BrickHead

I totally agree that they should just make the next GX a crossover. We will definitely come back to the Lexus family for it! I understand this depends on the middle eastern market....

rominl

iTrader: (4)

IS - 183 inches
GS - 190 inches
LS - 200 inches
LSL - 205 inches

so i say 10 inches makes it quite a big difference in length. i mean, it can be a freaking class difference

for less than 20 inches, you go from entry level lexus to flagship lwb

spwolf

apparently all of those compete since they are all 5 seaters.

gyrase321

My hunch is that the 2016 RX will get 3rd row seats as an option (a la X5), as was stated by (albeit) unofficial reports. The reason Lexus is not making an official announcement to that effect yet is because it wants to sell the remaining 2015 RXs and GXs. Otherwise, sales of those models will plummet as potential buyers will simply wait for the new 3rd row RX to show up in late 2015 or early 2016.

LoveCT

So length has now become the sole determinant of class? So RX 4 gen is a full size CUV up from mid size as it is a full 5 inch longer? The answer is no, it is still a mid size cuv competing against MDX, ML, Q7, X5 and perhaps qx60. The additional 5 inches could have been much better used.

Let me tell you, people's buying decision does not confine to one specific class. If you read the forum, often you'll come across people asking whether to get the rc or is or gs. Different class but sporty for sure. To me, Lexus could have easily filled a hot segment sooner rather than crowd another segment in rapid quick succession. And that is why the RX was the biggest loser in New York.

LoveCT

No way man! The sloped roof just wouldn't handle a third row. The confinement experience will not be any different from getting in the MRI chamber.

gyrase321

I'm not sure the sloped roofline isn't a visual illusion that hides adequate space for a 3rd row. None of us has seen the new RX in person or sat inside of it. Lexus is very methodical about product planning and positioning. There is no reason that it would stretch the new RX if placement of a 3rd row was not the intention for the growth in length. We just have to be patient for the actual car to show up.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I agree.
1" or 2" maybe...but 5"?
Same length as the Highlander which has a 3rd row.
A 3rd row may come in a year or two but I believe it's coming.

LordBowral

It's no mystery ... It's already been announced ...3 rd row coming 2016 . It's the only reason they added the extra length . RX s have always had plenty of rear leg room

LoveCT

So what about the TX? Thing is, it is still a big mystery. And so far we're depending on one blog as if it is a Lexus Press Release. Will Lexus release anything without putting a concept first to get a market reaction? When is that? 2016? Then the journalist release followed by mass release. It's a long wait if at all it is happening. If they were going for a 3 row, they should have at least mentioned it in a press release, maybe as indirect as it could be. So far, nothing. Which tells me nothing is final yet.

gyrase321

Lexus would be shooting itself in the foot if it did that. The 2015 RXs and GXs are selling very well. Telling people that a 2016 RX will have a 3rd row will cause the sales of those 2015 models (especially the GXs) to drop to zero, as potential buyers will just wait for the 2016 RX to arrive. Lexus is waiting to clear out the 2015 inventory before making a definitive announcement about 3rd row availability on the 2016 RX. If I was running Lexus, this is exactly what I would do.

mmarshall

Welcome to CL. As you can see, you joined right in the middle of a long thread where there are many opinions (including yours) as to what should happen to both the RX and GX.

mmarshall

Once the 3-row RX, with the expanded length and wheelbase, debuts next year, there probably won't be many reasons to keep the GX at all....or to make a GX crossover. A good case might (then) be made for dropping it.

sorptd

Thanks ! I agree some of us may have potential to become Auto journalists ourselves 😄

Thanks to internet and forums like CL sharing opinions has never been easier lol

kitlz

I might not have sat in it but I did see the '16 RX Tuesday. There might be enough room for a third row if they move the second row forward. They'd also have to do something about the sloping tailgate. And maybe that floating roof design is to accommodate a larger window in the future. Right now it's pretty small. Like you said, we'll have to wait and see. It's not like the third row rumor started recently. I can remember hearing it before the 2RX came out back in 2003.