YWW

With the BMW X5 offering 3rd row seating for their 2007 model year and the Mercedes M offering the same in their new model, will the RX be next to follow this trend of offering 3rd row seating? Both X5 and M are listed as the RX competitors. What do you think?

Out2L8

Doubt it. That's what the GX is for.
Rx is not big enough for a 3rd row of seats.
OK by me - I don't want to "feed" an RX!!

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I think it could be large enough to offer a minimal 3rd row similar to the MDX one, but I can;t see it happening with the G2 RX330. The car just came out and I don't see any drastic interior changes until the next generation RX in maybe 4-5 years.

Out2L8

Yeah but that doesn't really fit into the Toyota product line. Like a 4Runner or Lexus RX vs the Sequoia and Lexus GX. The 4Runner and RX are 5 passanger SUVs and the Sequoia and GX are 7 passanger much larger SUVs. The Highlander (which is more similar to the RX) is available in a 7 passanger model - but it looks really tight. I guess it's aimed to satisfy a particular price target.

BMW and MB don't have a product line quite as extensive as Toyota so they have to make the best of all existing model designs IMHO. Just like that very nervous looking German guy in the RX TV commercials when he's about to face managment to explain why they're getting they're a** kicked by Toyota again!

It's just my opinion, but I wouldn't put my kids (or your kids for that matter) in the 3rd row of an SUV in this size category - EXCEPT the Volvo XC-90. Typical Volvo tank! In a larger SUV / truck like a Suburban or Yukon, maybe. But having been rearended extremely hard in my '99 4Runner, I'm very glad there wasn't a 3rd row full of kids back there!! They'd have been in the hospital for certain! $4.5k worth of damage to the 4Runner.

FlintRX

I doubt it. I think 3rd row seats are a fad right now in SUV's, and it seems that manufacturers are too willing to compromise safety and comfort (and let's not forget the "utility" aspect of an SUV) in order to say their vehicle can hold more people.

Lil4X

. . but that eighth passenger is going to have to squeeze into the glove compartment . . . which may be more roomy than the third-row seats.

Don't look for this to happen without a total design overhaul. Best bet: if the "Look at me, I've got more seats!!" trend continues, look for better third row accommodations on the GX and LX. Meanwhile, buy a mommy van.

NeverSatisfied

If the RX ever gets a 3rd row, its orginal-styling will be lost in the sea of boxes-on-wheels.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

I don't think the Lexus RX 330 will add a third row or else the GX 470 may lose alot of sales and also Lexus never intended to add a third row for the RX and plus it sells great even without it so no need.

salimshah

Surprisingly logic does not rule .... Lexus/Toyota has too many SUVs to offer in various configurations. But then who can argue with success.

Salim.

scooby doo

I certainly hope not. 3rd row seating in the RX would have pursuaded me to go elsewhere. I like the space of an SUV, but not too much. I agree, Lexus already provides choices in other models.

Scoob

mooretorque

Can't imagine why T/L would even try. The third row seat in the GX is virtually useless to begin with while making a bad joke of "cargo space". Out2L8 makes a good point regarding safety in rear end collisions also. Regardless, I doubt that it will ever happen simply in the interests of model differentiation.