2016 Lexus RX Coming to the Detroit Auto Show?

Posted by Kevin on January 7th, 2015

Fresh off the spy photos of the next-generation Lexus RX comes the above rendering from photochopper Theophilus Chin and rumors that the new model may debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

In a recent Detroit rumor rounded-up, Edmunds suggests the latest edition of the bestselling Lexus crossover will be unveiled in the Motor City alongside the now-confirmed GS F sedan.

My take: Anything’s possible, but packing two production model launches into the same auto show compresses time and attention. We know Lexus will debut two vehicles in Detroit, but the GS F and a concept of some description seems more likely than the next-generation RX.

What do you think? Should we start a betting pool?

[Source: Edmunds]

Lexus RX: Third Generation Photochops

Comments

C
cdnrod
January 7, 2015

I wonder if the 2016 will start after sitting for two weeks, because our 2013's battery is dies of not used. Lexus dealer said its the electronics that drains the battery. I call BS.

T
True Lexus Fan
January 7, 2015

I have a 2010 RX and I haven't have any problems with the battery drain problem. Current RX is actually pretty smart it should shut of main system of the car if you park the car for extended period of time. My guess is that you might have not use the car a whole lot before you parked it for 2 weeks in the cold. May I suggest a "C-tek trickle charger" for next time you leave town for business or vacation. Better yet give your current battery a good charge then get yourself a "Trickle charger" next time you are leaving town for an extended period of time. Then for sure you will have good battery to start your car.

C
cdnrod
January 7, 2015

You said the same that the dealership said. I said so you don't suggest driving a Lexus and parking it at the airport if you are away more than 2 weeks. We love our Lexus but it's crazy that the battery is dead after sitting for 2 weeks. Check out Lexus blogs, I'm not the only person having this problem.

C
Carson
January 9, 2015

Any chance there is a recall notice out on that vehicle? I know Toyota had a recall notice out last year on some vehicles for an electrics fault which resulted in a dead battery.

M
Mike Forsythe the Lexfather
January 9, 2015

Have you tried a new battery? Unfortunately too some batteries are just bad compared to most.

C
cdnrod
January 9, 2015

The dealer replaced it in the first year. Lexus has a problem but won't addresss it properly. I told the dealer that we must have bought the wrong 65k vehicle if we plan on traveling and leaving it unstarted for 2 weeks. I put a bloody battery charger on the thing whenever my wife doesn't drive it very much. I've had to rescue her 3 times now. It's a fantastic vehicle and my wife loves it but it's a real hassle dealing with this problem

O
Old Doc
January 11, 2015

I have had this problem with my Lexus RX 300 (2001). I asked my Lexus technician to put a switch with a key on top of the battery. I can now cut off the battery from the car completely. The only disadvantage: the clock and the car radio lose their settings...

B
Black Dynamite
January 7, 2015

That's the recently redone Toyota Harrier from japan with a new Lexus front end grafted on it. Could happen. Not expecting to see the RX until New York. BD

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DDas
January 7, 2015

Hmmm I don't know. I feel like these spy shots came out really late for it debut so soon. When is the next one? Maybe that's when the RX will debut. I mean we saw spyshots of the GSF in October; now it will be debuted in January (actually we saw them with the RCF a long time ago, but the recent more accurate ones in October). Maybe Lexus has a concept for a different model to show us in January and the RX will debut at the next big auto show. But to be honest I feel like debuting the GSF and RX is more probable than what I just said. I don't really know haha I am just excited now!

