What are the Toyota Equivalents of Lexus’s Current Line of Vehicles? (Find Out Today)

Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Toyota and Lexus brands are from the same automaker: Toyota motor corporation. It is not uncommon to find two models from different brands that are similar. Lexus vehicles are considered superior to Toyotas due to their luxury image. Lexus vehicles also have a higher price tag and luxurious comfort features. So, What are the Toyota Equivalents of the Lexus Line of Vehicles? The Toyota Harrier, RAV4, Camry, and many more can stack side by side with some Lexus models.

Toyota models work best for most car enthusiasts looking for reliability and affordability compared to their Lexus counterparts. The company has taken advantage of this and ensured that you could find a Toyota equivalent for most Lexus models.

You can find a well-performing and reliable vehicle without the luxurious features found in Toyota Lexus and spend significantly less but drive the car you want.

This article looks at the Toyota equivalents of the current Lexus line and their specifications. We will compare the Toyota models to their similar Lexus models. After reading this article, you will be well equipped to choose between a Lexus and Toyota comfortably. You will also have a clear picture of the outstanding features on the Lexus that are not on the equivalent Toyota model. Keep reading!

Lexus’s Current Line of Vehicles

Before the comparison, let’s look at the current line of Lexus vehicles and what each offer. Currently, Lexus offers different cars that are either car-based crossovers, sedans, or SUVs.

Car-Based Crossovers

The Lexus RX is the first car-based crossover that became an icon and benchmark for luxury and non-luxury brands. This model propelled the Lexus brand to become the best-selling luxury marque in the U.S for many years. 

Sedans 

The first-ever full-size Lexus sedan is the LS, first launched in 1989 and is now in its fifth generation. It offers all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive and is also available as a hybrid. The Lexus IS also a sedan and luxury compact car.

It is ranked by U.S news & world report as the 10^th most luxurious small car. Lexus sedans also include the ES and GS models that appear pretty similar.

Crossovers 

For crossovers on the current line of Lexus, we have the UX and NX, which come with premium performance features and are also luxurious in style and performance.

SUVs

Lexus offers customers large truck-based SUVs with three seating rows and enhanced towing and off-road capabilities. These models are the LX and GX,

Now that you know the current line of Lexus models, we can look at their features and compare them to their Toyota equivalents. Let’s see whether the Lexus models offer value for their higher price tag.

Lexus RX vs. Toyota Harrier

The Toyota Harrier is a close equivalent to the Lexus RX. The models have a similar stylish and sturdy exterior design. You can easily confuse one model for the other. The vehicles appear sporty, but they are not designed for sports driving.

The Toyota Harrier has two seating rows, but the Lexus RX has three for a more spacious and luxurious ride. It has a sunroof, power-adjusted leather seats, windows, and locks.

The Lexus RX has seats made of delicate calfskin and finished wood or metallic trims. It has a comfortable and straightforward driving position with ergonomic missteps.

Beneath the hood, customers have better performance from the Lexus RX, but the Toyota harrier is also quite powerful. Below is a summary of how their engines and transmission compare;

	Lexus RX	Toyota Harrier
Transmission	Automatic transmission	Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Engine	2.0L, inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine	2.0L inline 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated
Horsepower	238	173
Timing type	VVT	Chain
Rpm at maximum hp	4800	6600
Torque	350	203
Compression ratio	10:0:1	13:1

Lexus LS vs. Toyota Celsior 

The Lexus LS was the flagship model of Lexus, a full-size luxury sedan that debuted in 1989. This model is the same as Toyota Celsior, only that the Celsior was made for the Japanese market between 1989 -2006. These models are equivalent, with the nameplate being the only difference. Here’s a summary of the model’s specifications

	Lexus LS/ Toyota Celsior specifications
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8
Power output	290 hp
Transmission	5- speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
torque	434Nm
The suspension (front and rear)	Double wishbone
0-62 mph	6.3-6.7 seconds
Top speed	130mph limited, 155mph unlimited

Lexus IS vs. Toyota Camry

The Lexus IS and Toyota Camry are similar in appearance and share many features. However, the Lexus is more powerful with more advanced safety and luxury features.

