Lexus RX Holds Much More Luggage Than You Might Think

Real World Testing

The Lexus RX continues to be a popular choice in the mid-size luxury crossover space, and for many good reasons. But one thing the RX might not look very good at on paper is hauling cargo. That's because its official cargo space specs are not terribly impressive, and are even smaller than the tiny Toyota C-HR. However, Autoblog recently put the RX to the (luggage) test and found very different results in the real world.

Photo: Lexus

Looks Big

Ultimately, what this test revealed is that the RX is significantly more spacious than the official numbers might suggest. But that's no surprise to anyone that's simply glanced in the rear cargo section of the RX. Despite its space-robbing raked rear roofline, the RX still has a pretty big space to store stuff when you open up the back.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

First Test

The first portion of this test involved leaving the cargo cover in place and filling the back with two 26-inch suitcases, one 23-inch piece, and a 21-inch overnight bag, the typical load for a couple of people taking a long weekend or week-long trip. The cargo cover prevents that last piece from fitting, but removing it makes for a nice arrangement.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

Easy Loader

Our tester noted that these bags fit quite nicely regardless and that the RX was easier to load than the Acura RDX, which just so happens to be the largest compact luxury crossover out there. Regardless, in this configuration, the RX is still pretty close to compact crossovers in terms of cargo space. However, there's more to the story than that.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

Trick up Its Sleeve

The RX is also equipped with a nifty sliding rear seat, which is very much adjustable. This means that you don't necessarily have to lay the seat flat to fit that larger piece of cargo in the back, which is a life saver if you have to also carry passengers back there. It may limit the size of a person that'll fit in the rear seat, but who says being a passenger is always comfortable?

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

One More Trick

One last nifty feature the RX has up its sleeve is a rear cargo net, which both keeps things in place and is also stored in a nifty case that's kept inside the rear cargo area. That means you don't have to ball it up and throw it somewhere when you're not using it, and that it's always nearby when needed, which is a nice touch.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

Alternative Option

The RX can definitely hold more cargo than number crunchers might think, and that's a big plus. But if you still need more, the RX L is also available with a larger cargo area, so long as you're not using the third-row seats. But let's be honest - who the heck can fit back there anyway?

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the RX being deceptively large right here at ClubLexus Forum! 

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