If you’re shopping for a Lexus, you understand the need for reliability, refinement, and luxury, all while maintaining a low profile.
Considering the wide array of innovative features and options available with Lexus’ current lineup of vehicles, it can be daunting to find the right fit. But the good news is that since its launch in 1989, Lexus has poured money into its fleet over the years.
So, there is a little something for everyone — from Lexus’ IS sedan, a four-door everyday car, to the RC, a luxury sport coupe, and even the LS flagship luxury sedan line that started it all. If you’re looking for more room, Lexus offers a great selection of SUVs as well, including the UX, a sporty compact SUV, all the way up to the LX, a full-size off-road capable SUV with seating for seven.
But first, a bit of background on how this younger brand got its phenomenal reputation.
Lexus: Outlasting the Competition
What began as a secretive project by Toyota’s chairman Eiji Toyoda, Lexus originally started as the “Circle F” project in 1983. Developing only one car, what came to be known as the LS 400, Toyota set out with an unlimited budget to make the world’s most refined luxury vehicle.
After reportedly spending over one billion dollars in six years of development, the “Circle F” project achieved its goal. Lexus’ LS 400 began outselling competitors like BMW and Mercedes, which gave the company a huge reputation to uphold.
Over the years, the LS 400 has been highly regarded as one of the most reliable luxury vehicles on the road, with many LS 400s reaching over 200,000 miles — and one 1996 LS famously reaching one million miles on the original drivetrain.
An overwhelming amount of used luxury cars on the market are high mileage Lexus examples, with many well over 150,000 miles no matter the model. It’s easy to see why Lexus has received many awards in reliability over the years.
Another major draw to owning a Lexus is how well they hold value, many popular models still in the $10,000 range nearly 20 years later. While not necessarily an investment, it is nice to know that your trade-in or used car won’t be worth 5% of what you originally paid in just a few years. This reputation in reliable luxury has rarely faltered in Lexus’ 32 years as a company, and it continues into the company’s current lineup.
Lexus IS: Entry-level Sport Sedan
Debuting for North American markets in 2000, the IS line took over for the ES as Lexus’ entry-level sedan. The first-generation IS300 (XE10) had very aggressive styling and took a drastic turn from the standard Lexus luxury vehicle. After only five years, Lexus reset its pace with the IS250 and IS350 (XE20).
Eventually, the automaker offered a sport-focused trim known as the ISF (F sport) model. Lexus sold the second-generation model for roughly eight years until the company released its third and current generation IS300 and 350 (XE30), currently offered in three variants: the IS300, IS300 AWD, and IS350 F-Sport.
With each step in the price, you also receive more power; starting at $39,050 for the IS300, it utilizes a turbocharged inline four-cylinder to put out 241 horsepower. For $41,050, you get the IS300 AWD powered by a 260 horsepower V6 engine.
Lastly, the IS350 F-Sport for $42,950, you receive a bump to 311 horsepower out of the same V6 engine, more aggressive styling such as bigger wheels and black aerodynamic accents. The IS350 F-Sport can also be optioned with AWD at $44,950 but still puts out the same power.
Lexus ES: A Sedan for the Everyday Executive
Appearing alongside the LS 400 with the Lexus brand launch, the ES series fell to the wayside as a front-runner Lexus. Throughout the years, it has been rather forgettable, more geared towards the average luxury-car buyer.
However, the same can’t be said for the current generation, which offers 12 different configurations from the factory.
Starting at the bottom for $40,000, you get the ES250 AWD, using the same turbo inline four-cylinder for power delivery but airing more on the side of luxury than its IS counterpart.
From there, you can opt for the F-Sport, Luxury, and Ultra-Luxury packages, which are available for the ES350 as well. The ES350, however, is powered by a 304 horsepower V6 and still starts around $40,000.
A Luxury package surrounds you with more leather and wood throughout the cabin. Ultra-luxury adds to the fancier interior while also providing more features like a power open/close trunk with a kick sensor.
If fuel economy is a concern, you can opt for the ES hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine and assisted by two electric motors. These start at $41,910 and can be optioned with Luxury and Ultra Luxury packages.
Lexus LS: Continuing the Legacy
It is no surprise that the LS series has continued to be a leading-class luxury sedan. With the explosive start at the brand launch, Lexus holds the standard high for their flagship sedan into the 2021 model year.
The LS500 is available in three major variants; starting at $76,000 for the base LS500, you get a 416 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, 12.3-inch touchscreen display coupled to a Mark Levinson 3D audio system, and utilizing materials like Kiriko glass to create a remarkable cabin feel.