T
True Lexus Fan
January 7, 2015

First off I would like to thank Theophilus Chin for such a good photoshop work on this "Next gen" RX. But I have to say. It won't look like this at all. First off since the 3 gen RX (Current body style 2010-2015) Toyota has actually stop "Rebadging" both car for different market Harrier/RX ( 1st & 2nd gen RX) The photo that you see here basically front A-pillar back is the latest gen Toyota Harrier which may seem similar in style. But it's actually slightly smaller CUV for mainly Asia market (Japan/China/India) From the previous spy photo that Autoweek did show makes a solid case that RX is gonna be an evolution change rather than truely all new platform. As you can see the small triangle window (part closest to the door mirrors) is very similar if not identical to the current 3rd Gen RX. My guess is that there will be slightly more rear space and slightly wider track front and rear. Engine wise should be no suprise that it will be the trusty 2GR-FSE as base 350 model (Perhaps slight bump in torque or hp changes) for myself a current RX450h owner. I would really like to see a big improvement on the hybrid model. The Atkinson cycle engine is good. But the electric assist motor can certainly be more powerful and perhaps lighter packaging for the whole Hybrid system (Lipo battery instead of Ni-hd)? And definately needs to be a bit more sophisticated VDIM system for RX please. I am crossing my finger to see Lexus do it's thing. Yes new refreshing packaging good. But more dynamic and again more evolved Hybrid tech would just be icing on the cake. Hope you get what I mean Lexus.

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Mike Forsythe the Lexfather
January 7, 2015

I wonder will it be Avalon based like the ES 350 for more room?

C
corradoMR2
January 7, 2015

My guess is it will have the Highlander's full wheelbase and not a shortened version like the current one.

T
True Lexus Fan
January 30, 2015

Not too sure if it's gonna be Highlander's size wise. Again. Look at the previous gen HIghlander vs current RX you will notice that Toyota/Lexus have decided the RX is not going to be a 7 seater. Which I think is the way to go. It will cause less of a conflict of redundant model. good example would be current Nissan Pathfinder/ Infiniti JX35/QX60) But with that being said. As I've previously mentioned I believe the next GX would be somewhere along the lines of the Current Highlander of course it will have different body/interior but I must say this makes the most economical sense for Lexus/Toyota and perhaps will add to the lineup would be the called the GX450h/GX350..... save the big daddy LX570 and perhaps to add the 4.6L back in the LX lineup. So to fill the gap of those who wants LX offroad capablity/ Body on frame design. but say 6-8K less than the starting price of the LX570? Yes yes, it will cut into the Landcruiser market...blah blah blah.... but hey.... just a thought.... Highly unlikely.... (Pending on sales figures of course) but that would sorta fill the gaps...for those died hard "Traditional" GX owner looking for a replacement.... and not looking for CUV.??? input anyone??

T
True Lexus Fan
January 30, 2015

The Avalon is the longest wheelbase model of the Camry/Avalon/ES lineup. The ES model I believe slots in between the two. But from the earlier Autoweek spy photo (Camo pics) it doesn't really seems to have too much of the length increase as I was expecting. Rather it seems to be wider and perhaps a bit taller. I think the current RX size wise is perfect. Not too big nor too small. I strongly assume that the next GX thou would be somewhere along the lines of the Highlander size. perhaps a bit larger Then it will be perfect 7 seater for those who needs more cargo/rear seating but without the full on 4WD capability (As capable as the current GX/LX series. I doubt they actually get to see mud or offroad purpose in North America) Anyhow, next gen LX should still be the king of offroad/desert cruiser where as the Prado/GX should be left in Asia or euro market. Where a proper 7 seater CUV for North American market should be here after the fourth gen RX Release.... until then..... Guess will have to see those number cruncher @ Lexus headquarters decide which way to go :)

C
corradoMR2
January 7, 2015

One of his weaker photochops personally. It's an NX front-end slapped onto a Harrier A-pillar back. The RX is the luxury SUV staple in the US market so there's a good chance to be unveiled next week!

H
Ho Ho Ho
January 7, 2015

If they actually made something like the photochop we see above, I am getting it for sure.

R
rjw972
January 7, 2015

Fingers crossed its the RX concept at the Detroit Auto Show; counting down the days.

L
Lexustechsa
January 7, 2015

There are a few possibilities, they could show the concept for the new RX. Maybe it will be the GS or ES facelift? Possibly even the new LX.

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Bomber Pete
January 8, 2015

looks nothing like that. it will blow your mind

R
RAL
January 8, 2015

And . . .

R
rjw972
January 8, 2015

I hope so!

T
Thomas
January 8, 2015

Awful rendering. That's not an artist, for sure!

