It seems that last few generations have lasted about 5 years or so of production. If my calculations and assumptions are correct, that means we should be seeing the 6th gen RX around 2021.

It maybe a little early for 6th gen discussion but just curious to know if anybody is interested in seeing a plug-in hybrid for the 6th gen? It seems like Toyota/Lexus was leading the way with hybrid tech and with the Prius has lead to the general market adopting this technology but it seems that hybrid tech is no longer "special" and just "normal" tech no where nobody really even talks about it. Full electric is the current talk of the town and fuel cell is having a very hard time gaining any kind of traction. Diesel is dying out at least in the US for passenger vehicles mainly due to VW Dieselgate with MB and BMW withdrawing their diesel vehicles and it doesn't appear that Toyota will bring any of their foreign diesel engines for our domestic truck/suv applications.

I don't see the Lexus vehicles as they currently stand to go pure electric as a variation of current models so wondering what's next for Lexus. They don't have a plug-in hybrid except for Toyota with the Pruis but that isn't selling too well.

With some states mandating that new homes be built with solar panels and this making it easier for people to upgrade their electric systems to include home batteries, do you think the RX or any future Lexus/Toyota will turn to plug-in hybrid tech like the plug-in Prius? I think if Lexus builds in on their platform first and sells it as a "premium" offering, that might get people to adopt the trend more readily. I'd be curious to see a plug-in hybrid.

 

Wait, maybe I missed something, but we are only on the 4th gen (4RX), currently. So, wouldn't the fifth (5RX) be next?

 

Yup. I jumped the gun. Fixed.

 

Lexus should come out with a plug-in hybrid SUV. I got a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander with a "12 KW" plug-in that is good for some 22 miles. Cost of charging is around $1.44 (12c per KW) at home (nite time). Hybrid mode get you around 25-27 mpg similar to the Lexus 450h. Gasoline will power the 2 electric motors when needed and the range is about 310 miles (gas & electric). It is the top seller in Europe for more than 5 years already. When you factored in all the fed tax credits ($6,750) and some $2000 from state rebates, the cost is barely $30,000.

 

is it safe to say current gen RX will carry on for another model year in 2022, gen 5 RX will be 2023 model? if the new gen debuts in 2022 we would've seen the spy shots and rumor mills by now.

 

Right. Safe to say no sooner than 2023. IMHO.

 

This is later than usual as there have been 6 model years of the 4th generation 2016-2021 and there were 6 model years of the third generation 2010-2015. If there is a 2022 4th generation that will be 7 model years of the 4th generation.

 

Perhaps it will be a MY2023 that arrives in showrooms roughly a year from now.

 

The same plant (different line) is launching the all new NX this fall. They are busy with that one, so the RX will be 2023 at least.

 

They did the same thing with the NX, extending it to a 7 year lifecycle. I would love to blame it on Covid, but I doubt that really factored in to the decision. Besides, the RX ran four years before the first light "mid-generation" refresh so it doesn't make sense that the freshened up model would only run two years. I guess all we can conclude is that their refresh cycles are a bit fluid ...

 

You are right!

 

has anyone heard of a news style RX coming out? Thanks

 

The NX came out with the 2015 model. The current generation of RX started with 2016's. Since the NX new generation is coming out this fall can't imagine the RX new generation will not follow in the fall of 2022 with a 2023 model. I would expect some of the new things in the NX to be carried over to the RX like the taillights going all the way across and the Lexus logo being replaced with Lexus spelled out. Also probably an integrated at least larger 14 inch screen along with the new door handle exit and entrance way to get in the vehicles. A plug-in hybrid I am sure will also be available like in the new NX. Can't wait.

 

This may give you an idea of what the NX will look like.

 

Not interested in the NX. It's the RX 350 in this forum.