I wouldn't expect any major changes before 2015. Pretty much all manufacturers use the four to five-year cycle before coming out with their next generation of a particular model.

When the third generation RX was about to debut, I thought it would have dual exhausts also to follow the rest of the Lexus line-up.

I can tell the difference between all three RX generations, although sometimes I can see where one might confuse the second and third gen RX's. I know there are some who think the second gen RX seemed to go on forever, but it debuted in 2003 up until the '09 RX came out in '08, so there's your five years!

I remember being very happy that the 2007 RX ended up getting the 3.5 liter engine with the extra horsepower. I was like, Now the RX is perfect for me!! Wahoo!

 

The dealer that sold me my RX said Lexus (and probably other manufacturers) may make subtle changes in between gens, but the basic idea is, if you're spending that much money on a vehicle, you don't really want to feel like you have the OLD model only a year or two later. To be honest, I can appreciate that.....just wish my cell phone manufacturer would take a hint from Lexus, they always manage to suck me into the newest model.

 

I wonder what was different about the leather that it used to be better? As I have a permanent belt stain.


(Anita - forget to knock on wood? Snowing where you are? Looking forward to your next dirty RX entry.)

 

I can see that some people might not like the caddy style. I like the SRX, but not all of the Caddy style attempts. I think I like it as much because it does not look like so many of the Japanese and Korean SUVs as well as I think it just is a solid design all around. But ... I do not think Lexus has to go that direction for there to be an improvement.

I think these pics are a good example of what xfirechief is talking about from a design point of view (not trying to compare a GC overall to an RX). The 2010->2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs the 2009->2010 RX. The new Jeep is still unmistakably a GC, but significantly different (and better IMO) in just about every way. New front end, hood, fenders, sculpted out doors, blacked out b/c pillars, more angled roofline, etc. In other words simply more modern.

The RX really only has significant changes in the lights and front bumper from this angle (I know the tail lights are different too). And whether those changes are an improvement is debatable. The hood, fenders, and everything from the A pillar back are really not different enough to notice.

At least throw some concepts out they that people can comment on one way or the other ...

 

David, one reason I don't get light interiors. It's a b*tch to keep clean. I like the new leather seats, didn't think I would. They look thinner than previous gens. I can remember my 300 with dark grey interior. It was not too bad but I prefer black.

Yes, there will probably be a new post in the dirty RX thread tomorrow. Snow is on the way tonight. Mother Nature giving us a cruel April fool's joke.

 

ggravant, the tail lights made the RX the RX, IMO. I'm sad they dropped them for the 3rd gen. Now the look is much sleeker and modern. I could go on and on with the differences but for most people that don't own them, they're not going to see it.

 

That is the whole point of this thread. I just walked by a GC in the parking lot this morning and it is WAY noticeable - even more so in person than the pics.

 

The GC may be "safe", but it is waaay different than the RX->RX changes. I honestly think it would be hard for Lexus to loose customers just based on the exterior design. I think the far majority of people buy them for the cushy luxury and reliability anyway. Is there really another luxury SUV that is perceived to be as reliable that Lexus owners would take a chance on?

 

Oh and the SRX sales are up an average of 500% over the 2009 version. I just checked Feb 11 sales and the RX is about 6500 units and the SRX is 5500 units, so it seems like the change was worth it for most people (and for Cadillac) anyway.

 

I am hoping for the return of a dark blue exterior color, perhaps to replace one of the multiple shades of black that make up 1/2 of the current choices. Any chance?

 

I've seen maybe two redesigned SRXs on the road in a year so I don't know who's buying them. My mom had the previous gen SRX, thought it was a POS as it aged. Fortunately it was a lease. She looked at the new SRX a year and a half ago but was not impressed at all. It's pretty funny looking to me. It went from ugly to fugly

Tonight I'll post some pictures I took of my 330 and 450h on the day I picked up the 450h. They're the same color so then you can really decide how much they look alike.

 

I see them quite often and I think they are popular because they have a guy car style and the RX has a girl car style ... haha - just had to say it

I did not like the old SRX at all style wise ...

 

Well, to each his own - that is why there are so many styles and makes of cars. Back to the original reason for this post - I think Lexus COULD change up the RX enough to be noticeably fresh, different and still obviously a Lexus SUV, and while I think they might alienate some people (it always happens), overall I think it would be a net positive for them. Geesh - they certainly have enough money to hire some desiners who could do that.

 

2012 RX450 will include the following changes:

Using Lithium battery to save about 200 lbs and increase 13 more HP. Total output would be 310 hp.
Dual Exhaust
More interior leather colors.
Updated front and rear bumpers





No, that is my wish list

 

ggravant, Lexus almost alienated me with the 3rd gen. But I remembered what I initially thought about the 300 (butt ugly ) until I drove it. The big hippo grew on me So did the 450h.

I'm just not getting what you want Lexus to do with the RX to 'make it fresh' yet retain the Lexus look. They have done that through the years.