Lexus Could Debut a Three-Row RX this Year
It is no secret the Lexus RX has constantly gained popularity, but this would be nothing compared to what it would do if it's offered with third-row seating, which may just be the case.
1. Original Signs of Third-Row Seating
Back in 2003, Lexus put on display a concept called the HPX, which was previewed at the 2003 New York Auto Show. The HPX was a high-performance crossover concept, and it represented Lexus' new plan to develop a vehicle that is elegant, powerful, dynamic while being able to be used as a family vehicle. The HPX was set to have a V8 4.3-liter engine, which developed 300-horsepower, and more importantly, the powerful crossover was displayed with a third-row seating. This was probably Lexus' first plans to put the third-row seating in a crossover, but years later, it seems like plans are slightly shifting.
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming RX with a third row right here in Club Lexus forum.
2. Lexus GX and LX
Instead of going through with the production of the HPX, Lexus pushed the GX and LX SUVs to market. Although both of the GX and the LX are extremely luxurious, spacious, and all-around complete cars, they don't exactly reach out to the entire market. The Lexus GX is equipped with a third-row seating and it develops 301-horsepower, but it has a price tag that starts at $51,680. The Lexus LX is also equipped with third-row seating and it develops 383-horsepower, but it is priced at $89,880, which isn't necessarily realistic for the majority of consumers.
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming RX with a third row right here in Club Lexus forum.
3. Lexus RX 3-Row Seating
According to a Japanese report, the Lexus RX with the third-row seating will make an appearance at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Show, which will take place in October of this year. Other sources spied the seven-passenger RX being tested in various places. Given that the Lexus RX is becoming one of the most popular models, as it sold more than 100,000 units each year in the past three years, this seems like a great move for Lexus, as this could allow them to reach out to a much bigger audience.
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming RX with a third row right here in Club Lexus forum.
4. Engine and Performance
The third-row seating will be offered in both the RX350 and the RX450h. The RX350 comes equipped with a V6 3.5-liter engine, which develops 295-horsepower and is rated to get 27 mpg in highway driving. The RX is capable of reaching 60 mph from a stopping point in 7.7-seconds. The numbers can go up if you choose the RX450h, which develops 308-horsepower and can get 30 mpg in combined driving.
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming RX with a third row right here in Club Lexus forum.
5. Price and Release Date
Despite rumors that the RX with the third-row seating will get a different name (TX), Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken confirmed that the RX logo will stay. The SUV will be variant from the current one with only minor differences, and it shouldn't be hard since the Lexus' cousin, the Toyota Highlander, has three seats. After the RX makes its third-row seating debut in October, the exact release date should follow; however, we do know it will go on sale by the end of 2017 or early 2018. The exact pricing has not been released yet; however, the current RX starts at $42,850, so it shouldn't be too far from this price tag.
>>Join the conversation about the upcoming RX with a third row right here in Club Lexus forum.