Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

Lexus is the brand that forced Mercedes-Benz to work harder. Launched in 1989 with a single goal—to build the world's best luxury car—Lexus redefined the American premium market by combining German-level engineering with Toyota-level reliability. From the whisper-quiet LS to the screaming V10 LFA, Lexus is the gold standard of ownership experience.

Origin: Japan
Est. 1989
Lexus Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

RX

The vehicle that invented the luxury crossover segment and has dominated it ever since. The RX is the undisputed benchmark for comfort, quality, and sophisticated design, offering a serene and supremely reliable experience for the modern family.

Production 1999-Present

TX

The dedicated, spacious, and family-focused 3-row luxury SUV. The all-new TX is meticulously designed for American families, offering generous room in all three rows, powerful hybrid options, and the signature quiet comfort that defines the Lexus brand.

Production 2024-Present

GX

The authentic, body-on-frame SUV that blends go-anywhere toughness with handcrafted luxury. The GX is a legend of off-road capability, offering a unique and ruggedly refined experience for those whose adventures begin where the pavement ends.

Production 2003-Present

LX

The flagship of Lexus SUVs and the pinnacle of go-anywhere luxury. Based on the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX combines unstoppable off-road prowess with an opulent, first-class cabin. It is the ultimate expression of capability and refinement.

Production 1996-Present

NX

The sharp, stylish, and technologically advanced compact luxury crossover. The NX stands out with its bold design and driver-focused cockpit, offering a range of powerful and efficient powertrains, including the brand's first Plug-in Hybrid.

Production 2015-Present

UX

The agile, efficient, and urban-focused luxury crossover. The UX is exclusively a hybrid, designed for navigating the city with style and ease. It's the perfect gateway to the Lexus brand, offering a premium experience in a smart, compact package.

Production 2019-Present

LS

The car that launched a brand and shocked the luxury world. The flagship LS sedan has always been the benchmark for whisper-quiet comfort, meticulous craftsmanship, and groundbreaking technology. It is the genesis of the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Production 1990-Present

ES

The quintessential luxury sedan for those who prioritize comfort and peace of mind. The ES is renowned for its spacious cabin, serene ride, and class-leading reliability, especially in its incredibly efficient hybrid form. It is the definition of a smart luxury.

Production 1990-Present

IS

The pure, rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with the soul of a driver's car. The IS is the enthusiast's choice, offering a dynamic, engaging chassis and available V8 power in the IS 500. It's the Lexus for those who crave a connection to the road.

Production 2001-Present

LC

A breathtaking masterpiece of design and engineering. The LC is Lexus's flagship grand touring coupe and convertible, a rolling concept car with a stunning interior and the soulful sound of a naturally aspirated V8. A true work of automotive art.

Production 2018-Present

RC

The athletic and stylish luxury coupe. The RC combines a muscular design with a refined, driver-focused cockpit. The high-performance RC F, with its powerful, naturally-aspirated V8, is a track-ready beast that delivers a pure, thrilling experience.

Production 2015-Present

LFA

A carbon-fiber unicorn with the most incredible V10 engine scream in automotive history. The LFA was a cost-no-object exercise in perfection, a bespoke supercar that cemented Lexus's place in the performance stratosphere. A true, unobtainable legend.

Production 2011-2012

GS

The enthusiast's mid-size rear-wheel-drive sport sedan. For four generations, the GS was the choice for those who wanted a sharper, more dynamic alternative to the comfortable ES. The V8-powered GS F was a true, understated performance hero.

Production 1993-2020

SC

A nameplate of two distinct personalities. The original SC 300/400 was a legendary and beautifully styled luxury coupe with a near-perfect design. The second-generation SC 430 was a relaxed, retractable hardtop convertible focused on serene, open-air cruising.

Production 1992-2010

CT 200h

The one-of-a-kind compact luxury hybrid hatchback. The CT 200h offered a unique blend of sporty styling, a premium interior, and the incredible fuel efficiency of Toyota's proven hybrid system, making it a smart and stylish choice for the city.

Production 2011-2017

HS 250h

Lexus's first-ever dedicated hybrid-only model. The HS 250h was a compact sedan that prioritized fuel economy and eco-friendly luxury, packing advanced technology and a premium feel into an incredibly efficient package. A true pioneer for the brand.

Production 2010-2012

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The Champagne Tower Moment

In 1989, a commercial aired that changed the automotive world. A Lexus LS 400 was placed on rollers, revving to 145 mph. A pyramid of crystal champagne glasses was stacked on the hood. They didn't move. They didn't shatter. The engine was so smooth, it defied physics.

That commercial wasn't just a stunt; it was a declaration of war. Toyota’s luxury division had arrived, offering a car that was quieter, more reliable, and better built than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for half the price. American buyers flocked to the brand, and within two years, Lexus was the best-selling luxury import in the United States.

The RX: Inventing the Luxury Crossover

If the LS 400 built the brand's reputation, the Lexus RX paid the bills. Launched in 1998, the RX 300 was the first "luxury crossover." It wasn't a rugged truck; it was a tall Camry with leather seats and wood trim. Enthusiasts mocked it, but suburban America fell in love. It is the best-selling luxury vehicle in US history and the blueprint for every modern luxury SUV.

The LFA: The Greatest Sound in History

For years, Lexus was criticized for being "boring." Reliable, yes. Exciting? No. So, they built the LFA.

This was a carbon-fiber supercar with a 4.8L V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha. It revved so fast (from idle to 9,000 RPM in 0.6 seconds) that a traditional analog tachometer couldn't keep up; they had to use a digital screen. It sounded like a Formula 1 car from the glory days. Only 500 were made. It lost money on every unit sold, but it proved once and for all that Lexus had a soul.

