Lexus: Specifications by Trim
If you are in the market for a new Lexus or just curious about the different trims they offer, here's the guide for you.
This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, RX (2005-2013).
Maybe you've already chosen the Lexus model you want or are eager to find out how one model compares to another. Not only does Lexus offer a range of vehicle types to choose from, but the luxury automaker also features various trims and specifications. Comparing each trim and its specifications is a helpful way to investigate a car's standard engine, safety, fuel efficiency, and other important criteria among car buyers.
IS
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency (city/highway) | Safety | Options and Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 (base) | 2.5L V6 | 204 | 21/30 | 10 standard airbag system, pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, blind spot monitor | Variable gear-ratio steering, backup camera, intuitive park assist, heated steering wheel |
| 350 (base) | 3.5L V6 | 306 | 19/28 | 10 standard airbag system, smart stop technology, twin projector LED headlamps | Intuitive parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, heated and ventilated front seats |
| F | 5.0L V8 | 416 | 16/23 | 10 standard airbag system, Lexus Enform safety connect, height-adjustable seat belts and anchors | High-friction brake pads, LED tail lights, rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle |
A starting price of just over $36,000 makes the IS one of Lexus' most affordable luxury sports sedans. Don't let tag fool you though, as the car comes handsomely equipped, starting with its base 2.5-liter V6 engine with 204 horsepower. Whether you choose the base model or the more powerful IS 350 F Sport, which ups the price to over $44,000, you can always choose extra features and options to make the car your own. For example, the Navigation System Package (priced at $1,855), offers a high-resolution multimedia display, enhanced Bluetooth technology, a backup camera for safety, and the Lexus Enform system for added entertainment, connectivity, and convenience. Optional safety features include the Pre-Collision System that detects an impending frontal collision and acts accordingly, and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Upgrades
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- F Sport Exterior Styling
- F Sport Bolstered/Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
- F Sport Perforated Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
- Adaptive Variable Suspensions with Sport S+ Driving Mode
- F Sport 18" Split-Five-Spoke Allow Wheels
F Sport
Lexus began offering the F Sport trim level for prospective owners looking for a little bit more aggression from their Lexus. The F Sport upgrades are performance minded, but they avoid including power-adders like supercharged or turbos. Still, the upgrades do affect the driving experience for the better.
It will also cost a bit more. The surcharge for the F Sport package is $3,235 for the IS 250; $3740 for the iS 250; $2945 for the IS 250 AWD and $3450 for the IS 350 AWD.
ES
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency (city/highway) | Safety | Options and Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 (base) | 3.5L V6 | 268 | 21/31 | Pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, advanced airbag system | Panorama glass roof, genuine wood accents, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel |
| 300h (base) | 2.5L I4 | 200 | 40/39 | Advanced airbag system, vehicle stability, automatic projector-beam headlights | High-resolution LCD multi-information display, heated and ventilated front seats |
The base model ES starts at $37,500. Even in its most stripped down version, the base model ES comes with a powerful 268 horsepower V6 engine. For a price tag of $40,430 you can boost your fuel efficiency up to an EPA-estimated combined rating of 40 MPG for the 300h, Lexus' hybrid version. The gasoline-powered version delivers a respectable combined rating of 31 MPG. Surround yourself in the Ultra Luxury Package, available in both ES models, with creature comforts such as a panorama glass roof, perforated semi-aniline leather trim, genuine wood accents, ambient interior lighting, and more. Standard safety features include traction control, 10 airbags, a backup camera, and automatic projector-beam headlights.
GS
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency (city/highway) | Safety | Options and Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 (base) | 3.5L V6 | 306 | 19/29 | Variable gear-ratio steering, Lexus Enform safety connect, pre-collision monitor with driver attention monitor | 18-way power adjustable front seats, rear-seat climate control |
| 450h (base) | 3.5L V6 | 338 | 29/34 | Vehicle dynamics integrated management, whiplash injury-lessening front seats | Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle, power rear sunshade |
You can find the GS, which starts at $47,700, in two primary options: the base 350 and the hybrid base 450h. These cars come standard with all-weather drive for extra traction and control on slippery surfaces, variable driving modes that let you stay in control of engine performance and efficiency, and perforated leather trim that equally promotes fast heating and cooling depending on the temperature. A class-leading 10 airbag system comes standard on all GS models, as does a four-wheel ventilated power-assisted disc brake setup. Options range from whiplash injury-lessening front seats to a backup camera and blindspot monitor.
Upgrades
- Variable Gear-Ratio Steering
- F Sport Exterior Styling
- Lexus Dynamic Handling System (with Rear Steering)
- F Sport Perforated Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
- F Sport-Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension
- F Sport 19" Split-Five-Spoke Allow Wheels
F Sport
The F Sport upgrades on the GS fall into the same category as those on the IS. The most obvious differences will comes from the exterior option package, but the meat of this upgrade is all in the handling department. A key highlight of GS F Sport is the Variable Gear-Ratio Steering. Depending on how fast it's moving, the GS will adjust the amount of steering input required. Also special on the GS F Sport is the presence of rear wheel steering. This makes turning circle of the vehicle much smaller and it increases stability during high-speed lane changes.
It will also cost a bit more. The surcharge for the F Sport package is $4,825 for the GS RWD and $4,640 for the GS AWD.
Figure 3. Lexus GS.RX
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Efficiency (city/highway) | Safety | Options and Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 (base) | 3.5L V6 | 270 | 18/25 | Active torque control all-wheel drive, safety connect, blindspot monitor, backup cameras | Dual 7-inch LCD screens, navigation system, enhanced Bluetooth |
| 450h (base) | 3.5L V6 | 295 | 30/28 | Pre-collision system with pre-collision braking and dynamic radar cruise control, braking and traction control systems | High-resolution multimedia display, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing intermittent wipers |
The base model RX starts at $40,970. Aside from the base RX 350, you can select the RX 350 F Sport ($48,710) or the 450 Hybrid ($47,620). A 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is good enough for a 7.7 acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour. Although you can enjoy Lexus Enform and a power rear door on the base model, you can also opt for active torque control or available driver support technologies such as a backup camera and rear blind spot monitor. The rear seat entertainment and navigation package provides dual seven-inch LCD screens, navigation system, and Lexus Enform App Suite. Stay safe on the road with the available Pre-Collision System, which detects impending accidents and reacts quickly to avoid them.
Figure 4. Lexus RX.Related Discussion
- Lexus Model Forums - ClubLexus.com
