Which Lexus RX has a third row?
The RX that offers a third row is the RX L, the long‑wheelbase version of Lexus’s mid‑size SUV. In earlier generations, the 3‑row variants wore the RX 350L or RX 450hL badges. If you need seven seats, the RX L is the model to look for.
This article explains how the RX L provides a third row, how it fits into Lexus’s lineup, and what to consider when shopping for a seven‑passenger SUV from the brand. We’ll also cover the historical 3‑row variants and how current options compare.
The RX L and the 3‑row layout
The long‑wheelbase RX L is the version designed to accommodate a third row of seating. While the standard RX models are typically configured for five passengers, the RX L adds a third row behind the second row, bringing total seating to seven in most configurations. Access to the rear seat is facilitated by a sliding or folding second row, and the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips for adults. Note that adding the third row comes with a trade‑off in cargo space when the row is in use.
Key points to understand before you dive into shopping:
- Seating: The RX L is designed for seven passengers, with the second row available as either a bench seat or optional captain’s chairs, and a third row behind them.
- Access and comfort: The second row typically slides or folds to grant easier access to the third row, which is compact and most comfortable for kids or shorter trips for adults.
- Cargo vs. people: When the third row is in use, cargo space is reduced; folding the third row or the second row frees up more cargo room.
In short, if your priority is seven‑passenger seating with a usable third row, the RX L is the model to consider within the RX lineup.
Historical 3‑row variants
Before the current generation, Lexus used the L designation to denote long wheelbase variants that included a third row. These historical models are often referenced as:
- RX 350L — the gasoline variant with a longer wheelbase and a 3‑row setup
- RX 450hL — the hybrid variant with a longer wheelbase and a 3‑row setup
Today, the concept lives on in the RX L, which continues to serve buyers who want seven seats in the RX family. The exact powertrains and trims can vary by year and market, but the core idea remains: longer wheelbase plus a third row equals seven‑passenger capability.
How to decide if the third row is right for you
Choosing between a five‑seat RX and a seven‑seat RX L depends on your needs, space, and lifestyle. Consider these factors:
- Family size and typical passengers: If you regularly transport seven people or need to accommodate rear-facing car seats, the RX L may be preferable.
- Cargo needs: If you frequently carry large or bulky cargo, be mindful of the space sacrificed when the third row is in use.
- Budget and ownership: The RX L typically carries a price premium over the two‑row RX, and some markets offer both gasoline and hybrid powertrains for the L variant.
Ultimately, the RX L is designed for buyers who want a seven‑seat luxury SUV with Lexus styling, refined ride, and the brand’s renowned reliability, at the expense of some interior cargo flexibility when the third row is in use.
Current availability and how to verify
In markets where Lexus offers a long‑wheelbase RX variant, the RX L remains the model to choose for a third row. The standard two‑row RX models (RX 350, RX 350h, and the more recent RX 500h lineup) do not include a third row. If a third row is essential, confirm with your local dealer that the RX L is available in the trim level and powertrain you want, and check how the seating configuration affects cargo space and optional features.
To ensure you have the latest information, speak with a Lexus dealer about current trims, pricing, and any regional changes to the RX L lineup. Market availability can vary by country and model year.
Summary
For seven‑seat capacity in the Lexus RX family, choose the RX L—the long‑wheelbase variant that adds a third row behind the second row. Historically, the 3‑row versions carried the RX 350L or RX 450hL badges; today, the RX L remains the designated 7‑seat option in markets where it is offered. If you don’t need seven seats, the standard RX models deliver a two‑row experience with more cargo space and typically lower base pricing. Always verify current availability with a local Lexus dealer, as trims and powertrain options can vary by year and region.
