 3rd row seating the RX.
The GX has that covered.
My daughter has a loaded '10 Highlander Limited.Very nice truck with great ride and more room.Sometimes I'm sorry I didn't go that route.

 

I compared the Highlander to the RX this year, prior to my purchase. Naturally, the fit and finish as you can expect is like comparing apples and oranges. The third row seat caught my curiosity and I checked it out closely. That extra row really taxes the space, and constrains both it and the second row. The seat backs are more upright, and uncomfortable. The RX's back row seats are adjustable to and fro, providing them with extra leg room, a great advantage when the front seats are pushed back to accommodate longer legs there. So, it comes down to comfort vs versatility. If you need that third row, and will be using it often, then the lack of comfort is a non-issue. But if comfort is paramount, then the RX would be the obvious winner.

 

Camry, Avalon, Highlander, Venza, and RX all share basic platform with modification to fit its purpose. Venza is more closely related to RX than Highlander but overall the execution was done differently to accomodate different "crowd". RX will be your choice if you prefer quiet/smooth ride with "Lexus" logo but Venza will be your choice if you want practical ownership experience even though initial cost is only few thousand different. RX resale value is also best in its class for those who replace vehicles every few years. Can't go wrong with RX.

 

We test drove the Venza. Meh... We didn't like what they did to the interior to make it more "rugged". Highlander is in no way an RX. We drove a Highlander while on vacation one weekend. Overall a nice vehicle but in no way as solid as the RX. You get what you pay for.

 

Let's not forget about fake wood and a manual tilt/ telescoping steering wheel. That's what made me choose the RX over the Highlander. The price wasn't that far apart either.

 

Funny, I compared a Forerunner with the RX back in '98. The difference was night and day. Price-wise, it was a no brainer. Yes, the RX was based on the Camry body. But I believe the 3rd gen shares no platform.

I checked the Venza last year at the NY Auto Show. The interior is too fake looking. And 20s"?? Really?? I didn't look at the Highlander because it was too utilitarian for my taste and I was already well into the RX. But I will say the new design is an improvement.

Adding the third row was a huge rumor for the 3rd gen. I'm sooooo glad Lexus didn't do it. Messing with their best seller that way would be a major mistake.

 

Anita, I think the RX continues to share the same platform as other Toyota models, but it is no longer a direct carry over but modified to fit each vehicle like sightdev said. The camry, highlander, and venza continue to use the same platform as the RXs. However, like you, I dont even see that as a huge issue. I dont care what is underneath the car, just care about the things that I see and touch everyday

 

RXSF, I agree with your comment about not caring about the platform. The RX is now bigger, more like the Highlander or Venza than a Camry. Not that the Camry is exactly small. Looks definitely helps among other things. Wait, I should correct that. When I first saw the RX back in '98, I thought it was butt ugly. That is, until I drove it

 

haha I didnt love the look of the RX300 but it grew on me quickly. Then when the 330 came out, I thought it looked too bug like, but it was instant attraction to the 450h.

No offense to other RX drivers, but I dislike the look of the 1gen RX now, I dont think it has aged well.

 

The 300 is still very popular by me. I see a few every day so its popularity definitely hasn't waned. It was very different from anything else when it came out. That's probably one of the reasons it wasn't love at first sight for me. But I grew to love my black hippo (aka the 300), and my sporty 330, and now the nerdy 450h. At least Lexus continues to innovate, making the RX different than everyone else, not a me-too mobile. Heck, they created the luxury SUV class, or should I say LUV.

 

On the Toyota cars, they are usually missing the all (4) windows up/down feature, and the ML sound system.

 

The Highlander Limited has automatic climate control for the 2nd row. RX doesn't offer that - would be nice if it did, being that it's a higher end vehicle.

 

Camry, Avalon, Highlander, ES, RX all share platforms.

Lexus did have models of a 7 seat RX but they did not like how the design looked. Also their research showed that a 3rd row was not high on the list of improvements for buyers. Looking at sales they were right, the 3RX is selling like hotcakes.

If you want 7 seats, you can jump to a GX or LX or go to the Higlander or go to the competition. I think the RX formula is fine with 5 seats.

 

I agree!