Marqevans

So I drove to lunch today in my new 2 week old 2015 RX and the front passenger asked what is the function of the little triangular windows left and right of the dashboard. They even have their own defrost vents. They do little to enhance visability. They only thing I can think of they may help with parallel parking in that you would straighten out the wheel when the rear corner of the front car appears in it.

kitlz

Maybe it's to minimize the blind spot. The 1st gen RX had it too. Lexus dropped it on the 2nd gen but added a rear window behind the passenger window. Now we have both on the 3rd gen, LOL!

vlad_a

I came to a conclusion that they are there for visual appeal, as the mirror mounts have been moved to the door panels. The A-pillar would also look odd without them, because the windshield was moved forward for better air-dynamics.

corradoMR2

Agree with a combination of kitlz and vlad_a posts. Due to the window rake for design/aerodynamics, and thickness of the A-pillar for crash/rollover worthiness, a window was carved out to minimize the otherwise blind spot.

JT4

I have also wondered about these little windows but never though of this. I think you may be onto something...

justin1203

It's a nice classic look for the RX. I had a first gen, and now a '10 RX; didn't like the change they made on the 2RX except that the huge side trunk window was gone

Cruiter

I can't say for sure, but it may have debuted on the RX300 series. Now many of the SUV or Crossover series of cars from most manufacturers are using a similar design. It not only allows the mirror to placed on the door (better visibility and less wind noise) but I read somewhere it improves the structural safety in a frontal or front quarter crash. It won't be disappearing in the near term.

kmar

I just purchased my new RX 350 after having a Hyundai Santa Fe for last six years, and am still getting used to the large exterior mirrors. They could be 2" smaller (top to bottom) and still provide plenty of visibility. Their large size creates more of a blind spot than necessary. Just my opinion.

go3Ds

I agree. If the early camoflauged spy photos of the 2016 RX is any indication, a change might be on the way. The mirrors look to be smaller. Might just be an optical illusion though. Will know for sure with the 4th Gen unveiling at the New York Auto Show in April (according to Edmunds).