Lexus Unveils Stretched RX Crossover

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus unit took the wraps off an extended version of its top-selling RX crossover vehicle on Wednesday at the Los Angeles auto show.

Adding 4.3 inches to the rear of the body, the 2018 RX L can accommodate as many as seven occupants in three rows of seating. The wheelbase is unchanged, but a more vertical tailgate window boosts headroom for third-row occupants. Rear foot room is enhanced by positioning the second row slightly higher than the third.

The second row can slide up and forward to improve rear access. Other goodies include a three-zone climate control system, rear seat cupholders, power flat-folding seats and a power tailgate.

Lexus says the configuration provides third-row passengers the same comfort and luxury as those in the middle row. Optional captain’s chairs for the second row cut the crossover’s seating to six.

Power for the RX 350L will come from the same 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 used in the two-row RX 350. A hybrid variant, the RX 450hL, teams the V-6 with two electric motors that ups output to 308 hp. All-wheel drive is optional.

Due to launch next month, the RX L will compete against the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60. Pricing of the front-wheel-drive model starts at $48,700 in the U.S., while the all-wheel-drive version adds $1,400. Pricing for the hybrid RX L hasn’t been announced.