Category: Lexus

Jul 20

Latest Auto News: Lexus TZ Electric SUV, Defender SVX, and More

Lexus TZ Electric SUV Revealed

Lexus is making waves with its upcoming three-row electric SUV, tentatively named the TZ. This model is poised to play a crucial role in Lexus’s strategy to exclusively offer zero-emission vehicles in the U.S. by 2030, as previewed by the Lexus Electrified SUV concept introduced in late 2021. The TZ promises to combine luxury with sustainability, setting a new standard for electric SUVs.

Defender SVX and New Customization Options

Land Rover is pushing the boundaries with its new Defender SVX, which has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring. Known for its robust off-road capabilities, this upcoming variant is set to elevate the Defender’s rugged performance to new heights. Meanwhile, Kahn Design continues its tradition of bespoke vehicle modifications, recently unveiling a unique Racing Green customization for the latest Range Rover, blending classic craftsmanship with modern luxury.

Other Noteworthy Updates

In today’s car news, you’ll also find a review of the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, known for its impressive fuel efficiency, and updates on Tesla’s Cybertruck. Future Mazda EVs are expected to be manufactured in Mexico, while Jeep introduces a lift kit with Bilstein shocks for its Wrangler and Gladiator models. Additionally, the 2023 Nissan Ariya and an electrified Porsche Cayenne with over 690 horsepower are making headlines, along with top IIHS safety ratings for Audi’s electric SUV lineup.

Jul 20

Toyota’s Latest Trademark Hints at a New Electric Three-Row Lexus SUV

Exciting News: An Electric Three-Row Lexus SUV on the Horizon

Recent trademark filings suggest that a new electric three-row SUV from Lexus is in the works. Toyota has submitted applications to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIO) for a model designated as the Lexus TZ, including variants like the TZ450e and TZ550e. While specific details are sparse, these filings hint at an innovative addition to Lexus’s electric lineup.

What We Know About the Upcoming Lexus TZ

The trademarked TZ name aligns with Lexus’s naming convention, where “Z” signifies zero-emission vehicles. This follows their pattern seen in the RZ 450e, their first all-electric SUV. The new TZ is expected to share design elements with the RZ 450e, such as the aerodynamic “Spindle Body” replacing the traditional spindle grille, and will likely be built on Toyota’s new EV-specific platform set to debut in 2026.

Anticipations for the TZ and Market Trends

With the rise in consumer preference for larger vehicles, including electric SUVs, Toyota’s introduction of this model aligns with current market trends. This new electric SUV is set to be Toyota’s first US-assembled EV, produced at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant from 2025, with batteries sourced from a new factory in North Carolina. As competitors like Rivian, Tesla, and Mercedes prepare their own electric three-row SUVs, Lexus’s entry into this segment could offer timely competition in the evolving electric vehicle market.

Jul 20

Lexus Teases New Electric 3-Row SUV: Could It Be Named TZ?

Lexus is gearing up to introduce a new mid-size electric SUV with third-row seating, and recent trademark filings hint that it might be called the TZ. According to a discovery by a member of the Lexus RX Owners forum, Toyota has filed trademarks for names like “Lexus TZ 450e” and “Lexus TZ 550e” with the European Union Intellectual Property Office. This new model is expected to be positioned alongside the upcoming 2024 TX, which also features three rows but runs on gasoline.

While Lexus has yet to announce an official launch date, the TZ is anticipated to be a significant addition to its lineup. This follows Toyota’s ambitious plan to unveil 30 new electric vehicles by 2030, many of which will carry the Lexus badge. Additionally, the upcoming TZ could join the ranks of other exciting EVs in development, such as an electric sport sedan potentially named the IZ and an LFA-inspired supercar possibly dubbed the LFZ. Under CEO Koji Sato’s leadership, Lexus aims to have zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell models, make up its entire U.S., European, and Chinese sales by 2030, and globally by 2035.

Jul 20

1 Lexus NX Trim Is Attracting More Consumers’ Attention Than the Rest

When it comes to luxury vehicles, most consumers turn to brands like Lexus. If they want the SUV experience, one of the best models to choose from the brand is the NX with its performance and standard all-wheel drivetrain. What can you expect from the different 2023 Lexus NX trims, and which one is the most popular?

