Lexus Sticks with two rows for 2016 RX 350 - photos

Much to dealers’ dismay the new 2016 RX has not grown a row.

Lexus has opted to stay with two rows of seats for the newly designed 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h. Lexus dealers desperately want a new 3-row crossover to meet customers’ requests, but they will have to wait a little longer. Lexus may introduce an all-new vehicle at some point using the Toyota Highlanders underpinnings to augment the RX line. Some speculate the new vehicle might be called TX.

New 2016 Lexus RX 350 Highlights
Lexus is lengthening the RX 350 and RX 450h Hybrid by about two inches. This is welcome news for most RX fans. It also makes the new NX 200t compact crossover from Lexus a bit more differentiated. The extra inches are felt in the second row where knee room grows.

The engine will receive direct injection and make about 300 horsepower. The 3.6-liter V6 makes that power now in the IS, RC, and GS models. The 8-speed transmission is now standard. Hopefully, the new RX will still use regular unleaded fuel, but it is doubtful.

More amenities will be offered such as outboard second-row seats now with heat. A heads-up display will be optional, and the top screen size will jump to 12.3 inches. Lexus is also planning to use Michelin’s new Premier LTX tires. These tires add more water channels as the tire wears which increases safety. They are not run-flats, but rather conventional in that respect.

We will provide a more detailed overview of the new RX 350 once we have had a chance to drive a sample at a press event. If it turns out that a 3-row option is coming, we will of course report on that right away.