If you are after power speed and performance, you will have to pay more and get value in the Lexus IS. The Toyota Camry is an excellent option if your primary concern is fuel efficiency, a stylish design, and a perfect daily driving car. Here’s a comparison of their features

	Lexus IS	Toyota Camry
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged inline-4 gas engine	2.5L inline-4 Gas engine
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel economy	Combined: 25MPG Highway: 31MPG City: 21 MPG	Combined: 32 MPG Highway: 39 MPG City: 28 MPG
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Fuel tank capacity	17.4 gallons	15.8 gallons
Horsepower	241hp @5200 rpm	203 hp@6600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft@1650 rpm	184 lb.-ft @5000 rpm
Infotainment features	Standard HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, premium sound system, satellite radio, smart device integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, auxiliary audio input, MP3 player, bucket seats, leather steering wheel, premium synthetic seats, and an optional moonroof	Bluetooth connection, satellite radio, smart device integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, MP3 player, auxiliary audio input, cloth seats, and bucket seats
Comfort features	Steering wheel audio controls, optional navigation system, adaptive cruise control, A/C, power mirrors, climate control, optional cooled/heated front seats	Steering wheel audio controls, power mirrors, A/C, adaptive cruise control, climate control, optional heated front seats, keyless entry, and multi-one A/C

Lexus ES vs. Toyota Avalon

The Lexus ES and Toyota Avalon are large sedans redesigned to include better luxury features. Both have a 3.5L V6 engine and a spacious interior. They offer standard safety, tech features, and a quiet ride. Let’s get into the comparison;

	Lexus ES	Toyota Avalon
Engine	3.5L V6 Engine	3.5L V6 engine
Horsepower	302 HP	301 Hp
Vehicle dimensions	196″ x 73″ W x 57″ H	196″ L x 73″ W x 57″ H
Power-train warranty	Six years or 70,000 miles	Five years or 60,000 miles
Touchscreen	12.3-inch high-resolution	9-inch

Lexus UX vs. Toyota C-HR

The C-HR and UX are subcompact SUVs that come packed with various features. They are similar, but you’ll have to splurge more on the Lexus UX due to the extra luxury features.

The Toyota C-HR has a single-engine option and standard front-wheel drive; it is famous for its fuel economy and liveliness. The Lexus UX has more power and is faster; it also has a sports-tuned system that gives it a more athletic feel.

	Lexus UX	Toyota C-HR
Engine	2.0L four-cylinder engine	1.2L turbo four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission	CVT automatic transmission	Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Fuel economy	Combined: 42 mpg	Combined: 29 mpg
Horsepower	169 hp	144-hp
Features	Synthetic leather, five-seater	Cloth upholstery, rear camera,
Safety	Blindspot monitoring, cyclist and pedestrian detection	Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection

Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4

The Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4 are mid-size SUVs among the essential models from Toyota. Both models have been redesigned multiple times to make them better versions. The Lexus NX comes with lots of new design elements and technology.

Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, is more advanced with more competent, high tech, more spacious, and safer. These models can easily be substituted for each other due to their standard features. Here’s how they compare.

	Lexus NX	Toyota RAV4
Engine	2.0L turbo	2.5 L 4 cylinder
Torque	258 pound-feet torque	184 pound-feet torque
Suspension	Sport-tuned with automatic variable suspension	Multi-link rear suspension
Safety rating	5/5	5/5
Acceleration	0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds	0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
Horsepower	235 Hp	203 HP

Lexus GX vs. Toyota Landcruiser 

The Lexus GX is similar to the Toyota Landcruiser Prado but isn’t available in the United States. Both SUV models are solid, friendly, and can handle off-road tracks with composure.

These models share a platform and appear similar, but Lexus offers more luxury. Below is a summary of how the models compare;

	Lexus GX	Toyota Landcruiser
Engine	4.6L V8 Gas	5.7L V8 Gas
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel economy	City: 15mpg, Highway: 19 mpg	City: 13 mpg, Highway: 17 mpg
Drivetrain	4 WD	4 WD
Fuel tank capacity	19 gallons	24.6 gallons
Horsepower	301 hp@5500 rpm	381 hp@ 5600 rpm
Torque	329 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	401 lb-ft@3600 rpm
Max towing capacity	6500 lbs	8100 lbs

Conclusion

Since Toyota and Lexus brands are from the same manufacturer, they have a lot in common, and some models across the brands can substitute each other perfectly. All the models listed above share similar features, and the Toyota counterparts cost less. If you want a quality car without breaking the bank, go for the Toyota models. 

Reference:

Are Toyota and Lexus the Same Manufacturer? (motorbiscuit.com)

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-Toyota-equivalents-of-lexus-current-line-of-vehicles