Lexus has stated that they will be offering an RX350L and RX450hL. These will be lengthened versions to accommodate a third row. The regular length models will still be available. I have not yet heard if they'll be ready for the 2018 model year.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if they released the longer RX for the mid-cycle refresh for 2019MY or 2020MY.

 

My neighbor just bought a 2017 Highlighlander and its got 3 rows of seating. Its big on the inside!

 

Hope they increase the HP on that 3 row RX. They'll need it.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

I'm sure the 3rd row has a certain utility for some folks, but I'm actually glad the (at least until now) RX has stayed with two rows. Just something - I know it sounds crazy - a little more classy about it.

 

Not to mention...the 3rd row is usually small and cramped in this class...useless for anyone above 5 ft tall.

 

The third row would have to be good mostly for kids or an adult your hated.

 

Oh goody, I'm excited for the 3rd row RX, but 6 inches longer? Time to make a bit more room in the garage... I'm assuming the 3rd row will accommodate only 2 people. That's 7 people total. It's already about a long as our 3-row MDX... I hope we get a bit more trunk space too and possible a full-size spare (wishful thinking lol).

 

IMO it's because a third row vehicle usually screams family or utility wagon, whereas a two-row vehicle says "i can carry my driver and three others with sport and style" =P

 

Reminder of just how much longer 6" is:

Small:
2016 NX 182.3"
2016 Q5 182.6"
2016 GLC 183.3"
2016 X3 183.4"
2016 RDX 184.4"

Mid:
2015 RX 187.8"
2016 GLE 189.1"
2016 X5 192.4"
2017 GX 192.1"
2016 RX 192.5"
2017 Highlander 192.5"
2016 MDX 193.6"

Large:
2017 LX 199.4"
2016 Q7 199.6"

Adding 6" would be an odd choice and if they don't make it wider at the same time the RX is going to look limo-like.

 

I think instead of changing the length they will make it look more boxy from the rear i.e. change the shape of floating roof to accomodate the third row seat. Also I am not expecting that third row seat to be very practical ....

 

Who knows what they end up doing. I assumed the highlander is probably the max capacity of the camry based platform the RX rides on. So I`d expect it to be between the current RX and highlander length and maybe some power gains with tuning. They could keep it the same since the RX isnt really that high on power compared to its competitors, I`d wager if matches the MDX it should be more then enough

 

 

Thats an old spy pic pre-4th gen RX release btw.