Moving up to the LS500 F-sport at $79,600, you gain a sporty interior with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and 28-way power-adjusted sport seats, which are wrapped with an exclusive L-motif pattern.
Lastly, the LS500 takes on a hybrid form, starting at $90,500 and offering a dual motor-assisted V6 separate from the other models, which unfortunately produces less power and only offers marginally better gas mileage at 25 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway.
Each variant of the LS500 can be optioned with all-wheel-drive for roughly $4000 on top of the base price. Although missing slightly on the hybrid, the LS500 continues the legacy of the LS 400 that launched the Lexus brand.
Lexus UX: A Crossover for the City
Starting production in 2019, the relatively new Lexus UX (Urban Explorer) gives buyers the option to own a subcompact cross-over laced with classic luxury and features. Coming in at $33,000, the cheapest new Lexus, the UX200 isn’t without its features.
The UX comes with standard heated and cooled front seats, a 10.3” display with Amazon Alexa capability, and an impressive 17.1-foot turning radius. Powered by a 2.0L inline four-cylinder, the UX200 puts out a brisk 170 horsepower.
A UX200 can also be equipped with the Luxury or F-Sport package. The hybrid UX250h starts at $35,200 and is also available in Luxury, F-Sport, and a Black Line Special Edition, which gives you de-chromed exterior accents along with color-keyed over-fenders.
Its dual electric motor-assisted inline-four adds another 11 horsepower and roughly 70 lb.-ft. more torque over the UX200. Not only is the UX250h the most powerful option, but it is also the most efficient non-plug-in luxury SUV on the market.
Lexus NX: Nimble Crossover with Ample Room
After selling over 43,000 units its first full year in the U.S. market, the NX made quite a splash in the luxury crossover battle. Even more so in the European market, the NX sold over 28,000 units, with 17,000 being hybrids. These figures made the NX Lexus’ best-selling model in Europe for 2015.
Starting at $37,610, the NX300 gives you more personalized comfort and reliability. Coming standard with heated and cooled seats, stadium-style rear seats give you ample legroom, and you receive first-in-class power-folding and reclining capability. Propelled by a turbocharged four-cylinder, the NX300 has 241 horsepower and does 0-60 in 7.2 seconds.
Pair this with the F-Sport package at $39,710, and you get a sporty-styled SUV with enough performance to back up its looks. There are also options for all-wheel drive, Luxury package, and hybrid versions of each are available.
Lexus RX: A Staple in Luxury SUVs
Launching as Lexus’ first compact SUV, the RX line pushed the standard of reliable luxury into the minds of buyers in the market. The first-generation RX was released in 1998 to much acclaim, selling nearly 90,000 units in the U.S. market for the 2000 model year. Holding good sales throughout the next three generations, the RX continues to be the best-selling luxury SUV in America.
Hybrid models of the RX line prove to be Lexus’ best-selling hybrid, with over 335,000 global sales through 2016, out of 1 million Lexus hybrids sold since 2005. Its fourth and current generation (AL20) is offered in a large number of configurations.
Starting at $45,220 for the RX350, a base mid-size crossover with a near 300 horsepower V6, class-leading Lexus safety system+ 2.0, and power reclining and folding second-row seating. For $48,050, you can get into an RX350L which adds a third row of power-folding and reclining seating, along with class-leading cargo space.
The famous hybrid model RX450h starts at $47,920, giving you an electric motor-assisted version of the V6 that puts out 30mpg combined. Coming standard beginning in 2020, each RX has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. The RX350 and RX450 are also available in F-Sport packages, with the RX450h having a Black Line special edition option.
Lexus GX: Land Cruiser with Creature Comforts
With Lexus being a luxury division of Toyota, it is no surprise to find that the GX line is a Land Cruiser with luxury dressing. The GX began production as Lexus’ full-size SUV in 2002, giving it a completely different look but sharing many parts and development with the Land Cruiser. Only on its second generation, the GX has received multiple facelifts and additions to make up for the lack of new models.
Barring the 2010 model year due to its dangerous VSC issues, which were promptly fixed, the GX proved to be a solid luxury off-roader. Coming standard with things like active hill descent, adaptive variable suspension, and a powerful V8 motor, it makes for an all-around off-roader that can handle light-duty towing.
For the 2021 model year, the GX460 starts at $53,450 equipped with a 4.6-liter V8, 6,500-pound towing capacity, and technology like Multi-terrain select with Multi-terrain four-camera system.
Also available in a Premium or Luxury package with the GX460 Luxury starting at $64,715, providing you with power-folding and reclining rear seats, adaptive variable suspension, and semi-aniline leather trim interior.
