6 Awesome Lexus Family Vehicles
From their flagship model and onwards, Lexus has always been an innovator of design and usability. You’ve likely seen their cars appear on Top Ten or Best Of lists, and rightfully so. With each new design Lexus developed, new technologies were implemented and the standard luxury family car evolved. Here we’ll show you six practical family-friendly cars that have either proven its reliability or looks promising.
1. First Generation LS400
The car that started it all and put Lexus on the map for luxury sedans, the LS400 has shown its dependability and is still widely by folks looking for a daily commuting or work vehicle. They can be picked up for just under a couple thousand and those that have owned one, swear by its reliability, inexpensive upfront cost and ease of ownership.
It’s powered by a 4.0 V8 250 hp engine, and while that isn’t much by today's standards, it has enough power to zip around town just fine. Fuel economy is decent, at approximately 22 combined mpg. Inside, the car has some basic luxury features, such as automatic tilt-wheel, power seats, and electrical mirror. At this point, these car’s are considered classics, which means you can pick one up for a pretty good deal. These are an excellent choice for those on a budget, with a family and need something reliable for daily commuting.
2. Second Generation LS400
Seen a lot more often than the first generation, these cars have been known to be very cheap and reliable. It's pretty common to see the original mileage exceed 200,000 clocked miles on these as the reliability is top notch. The engines are low maintenance, and the cars were built at a time where fairly modern safety features and entertainment technology were advanced enough to keep the even the most budget-minded driver satisfied. It includes side airbags, vehicle stability control, and navigation systems.The 4.0 V8 290hp engine has VVT-I that averages approximately 23 combined mpg. It's also fairly cheap to maintain, whether you enjoy working on cars yourself or letting a mechanic do their thing. Many folks who own the car swear by its reliability and low maintenance requirements. The second gen LS makes for another good option for families looking to pick up something sleek, classy and reliable.
3. 2017 Lexus GS Hybrid
Ranked 2 on the U.S. NEWS 2017 top 10 luxury car lists, this GS is a car to be reckoned with. This baby has 338 hp and still manages to keep the mpg in the low 30s. The suspension is comfortable and composed, and for those of you looking for more power can check out the F Sport model for improved handling. Inside, there's space for five, with lumbar support and adjustable seats. The only complaint some have had is that the somewhat complex infotainment system requires the use of the touch mouse. Other than that, its a great modern pick for a family car.
4. 2013 Lexus RX 350
This 2013 RX 350 was actually ranked number 1 in the U.S. News's list for best luxury SUV. It has excellent fuel economy for its class and lots of room. In fact, it has a whopping 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space when seats are stowed. With the back seats in use, it still allows 40 cubic feet of storage. Legroom is ample and the interior features are there, while a bit tricky to get used to, still offer a lot to its users. Power is produced by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 270 hp. The base model's engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the F-sport variant has an 8-speed. Both of which produce approximately 23 combined fuel economy.
5. 2017 Lexus NX200t F Sport
What if you're looking for something that manages to cross the point between adulthood and youth? The NX200t has the youth feel with all the amenities needed to provide all the family essentials. Lots of cargo space, comfortable seating for up to five and a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides a solid balance or power and fuel economy. If a nimble crossover is what you're after then this one checks all the boxes you could ever have.
6. Lexus LS430
Probably considered one of the most popular Lexus sedans to ever hit the road, the LS430 combines ease of use, power, and comfort in a stylish package. Equipped with a 4.3-liter 290 hp V8 low emission engine, the car received high praise from environmentalists the world over. The engines are paired with either 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission. The car is decently fuel efficient, averaging about 22 combined mpg and should be just fine for trips to and from the in-law's houses. Inside, the cabin is decorated with walnut wood trim and even oscillating air conditioning vents. The tech isn’t too outdated, with a liquid crystal touch screen display, voice-controlled navigations system and premium sound system. Additional features include parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The interior space is also really nice at about 107.2 cubic ft and 20.2 cubic ft. of trunk storage. Perhaps the biggest lure of the LS430 isn’t its features, but its dependability. The car holds the highest J.D Power and Associates Rating for dependability in history.
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