Lexus and Toyota have been around for decades. Most Americans are familiar with these brands, but many people may not know that Toyota Motors owns both companies. And just because these manufacturers share the same parent company doesn’t mean they offer the same vehicles. In fact, they have very significant differences.
In this article, we explore those differences to give you a better understanding as you shop for a new car. After reading, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision.
Lexus Vs. Toyota: Overview
Toyota has been making vehicles for considerably longer than Lexus. However, Toyota has always focused on creating quality vehicles that perform well at a reasonable price. As a result, Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs enjoy robust sales in the economy and middle-tier vehicle segments. In other words, most people can afford these reliable vehicles.
But Toyota Motors understood they had yet to enter the luxury segment, so they created the Lexus brand. In many ways, Lexus is drastically different than Toyota. Lexus vehicles use many of the same components but include higher quality and performance. Toyota cars prioritize reliability over premium amenities.
Lexus Vs. Toyota: Performance
Many shoppers consider performance a top concern. However, assessing vehicle performance can be challenging due to the various metrics available. And your specific needs and driving style will factor into what performance features you prioritize. For example, if you want a pickup, Toyota makes a lineup of award-winning trucks with a range of performance levels, but Lexus doesn’t make trucks.
Other performance metrics include acceleration and handling. Engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, and drivetrain configurations play a part in acceleration and handling. You must also consider exterior components contributing to performance, such as rear spoilers, air intake vents, and more.
In a head-to-head comparison, Lexus offers a more expansive lineup of sports vehicles than Toyota. Lexus vehicles have more powerful engines and premium suspension systems that deliver more exciting driving dynamics. And the Lexus lineup offers a more sleek and sophisticated exterior design, something you expect from a luxury vehicle.
Of course, Toyota has a few sports cars, and some of their top-tier offerings have excellent performance. But the Lexus brand goes above and beyond in most cases.
Lexus Vs. Toyota: Comfort and Convenience
Lexus cars have the fit and finish you expect from a luxury brand. That’s not to say you can’t find a comfortable Toyota. But Lexus uses premium leather, open-pore wood trim, and metal appliques that deliver a refined look and feel.
Most Lexus vehicles come standard with cutting-edge technology and premium audio systems specifically engineered for each car. You get all the in-vehicle systems you crave and a theater-quality listening experience.
In addition, Lexus crafted every element of the cabin for maximum comfort and convenient operation. All your Lexus controls are situated within easy, intuitive reach. Plus, amenities such as heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are often standard features with Lexus.
In contrast, many Toyota cars only offer these features on the highest trims in specific models. As a result, the Lexus brand tops the Toyota brand regarding comfort and convenience.
Lexus Vs. Toyota: Pricing
In almost every case, a Lexus car will cost more than a Toyota. It’s simply the because of the difference between luxury vehicles and those made for more cost-conscious buyers. If you want to stay on budget, Toyota has more accessibly priced vehicles.
However, many Lexus cars come competitively priced at lower trim levels. These cars offer many upgraded features versus similar Toyota vehicles with only a marginal price difference. For example, the Lexus IS 300 starts at $41,235, a mere $2,000 more than Toyota’s top sedan. And you get the premium flourishes you expect from Lexus that Toyota only includes as options. You might end up paying more to furnish a Toyota with similar equipment.
The luxury vehicle segment pricing focuses more on delivering quality build and performance and less on affordability. But you get what you pay for, and if you can afford more, you choose a Lexus.
Lexus Vs. Toyota: Safety
When comparing safety systems, these two brands come as close to each other as any could. Both manufacturers use similar technologies to equip their vehicles. For instance, every Lexus comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of driver-assist systems that elevate your California commute and keep you safe.
The suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which uses radar to scan the road ahead for obstacles. If the system detects a potential collision, it alerts you. It can even activate emergency braking and steering to help you avoid crashes if you react slowly to alerts.
An All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system helps you stay at a preset speed and distance in traffic. This intelligent system can slow your Lexus to a complete stop without driver input if necessary and return you to your presets when the way ahead clears.
The Lane Tracing Assist system works with the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to help reduce driver fatigue. This system uses sensors that track your Lexus within marked lanes and provides subtle steering input to keep you centered in your lane, even on gradual curves.
The Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist system uses similar technology to alert you when it detects an unintentional drift. If you fail to react to the alerts, the system will use gentle steering input to return you to your lane.
Toyota offers a similar suite of technology on most of its vehicles, so it’s hard to distinguish a clear winner in this comparison.
Test-Drive a Lexus in El Monte Today
If you want to learn more about the Lexus difference, we invite you to shop our virtual inventory. Longo Lexus has the most expansive inventory of luxury sedans and SUVs in the Los Angeles area. If you’re looking for a Toyota, take a look at Longo Toyota, our Toyota dealership just next door. Once you’ve selected a vehicle you like, you can visit our showroom on North Peck Road. One of our friendly, professional staff will answer all your questions and let you take your preferred Lexus for a test drive.
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