Talk:Lexus LX

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[edit] full-size or not

	Length	Wheelbase
Fourth generation Ford Explorer	193.4 in	113.7 in
Third generation Mercury Mountaineer	193.5 in	113.7 in
Saab 9-7X	193.2 in	113.0 in
Lexus LX	192.5 in	112.2 in

All those are mid-size SUVs. What makes LX full-size? --Mato Rei 16:04, 1 March 2007 (UTC)

Interesting question, I did some digging with data from [1], [2], [3], and [4]. Enigma3542002 20:24, 1 March 2007 (UTC)

I know that the LX is a 1996 design, the oldest of the designs out there, and introduced at a time when competing vehicles were smaller, including older models of the Explorer, etc. Some Asian vehicles also tend to have smaller dimensions for similar vehicle classes than American cars. Yet despite larger wheelbase and length dimensions, the Explorer (and its Mountaineer derivative) and Saab 9-7X seat less passengers, and have less cargo space:

	Std. passenger capacity	Max. passenger capacity	Max. cargo space
Ford Explorer	5	7	83.7 cu. ft.
Saab 9-7X	5	5	80.1 cu. ft.
Lexus GX	5	8	77.5 cu. ft.
Lexus LX	8	8	90.4 cu. ft.

I believe the classifications also have to do with each companies' lineup, in that the Ford Explorer design has a larger vehicle above it. Thus the Explorer is targeted at a more midsize market, with passenger capacities and cargo volumes to match. Note that the Lexus GX is listed as a midsize SUV and sits below the Lexus LX in the product lineup. With a 188.2 in length and 109.8 wheelbase, the GX is somewhat smaller than the Explorer/Saab models, but has more similar seating arrangements and comparable cargo volume, thus receiving the midsize designation.

In addition to the interior dimensions, the LX is thus viewed as a full-size SUV because in the lineup it is overall larger than the GX and RX, has significantly high towing capacity, and has standard 3 rows of seating. Its capabilities and overall specifications more closely match a full-size SUV's. I found that Car and Driver described the LX size as "a very large vehicle that falls somewhere in bulk between a Range Rover and a Chevy Tahoe," yet "makes good use of its outsized dimensions" [5]. In this 2004 luxury fullsize SUV comparison by Motor Trend, the LX is the 3rd out of 4th in terms of size (Range Rover is smaller). [6]

Also both Edmunds [7] and Forbes Auto [8] call the LX "full-size." So one could say that the LX is a representative, but not the largest, of the full-size category. Hopefully this answers your question! Enigma3542002 20:24, 1 March 2007 (UTC)

Yes, you made a great answer. Now I see the point of vehicle size class. I always looked it in the exterior way but never the interior way. I was so wrong. It's a nice lesson to me. Thank you very much. --04:00, 2 March 2007 (UTC)Mato Rei

No problem, glad to be of help. The LX is due for a replacement probably next year as well. 10+ years is a long run... Enigma3542002 04:18, 2 March 2007 (UTC)