Five-Point Inspection: 2014 Lexus RX450h

1. Size

Currently, the RX is smaller in every dimension when compared to its German rivals like the Mercedes ML and BMW X5. With passenger capacity limited to five, the RX is also missing out on a third-row option, which is something that the X5 and Acura MDX both offer.

SEE ALSO: Stretched Lexus RX Under Consideration as Seven Seater

With the NX also offering just two rows of seating, Lexus is now considering a three-row crossover, maybe even growing the RX a few inches with its next redesign, allowing it to compete directly with its full-size crossover rivals. Lexus Division boss Jeff Bracken said in the past that third-row seating is the number-one issue the brand hears from its dealers and Lexus could rectify that issue by growing the RX to meet that demand.