8 Things You NEED to Know About Lexus Before Buying

Intro

You want a Lexus because you know that they make reliable and luxurious machines. That much is obvious to even the most casual automobile fan. So, deciding on getting a Lexus as your next vehicle is not that difficult. But they offer about two dozen models, with multiple trim levels for each. The ES model line alone has 14 different trim levels. And what powertrain do you want? A rear-wheel-drive V8, or a twin turbo V6 with full-time four-wheel drive, or one of the many other configurations offered? Do you want a Premium trim or Luxury or Ultra Luxury? Do you need an SUV? Great, will a body-on-frame model work best for you or unibody? And that is just the new 2024 models. What about the pre-owned models? What is the Lexus CPO program like?  

As you can see, once you start diving into the details of it all, things can get a bit overwhelming. That is why we decided to put together this little guide to help you. We will cover eight key areas that will help you understand the Lexus brand a little bit better. We are not writing a novel here, so we are not going into minute details. But we will cover these areas in broad strokes to help you understand the Lexus basics.

#1 - The Model Lineup

The first thing to cover is the Lexus model lineup. If you are looking for a pickup truck, minivan or station wagon you will have to shop elsewhere. However, Lexus offers something for everyone else. The bread-and-butter vehicles are of course the SUVs and sedans. Starting with the SUVs the lineup starts with the smallest and least expensive UX model. The size and price increase from there going to the NX, RZ, RX, TX, GX, and LX on top. The starting price for a UX is $37,490 and for the LX it is $93,915.

Lexus offers three traditional sedans starting with the IS, then the ES, and the LS on top. A base IS starts at $41,235 and an LS Hybrid starts at $115,560. Like the SUVs, there is a large price gap between the smallest and largest models.

What many people not familiar with the Lexus brand may not realize is that the company offers a nice selection of performance machines as well as the traditional luxury rides. On the mild side is the regular RC coupe. But the true performance begins with the RC F, IS 500, and LC Coupe and Convertible models. All of these models are powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 making a shade over 470 horsepower.

Almost all the models Lexus sells are offered in a hybrid, or plug-in hybrid configuration in addition to traditional internal combustion. There is a Lexus model for everyone.

#2 - The Trims

If you have settled on a particular Lexus model, you still need to settle on a particular trim level. We can’t cover every trim level for every model here, so we will instead touch on the basics.

The trim levels in the Lexus range are in number format. For example, in the ES model line there is the ES 250 and ES 350. In the past, Lexus model number corresponded with engine displacement. An ES 250 featured a 2.5L engine, the ES 350 featured a 3.5L engine. And for some models, the IS 500 and LC 500, that's still true. But as Lexus has shifted to more turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, the model number now represents -- and this is slightly confusing -- the power equivalence of what a large naturally aspirated motor would deliver. For example, the RX 350 now features a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; its 275 horsepower output is apparently equivalent to a 3.5L V6. (Like I said, it's a little confusing.)

Also worth noting, if you ever see an "h" after a model name, that means hybrid. And "h+" means plug-in hybrid.

Aside from the numbers Lexus uses additional descriptive nomenclature to differentiate the trim levels. This can get confusing because the descriptions on the less expensive models such as the UX and NX differ from the higher end models such as the LX. But in general terms the base trim is known by just the model number. For example, RX 350. From there the trims are somewhat self-explanatory. If you see ‘AWD’ that is an all-wheel-drive trim. Lexus also uses terms such as ‘Premium’, ‘Premium+’, ‘Luxury’, ‘Luxury+’, and ‘Ultra Luxury.’ As you make your way from Premium to Ultra Luxury the level of comfort, convenience, luxury and technology content increases. Specific features vary by model and some models don’t offer all trims. You can get an LX 600 Ultra Luxury but the RX tops out at the RX 350 Luxury level.

In addition to the trim levels that indicate a luxury quotient Lexus uses different trims to indicate a sport quotient. And this might be the most confusing of all. First of all, the thing to keep in mind is that Lexus uses the letter ‘F’ to indicate performance models, but there are actually several layers --

• F Sport Design offers a visual upgrade over the standard models with a more aggressive style that typically includes blacked-out trim and other sporty elements.
• F Sport Handling starts with Design and then improves the suspension for a more dynamic driving experience. This typically includes adjustable dampers with settings for normal, comfort, and sporty driving. The front-row seats also get added bolstering. This version used to be called simply "F Sport" and is the most common.
• F Sport Performance takes Design and Handling and adds more power. But it's not a full track-prepped vehicle.
• F represents the most track-worthy models with improved power, tires, cooling, braking, and revised exterior and interior design.  