Lexus LX: Full-size Flagship SUV
If you’re shopping for a full-size luxury SUV, it is hard to ignore the Lexus LX series. Again sharing parts and development with the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX gives more attention to detail than its lower level GX counterpart. Beginning production in 1995, the Lexus LX450 put the company on the map as its first SUV. Just as the LS line is the flagship sedan, the LX line is Lexus’ flagship SUV.
Receiving amenities like leather seating, in-car telephone, and rear locking differentials set the first-generation LX450 apart from the Land Cruiser it was based on.
For its third and current generation, the LX570 starts at $86,830 for the two-row seating model. Although sharing a similar chassis still, the current LX570 is much more Lexus than it is Toyota.
Coming standard with a 5.7-liter V8 which produces 383 horsepower and 403 lb.-ft. of torque, gives the full-size SUV enough power to get over anything. Paired with Lexus’ Multi-terrain system, Active Height control, and a variable-ratio steering system, the LX570 becomes an off-road monster while encasing you in luxurious comfort.
Offering a third-row seating model, you gain more cargo space and options like a color head-up display. For $99,310, you can opt for the Inspiration series, similar to the Black Line special editions where you get a treatment of black trim instead of chrome, black wheels, and a unique leather-wrapped interior with red accents.
Lexus RC: New Age Sports Coupe
Coming onto the market as a completely new model, the Lexus RC line rethought what it is to drive a luxury sport coupe. Utilizing improved technology in double wishbone suspension, rigid unibody chassis, and a driver-focused cockpit, the RC gives you new age sports car looks with the performance to back it up.
Coming in a wide variety of packages, the RC300 gets you into the chassis at $42,220 with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder giving you a measly 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
Moving into the RC300 F-Sport at $46,960 gives you a slightly higher power output from the 3.5-liter V6 but doesn’t get you into the 300 horsepower range. The RC350 puts you at 301 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque for only $45,150. Where the RC chassis truly shines is the 2021 RCF starting at $65,975.
Following in the footsteps of the original ISF, Lexus crammed the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 engine into the chassis giving it 472 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. This drivetrain provides the RCF with a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds, putting it in $100,000+ supercar territory. Along with finer suspension tuning, speed-activated rear wing, and better aerodynamics, the RCF performs with the likes of Ferraris and Lamborghinis, all while keeping true to the Lexus form of reliable luxury.
Lexus LC: When You Want to Make a Statement
Even though Lexus has held on to a classy road presence for most of its fleet, the LC series started to foray into being a bold design for the brand. Being one of the most expensive cars in their lineup, you receive an astonishing amount of detail for a car starting at $93,050. With a driver-focused cockpit, you tuck into a bolstered leather seat which went through two years and 50 prototypes to achieve the perfect driving posture.
Powered by the same 472 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 in the RCF, you get supercar performance levels with the refinement of Japanese luxury surrounding you throughout the cabin.
If the base LC500 isn’t quite enough for you, Lexus has you covered, offering the LC500 Inspiration series for $110,420, which is much like the package you see for the LX570. This package gives the coupe a carbon-fiber roof, carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and black accents throughout the car, including unique black alloy wheels.
If you’re after some open-air, the LC500 is now offered in a convertible starting at $101,100. Although with much less performance, you can enjoy the looks and feel of the coupe with Lexus’ hybrid system as well in the LC500h, starting at $97,610.
Which is the Best All-around Lexus?
When choosing a Lexus car, we think the best bang for your buck is the IS300, preferably in all-wheel-drive trim. New models can be had for $41,050, giving you the 260 horsepower V6, enough room to have all your friends or put kids in the back, but not over the top in terms of amenities you won’t use every day.
Second-generation models such as the 2005 to 2008 years can still be had for $15,000-$20,000 in great condition and have held up very well over the years. If you’re looking for something you can trust a teenager with and have enough room for your whole family, the Lexus RX350 is one of the best SUVs on the market currently.
Starting at $45,220 for 2021, you receive all the cutting-edge features like Apple car play and have confidence in knowing your family is protected with Lexus’ Safety System+ 2.0.
For the used market, we recommend the facelifted 2012 Lexus RX350 as they can be found with under 100,000 miles for under $15,000. The facelifted model guarantees you a five-star NHTSA frontal driver, side driver, frontal passenger, and rear passenger crash test ratings. In 2013, the RX350 was also named the most dependable vehicle in the U.S. by J.D. Power and Associates, a first for an SUV or crossover.
Photos: Lexus
