See Why the Jump From Toyota to Lexus Is Worth it
Numerous people feel torn when choosing between Toyota and Lexus, simply because they are both great brands; however one is much cheaper than the other. Here's why choosing the Lexus over the Toyota is well worth the extra money.
1. Toyota - Lexus Relationship
In 1958, Toyota was officially introduced to the US market. After having a slow first year selling only 288 cars, Toyota has moved up to become one of the top leaders in the automotive industry. In 1989, Toyota started the Lexus brand, and it didn't take it long to show extreme success. The luxury Japanese brand immediately impacted the automotive market, even dropping the sales of top competitors like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
It's no secret both brands are winners, but after some side-by-side comparisons, it has become clear whether you should spend the extra money on a Lexus, or humbly stay with the very popular Toyota.
2. Dealership Experience
Walking into a Lexus dealership is quite different than walking into a Toyota one. Although you could get a great shopping experience at Toyota, Lexus offers the environment of a fancy hotel in their dealerships. All of the Lexus dealers offer specialists that guide the buyers through the entire experience. In a study conducted by J.D. Power U.S. Service Index, Lexus scored 5/5 in the overall mark, making it the top luxury dealership experience. Toyota scored 3/5 in the very same study.
Winner: Lexus.
3. Reliability
It is no secret that the Japanese know how to make reliable cars, and when it comes to both Lexus and Toyota, reliability is simply never an issue. For the more expensive Lexus, the brand scored a perfect five for reliability for many of its models such as the 2017 ES, GS, and LS. However, Toyota only scored a perfect five for the legendary Camry. It seems as even though both Japanese brands are reliable, the Lexus is just more consistently reliable throughout their lineup.
Winner: Lexus.
4. Safety
Safety is quite possibly the most important factor for many people - as it should. Both Japanese brands come with a generous amount of standard safety technology features like the Toyota Safety Sense and the Lexus Safety System. Like the reliability testings, the Lexus scored perfect numbers for most of its models, and even though Toyota scored high numbers, only the Prius scored a perfect score.
Winner: Lexus.
5. Performance
When it comes to performance, it's almost a no-brainer which brand you should choose. The Toyota is more of an efficient brand, while the Lexus is a luxury brand. However, Lexus has a few models that excel when it comes to performance, like the LC, which is equipped with the V8 engine that develops 471-horsepower. Not to mention their hybrid options capable of putting out over 350-horsepower, and of course, Lexus' super car, the RC F. For the Toyota brand, performance comes off the road or through hard-word with vehicles like the 4Runner and the Tundra. Nevertheless, Lexus offers monsters like the extremely-capable Lexus LX.
Winner: Lexus.
6. Comfort
The evolution of the Toyota brand has been incredible, and the interior of most of their models have been getting better and better each year; however, it would take them 20 more years to get on Lexus' level, that is if Lexus completely stopped evolving. The comfort that the Lexus offers comes from their Japanese hospitality vision, and whether you're looking for advanced features or just fine material, Lexus' heftier price tag is well worth it when compared to Toyota's.
Winner: Lexus.
7. Price
It's quite obvious Lexus comes first when it comes to quality, luxury, and performance. Although, when you turn your attention to the price tags, Lexus stands no chance. With a car like the Yaris in Toyota's lineup that has a hanging price tag of $15,250, Lexus has to just sit back and hope customers are looking for more than just an inexpensive vehicle. Lexus' cheapest car starts at over $35,000, and the prices just keep going up from there.
Winner: Toyota.
8. Winner
Customers simply can't go wrong with either brands with both companies being under the same banner. After comparing everything between the less-expensive Toyota and the more pricey Lexus, it is clear the Lexus brings much more to the table with a justification of the asking price. Making the move to the more expensive Lexus is highly rewarding, thanks to quality materials, advanced technology, and satisfying performance.
Official winner: Lexus.
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