I just don't see the RX getting only 4 cyl engines, even if they are turbo charged. I don't think there are any other luxury or semi-luxury SUV's that only have 4 cylinder power that are the size of an RX - maybe Jag, but not like they are on a lot of buyer's radar. I realize the German SUV's'-Q5, GLC300, X3 may be compared, but I think of them more of an NX competitor, as they are smaller and lighter than the RX.

 

If they want to reduce displacement just do some magic and make the 3L Inline 6T from the Supra fit

 

Unfortunately even the Germans have gone 4-cyl turbos on their larger SUVs. The MB GLE 350 and Audi Q7 45 are both 2.0L Inline-4 Turbos. Even smaller than the 2.4L Turbo of the new NX350 (and likely will power the next RX350).

 

Unfortunately the name of the game is MPG and not durability nor enjoyment in driving! More and more like appliance these cars are becoming.

 

Yes, I forgot about the base engines in the MB & Audi, but I believe they also offer a V6 as an upgrade. As mentioned elsewhere my concern is if they use the same engine(s) as the NX, that unless Lexus performs a miracle and drastically reduces the weight, the new RX will be noticeably slower than the rest of the competition. My 14 RX is fine for merging and passing but I don't think I would want something that was any slower, especially at the price point of the RX.

 

Germans offer way more powertrain options. Sure they start with a 4-cyl but go up to turbo V8 if you're willing to pay for it.

RX with a twin turbo V6 from Tundra should happen. If turbo 4-cyl happens for sure N/A V6 will not, but a turbo V6 I could see being offered in North America.

 

Any idea when we might start seeing prototypes, possibly getting some more leaked info on the 2023 RX? The Detroit auto show is in Sept (barring cancellation again) but hoping for info prior to then.

 

My concern is that turbo 4's typically require premium fuel, a LOT more $ here in Canada. That and every time I drove a loaner NX turbo, the mileage was not that much different than my V6, so I feel the cost of operation will be higher with a turbo 4.

Also, judging by the selling prices for the NX, the price next gen RX may be a shocker. Top of the line NX450H+ FSport 3 is listed at my local dealer at $80,950.00. WOW! That's before delivery, prep, and taxes (13% here).

 

BINGO ! A car like the RX350 is heavy and a 4banger around 2 litre will be on the turbo all the time thereby diving you the same consumption as a V6, but at a higher cost.
They use a turbo for 2 reasons, W/O it the vehicle is a pig, dead on the road and when testing (not in real life condition) it shows a certain fuel economy on paper which multiplied by the number of units give the manufacturer a total amount of savings. Nobody drives the way they test.
This the Governments (all of them) like.

 

I agree with having a turbo with a 4 cyl, but would never buy one if I had a choice.

 

Turbochargers have a well-earned reputation for short lives on automobiles. I'll have to see multiple and reliable reports of 200K mile turbos before I'll even consider one.

 

Have you guys test driven GLE or Q7's 2.0T? They seem very quick and faster than the RX. They even weigh more. I think 2.0T if done right will be more than sufficient for this weight.

 

Like most here, I don't drive a Lexus RX because it's a race car; I drive it because it's reliable, retains value and is a reasonable price to service. How many reports have been published about the VW 2.0T engine using oil? I believe it's the same engine in the Audi as well. As for the Mercedes; no idea but I'd never own one. All the German cars are overrated in my view. Had an Audi 4000S Quattro in the late 80's which quickly became a money pit once the warranty expired. In the end, a wrecker gave me more for it than a dealer would in trade at the time.

FWIW, if Lexus puts a 4 banger in the RX, I'll guess it'll likely be the same 2.5L as in the new NX.

 

If that's the engine with variable compression then it's a different play altogether.

 

Where did I say anything about driving it like a race car? I see people complaining about 2.0T and I wonder if that is a valid complaint or just speculating. Where did I say one should go buy a German 2.0T? All I was saying is 2.0T is not bad, and it's actually faster/ more responsive more so than what's in the RX now. If you like the RX, why don't you think Lexus knows what you like about it? Do you think they would put something in there that would compromise the reasons you're interested in the RX?