#3 - The Engines

Currently Lexus offers only one all-electric vehicle and that is the RZ which comes in a single motor or dual motor configuration. On the other end of the spectrum are the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 engines found on the top performance models. And there is a whole lot in between. The smallest internal combustion engine is a 2.0L inline 4 that gets hybrid assist. Lexus also uses a 2.5L inline 4 with hybrid assist. There is a 2.5L inline 4 that is offered naturally aspirated as well as with hybrid assist. Lexus has a few 2.4L inline 4 engines that are turbocharged and, in some models, turbocharged with hybrid assist. There is a 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid option. A 3.4L twin turbo V6 is available in the larger SUVs and sedans with varying horsepower outputs. Lexus will also sell you a 3.5L V6 with varying horsepower outputs in some of their sedans, although its days are number at this point unless you're looking at used models.

#4 - The Design

The current Lexus design philosophy was rolled out in 2013 and is referred to as ‘L-Finesse.’ It has been described as “leading-edge design and technology applied with finesse.” You can clearly see this today in every Lexus model. The LC might not look anything like the LX 600, but you can tell they were made by the same company. The spindle grille design is the most obvious external design element. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most Lexus models are pleasing to look at, while the LC is one of the most beautiful cars on sale today.

#5 - The Technology

Every Lexus model is packed with advanced technology. Of course, as you move up the model and trim ladder more features become available to you. But even the lowest priced UX can be optioned with things like Intuitive Parking Assist, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Charging, Color Head-Up Display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Drive Connect which is a cloud-based navigation feature. On top end vehicles, such as the LX 600 you get an available dual screen rear entertainment system, Intelligent Assistant which allows you to control most in-car functions with your voice. A Mark Levinson sound system with 25 speakers and 2,400 watts of power is available. Some models even offer a system called Climate Concierge which has sensors to measure the surface temperature of individual passengers and senses smoke and even exhaust gas to help keep everyone as comfortable as possible.

#6 - The Safety Features

Lexus vehicles today come with either Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 or 2.5. The 2.5 version of the system includes adaptive cruise control, lane and road edge recognition, automatic emergency steering, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, lane centering assistance, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, and more. It is a very comprehensive safety suite. The 3.0 version simply adds features on to this. You get right and left turn oncoming pedestrian detection and braking, oncoming vehicle detection, adaptive cruise control with curve speed management, and risk avoidance emergency steer assistance.

#7 - The SUVs

The Lexus SUV offerings can be broken down into two basic camps. In one camp are the more contemporary unibody crossover SUVs. The vast majority of SUVs in the marketplace today are this type. They are less expensive to build, lighter, more efficient, and can still get you almost everywhere. In the other camp are the traditional body-on-frame SUVs. These are a dying breed, and most manufacturers don’t offer them anymore. Lexus makes two, the LX and GX. These SUVs are more rugged as they are built on stronger frames and are meant for those looking to tackle the great outdoors.

In the SUV world, there are additional trim levels that we didn’t cover previously. That would be the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims. These trims are the most rugged for the people that might want to take their SUV on an overlanding adventure. The LX will also get you almost everywhere but with more room and in greater comfort. The TX is for those who need a full size third row. The UX, NX and RX are the more traditional street cursing SUVs, with the RX being the best-selling model in the entire Lexus lineup. And if you must have an all-electric SUV, the RZ is your only choice.

#8 - The CPO Program

Maybe a new Lexus is not in the cards right now. That is OK as buying preowned is usually the wiser decision anyway, especially with the excellent Lexus Certified Preowned program called L/Certified. U.S. News & World Report has named L/Certified by Lexus the “Best CPO Program” for the last seven years in a row. To become certified the Lexus vehicle must first pass a rigorous 161-point inspection. If you choose a certified vehicle, you are granted an entire suite of benefits. You get four free maintenance visits, 6 years and unlimited miles for roadside assistance, a warranty that is extended for 6 years from the original in-service date and unlimited miles. You also get a free 3-month trial of Safety Connect, Enform Remote, and Sirius XM radio. It is a fantastic way to get into the Lexus vehicle of your dreams.

Images: Lexus