The "F" Marque: Fuji Speedway

Inspired by the LFA, Lexus launched its performance division, F (named after Fuji Speedway in Japan).

  • IS F: A compact sedan with a massive 5.0L V8 shoehorned into it. It had quad stacked exhaust pipes and was a direct shot at the BMW M3.
  • RC F / GS F: Continued the tradition of naturally aspirated V8s in an era when everyone else was switching to turbos. They aren't the fastest on paper, but the throttle response is addictive.

The Spindle Grille Controversy

In the 2010s, Lexus decided they were tired of being called "vanilla." They introduced the massive "Spindle Grille" (the hourglass shape). It was polarizing. Some loved the aggression; others thought it looked like a Predator mask. Regardless, it made the cars impossible to ignore.

Buying Advice: The Sticky Dashboard

Lexus reliability is legendary (often ranking #1 in J.D. Power studies), but they aren't immune to aging.

If you are looking at models from the mid-2000s (IS, ES, RX), check the dashboard. Lexus had a widespread issue where the dashboard material would degrade in the sun, becoming sticky, shiny, and prone to cracking. Lexus had a warranty enhancement program (ZLZ) to replace them, but it has expired for most cars. A replacement dash is expensive, so touch it before you buy it.

Buying a Lexus is the most rational decision a luxury buyer can make. It offers 95% of the performance of a German car with 0% of the anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new for the 2026 Lexus ES redesign?

The 2026 Lexus ES has been completely redesigned for its eighth generation. It moves to a longer TNGA GA-K platform, providing significantly more interior legroom and a "trunkless" fastback profile inspired by the LF-ZC concept.

For the first time, US buyers can choose between the ES 350h hybrid (now with 243 hp) and the all-electric ES 350e or ES 500e with DIRECT4 AWD. The interior features a massive new 14-inch touchscreen and an available Executive Package with massaging rear seats.

What are the performance specs of the 2026 Lexus LX 700h?

The Lexus LX 700h is the first-ever hybrid version of Lexus's flagship SUV. It pairs a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 with a robust hybrid system to produce 457 total system horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.

Despite its hybrid efficiency, it remains a true off-roader with full-time 4WD and an 8,000 lb towing capacity. A new Overtrail grade adds 33-inch all-terrain tires and front/rear locking differentials for the most capable LX ever sold in the United States.

How does the Lexus Interface multimedia system differ in 2026?

The 2026 Lexus Interface has been upgraded with a larger 14.0-inch high-definition touchscreen standard on most trims. It features Drive Connect with Cloud Navigation and an "Intelligent Assistant" that responds to natural voice commands like "Hey Lexus, find a nearby EV charger."

New for 2026 is the integration of navigation directly into the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the entire lineup, including the refreshed IS and NX models.

What is included in Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and 4.0?

Lexus continues to lead in US safety standards. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on most 2026 models, featuring:

  • Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist: Helps avoid obstacles within the lane.
  • Proactive Driving Assist: Provides gentle braking into curves.
  • Pre-Collision System: Detects motorcycles and pedestrians in intersections.

The all-new 2026 ES is the first to debut LSS+ 4.0, which offers even more advanced autonomous lane-changing capabilities and enhanced sensor range for US highway driving.

What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Lexus GX 550?

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 features a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 9,096 lbs on Premium and Overtrail grades. This is made possible by its high-strength body-on-frame construction and a 349-hp twin-turbo V6 engine.

The GX is designed for the American "overlanding" lifestyle, featuring Full-Time 4WD and an Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) that allows for maximum wheel articulation on the trail while remaining stable on the highway.

How does the Lexus DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive system work?

DIRECT4 is an advanced electric all-wheel-drive system found on the RZ 450e and the new ES 500e. It uses eAxle motors to constantly vary the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels (from 100:0 to 0:100) based on driving conditions.

For US drivers, this results in nearly zero "squat" during acceleration and significantly reduced "dive" during braking, providing a incredibly stable and linear driving feel that defines the "Lexus Driving Signature."

What is the range and charging speed of the 2026 Lexus RZ?

The 2026 Lexus RZ electric SUV features an improved battery system with a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 264 miles on 18-inch wheels. It now comes standard with a NACS charging port for easier access to Tesla Superchargers in the USA.

With its upgraded DC fast-charging logic, the RZ can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, making it a more practical choice for luxury buyers transitioning to full-electric travel.

Does Lexus still offer a V8 engine in 2026?

While Lexus is transitioning toward turbocharging and electrification, the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance and the LC 500 grand tourer remain available in the US for 2026 with the legendary 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8.

Producing 472 horsepower, these models are prized by American enthusiasts for their linear power delivery and the high-pitched "mechanical symphony" that only a high-revving atmospheric V8 can provide.

What are the features of the Lexus "Overtrail" Grade?

The Overtrail Grade is a new trim philosophy for 2026 (available on GX and LX) designed for US off-road enthusiasts. It includes:

  • Specialized Colors: Exclusive Earth-tone paints like "Earth" and "Nori Green."
  • Rugged Hardware: Standard 33-inch all-terrain tires and black-out trim.
  • Adventure Tech: Multi-Terrain Select with a dedicated "Auto" mode that optimizes the car for dirt, sand, or deep snow without driver input.
What is the 2026 Lexus "Bespoke Build" program?

Available on the LC 500 and now expanding to select LS and ES trims, the Bespoke Build program allows US customers to customize their vehicle with exclusive options like a carbon fiber roof, unique "Manhattan Orange" interiors, and specialized wheel finishes.

Each Bespoke Build vehicle features a personalized badge on the center console, signifying its status as a uniquely commissioned piece of Lexus craftmanship (Takumi).