Think it'd be sweet if Lexus made a vehicle based off the 4runner like they do with the GX 460 based of the Prado. Might even be a market for it looking at the demand for luxury "SUV's"

the gx470 is a fancier 4runner

Maybe, but that model is primarily based off the Prado. All three vehicles (4runner, prado, gx 460) share the same chassis but the gx 460 and prado are like brothers, the 4runner like a cousin. It'd be cool to see the 4runner get a "brother."

I guess I don't get it. Why get a Lexus 4Runner? The GX460 is close enough IMO. And the older GX470 is good enough again..

Maybe I just don't understand what you're wanting out of the Lexus?


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Considering that as far as I am aware the GX line has been axed... I don't see why they would. Not to mention that while the GX Series is a rebadged Prado for the most part, they share a significant amount of commonality with the 4Runner platform. You're thinking the wrong direction, Lexus would make it soggier, squishier, and more luxury; not more capable, sturdier, ect.

I wouldn't mind a 2-door prado in lexus trim.. Unicorn status right there.

Oh yes, I understand that, but I almost think people would like the rugged looks but refined interior. Just something that came to my mind, not sure why. Where'd you hear they're axing the GX? Sells well where I live.

The GX isn't being axed, however, the next gen GX will be unibody. Lexus wants a 3 row SUV (something lower in class than the LX). The 3rd row RX will be a joke as I'm pretty familiar with them. The room just isn't there. Stupid market. Anyway, the GX as a BOF design is finished (next year I think).......come to think of it....... The GX being axed isn't a far fetched statement. (manhood is being axed).............

Last I heard they were dropping the GX and replacing it with a slightly larger than a Highlander Unibody more than likely under a "TX" name.

Heard this as well, along with something about the potential for pilot seats in the second row as an option which would be interesting. That's a dealership salesman talking though (re pilot seats) so can't put much weight in it.

You're absolutely right:

LEXUS TX


Looks almost identical to the RX.

True. Salesmen usually don't offer reliable insight, but doesn't look like he is far off.

"TX" was widely rumored to replace GX and Lexus does hold a "TX" trademark, but there are no associated numbers as Lexus usually does for new models. "TX 350" or "TX 400" would be much more telling that "TX" would actually become a viable model. Right now it seems very unlikely.

Next year, Lexus will release RX 350L - an RX with an extended wheelbase to accommodate a third row. This is a no-brainer solution and that vehicle will not be called "TX" but "RX L." Period. Unibody FWD-biased vehicle, three rows, V6/hybrid options -- it will look just like RX. We already have "RX 350L" and "RX 450hL" trademarks, illustrating that this is a viable model coming to market shortly, unlike "TX."

GX will fade out next year as RX L arrives, but there is no immediate plan for a replacement. If the GX name is to live on, it will take a hiatus and likely return around 2020 or 2021 and likely based on Lexus new GA-L RWD architecture. This vehicle would be similar to the BMW X5 in execution, and much less like an MDX. Unibody, yes, but not based on TNGA or FWD. Think Range Rover Sport/X5.

Lexus is probably holding the "TX" name as they consider 1) if a vehicle between RX L and LX is to be brought to market and 2) if it would be too different from GX to keep the "GX" name and 3) equity in the GX name itself.

Interesting , I never heard of the possibility of the stretched RX replacing the GX outright. I hate when manufactures stuff a 3rd row into a space that can not comfortable accommodate an adult. Anyway, the RX is fine, however the roof is a little low. A stretched chassis will help, I guess we'll see. The only other SUV does the 3rd row well is the Honda Pilot. Not even the current Highlander (to me) does it well. Very cramped.

It's more of a Lexus product conversation, but I think that having a stretched RX replace the GX all together is a terrible idea.

Lexus needs something in their portfolio that can span $60-80k, the area between a proposed "RXL" and the LX.

Future is very unclear right now though, and it will take a long time to figure out.

Lexus really can't afford to lose any space that the GX occupies, you think of the competitors and replacing the GX with a longer RX is just stupid. I doubt the RX is going away though, it's the number one selling luxury crossover.