J
Jack
January 8, 2015

Hello. I have seen a Lexus photo of the 2016 RX redesign and it looks more like a larger NX than a RX. It looked really cool and away from the soccer mom car that it is now. The muscular rear fender flares can be seen in the spy photos. At the same Lexus event that they showed us the photo, they also said the new RX is coming in the summer and it will be 10 inches longer than the current model (maybe third row seat is in the future?). Remember that the current body was introduced and went on sale in the U.S. as a 2010 model in February of 2009. I think the time frame of the Detroit Autoshow for the introduction of the 2016 RX seems right. The 2015 came on sale early in April May of 2014 which makes me believe the RX will be out sooner than later of 2015. There has been enough time from the NX intro for the RX to not steal any thunder away from it. Also, Lexus showed a picture of the brand new LX coming late fall. Also more aggressive design. I am liking the new Lexus design direction. The RX being the earlier one to come out, I would think the new intro at Detroit will be the RX more so than the LX. Also, the GSF intro is really cool but in terms of numbers, the GSF will be a very small part of Lexus total sales. On the other hand, we have the RX that accounts for a huge part of Lexus sales. The brand imaging and glamour of the GSF, the bread and butter of the RX. I think it's a great marking concept. But with everything said, I thought the second product reveil was the Toyota Tacoma?

R
rjw972
January 8, 2015

Does the 2016 RX have a bit of RC influence in regards to the rear portion?

R
RAL
January 9, 2015

It pains me to say our 2013 RX was struck by a deer in the pre-dawn last Monday while at highway speed in heavy traffic. There was no avoiding it, but we did avoid a multi-car pile-up. $6000+ damage. The insurance has provided a Chevy Traverse during repair. It is probably a foot longer than the RX with three cramped rows. We really don't like it for that reason among many others. All this to say we are going to be really disappointed if the 2016 RX is 10 inches longer. The current model size is just right for us. The RX's ride is reportedly much better than the sportier NX. An important difference for us and I'll bet for many RX owners. I am surprised Lexus would change their cash cow this much. Ten more inches is just too barge-like. We certainly don't need three rows either. I am perplexed because the NX was supposed to answer the desires of younger drivers for the RX. As far as styling, I hope the new RX is not just a larger NX. Surely it will be sportier, but hopefully styled somewhat more conservative than the NX. I don't know what we are going to do if what you say is true. And btw, when we started driving this "Traverse" we immediately realized just how spoiled we are by Lexus. That said, we'll probably accept the 10 more inches. Just hope the third row is optional. People have noted on this site their opinion that the spy photos seem to reveal an RX not much larger than the current model meaning no third row. So I am very intrigued by what you report. Hope you are right about the soon-to-be reveal.

J
Jack
January 9, 2015

The single photo Lexus showed us was not very clear (I think on purpose) so hard to tell too many details from the photo. It looked like an aggressive RX with NX design flare. It was a side profile shot so could not see the rear. Hard to see the 10 inches in the spy photo but that is what was said from Lexus. They did not say anything regarding a third row seat, that was just my prediction and rumors that's been around for awhile. But at the dealership, we do have some buyers looking for the third row seat. We hate to lose those guests to the MDX and the QX60. In the real world, I think 10 inches will not make any difference, unless you are in bed. :)

L
lux
January 9, 2015

mind sharing the picture from Lexus from what they did show it to you?

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Vlad
January 9, 2015

Thanks for the details Jack. Did you have a chance to see the interior of the 16 RX? Did it have GS large screen or smaller? Any details are appreciated.

J
Jack
January 9, 2015

Lexus made sure everyone in the room put their cell phone away before they showed the single picture. We were not allowed to take any pictures. One exterior side profile only, no interior or any other details other than 10 inches longer. Sorry. I would love to hear more details. I work for a Lexus dealership and still corporate is being tight lipped about the details on the new RX.

R
RAL
January 9, 2015

Thanks for sharing more of the context of what you were told and shown. I hope the 10 inches will be more utilitarian than stylistic. I wonder how much more we are going to have to pay for the 10 inches?

M
Mike Forsythe the Lexfather
January 10, 2015

Thank you Jack for the updates!

G
Gecko
January 9, 2015

I guess at this point, we won't be seeing it in Detroit. It's now Friday and press days start on Monday?

2016 Lexus RX Coming to the Detroit Auto Show?

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