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The Lexus RX pioneered the luxury-crossover idea long before the term “crossover” came to have a vehicular meaning. Introduced in 1998, the RX quickly established the viability of the idea by becoming the brand’s best-selling model. But given Lexus’s early lead in the space, it’s surprising that the brand never followed up with a three-row model. Last year, Lexus general manager Jeff Bracken confirmed that such a vehicle finally was under development. Now we have spy pictures that provide our first look at the three-row RX.
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The three-row version has a longer rear overhang but appears to ride on the same wheelbase. A peek inside the vehicle shows tight packaging, with the third-row seatback close behind that of the second row; combine that with a tiny triangular rear quarter-window, and the rearmost seat would seem to offer something worse than coach-class accommodations. Even so, the third row will better position the RX to compete against the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90, all of which offer the feature.
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- Lexus RX Research: Photos, Information, Pricing, and More
- 2018 Buick Enclave Photos and Info: Even Bigger-Time
- 2017 Audi Q7 In-Depth Review
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Lexus has trademarked the model designations RX350L and RX450hL, suggesting that the longer variant will be available with either the naturally aspirated V-6 or the V-6 hybrid powertrain. Expect the stretched RX to make its debut sometime this fall before going on sale early next year as a 2019 model.
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