The Lexus NX trims and what they offer

The 2023 Lexus NX comes in a handful of trims, including the Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling models. Each one has a unique set of features that makes it stand out from the rest. Each trim has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Paired with it is an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. Here’s what you can also expect from each one:

Base

The entry-level trim starts at $43,965 and gets you a pretty decent amount of standard features. Those include 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather seating, a WiFi hotspot, a 10-speaker audio system, and a 9.8-inch infotainment screen. As for driver’s assistance aids, you get Forward Collision Warning, Lane-departure Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Luxury

One of the higher trims in the lineup is the Luxury model, which offers 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, ambient lighting for the cabin, and a 14-inch infotainment display. You’ll also get open-pore wood interior accents, cloud-based navigation, an adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a voice assistant. This trim level begins at $51,415.

F Sport Handling

With the NX F Sport Handling trim, you can expect 20-inch black wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension system, a 10-inch display, and sport-designed front seats. With only the standard features, this version starts at $49,065.

You can upgrade this model with a Luxury package, which will add items such as driver’s seat memory settings, an upgraded voice control system, and a power liftgate with a kick sensor system.

While each trim offers some pretty awesome features, none of these are the most popular trim offered, according to Edmunds.

The most popular trim many NX vehicle owners gravitate toward appears to be the Premium model, which is a step up from the base and begins at $47,015. You’d think one of the higher trims would be more appealing with top-notch luxury features like a larger infotainment screen or larger wheels, but this version seems to outshine the rest. Why is that?

One possibility is the list of extras that it offers for a more affordable price than the higher trims bring. For example, you get the same features as the base but it adds low-speed automatic braking, a sunroof, power-adjustable steering, parking sensors, and ventilated front seats.

With this model, you can opt for a 14-inch touchscreen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system for a little more money. This way you don’t have to pay more for items you may not need in your daily driving experience.

What will the 2024 Lexus NX offer?

The 2024 Lexus NX is currently set at $44,065 to start with many of the same features as the 2023 model, including the engine specs. This version offers 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.

As for changes from the previous version, don’t expect a whole lot. The few items that are new this year won’t have any effect on its performance, they are mostly aesthetic-based.

According to Car and Driver, you can expect some new interior colors for the cabin and the brand decided to make some of the color-keyed elements to the interior as well. Lexus also added a remote parking feature to the 350h and the 450h+, while the 450h+ F Sport will now come with your choice of a regular sunroof or a panoramic one.

Cargo space on this model is pretty average with 23 cu-ft of storage behind the rear seats. The total cargo capacity is only 46.9 cu-ft of space, which should be enough to haul around groceries or a small family’s bags for trips.

The Lexus NX has a handful of trims to choose from for the 2023 version, but the Premium level is the one that stands out. While it’s not easy to say why, its list of extras and affordable pricing clue us into why it could possibly be the most popular.

Jul 12

Lexus NX Leads in Luxury SUV Resale Value

Why the Lexus NX Tops Resale Value Charts

The Lexus NX has emerged as a standout in the small luxury SUV category, primarily due to its excellent resale value. Factors contributing to its strong market performance include its reliability, the esteem of the Lexus brand, and its relatively low cost of ownership. In a recent ranking, the Lexus NX outshone competitors, retaining an impressive 66% of its value over five years, which is significantly higher than the category average.

Detailed Analysis of the Lexus NX’s Market Performance

The Lexus NX series, including the NX 350, NX 300, and NX 250, all hold their value exceptionally well. According to data from iSeeCars, the NX 350 leads with a 66% value retention, closely followed by the NX 300 and NX 250 models, each preserving nearly 66% of their original value. This strong resale value is a testament to the meticulous design and quality execution of these vehicles, which despite their compact size, do not compromise on luxury and functionality.

Long-term Benefits and Safety Features of the Lexus NX

Owning a Lexus NX is not just about luxury; it’s a wise financial decision due to its high resale value and the associated low ownership costs. The reliability inherited from its parent company, Toyota, adds to its appeal. Furthermore, the Lexus Safety System+ comes standard across all NX trims, enhancing the vehicle’s safety with features like emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. This comprehensive safety package, combined with the SUV’s proven durability, makes the Lexus NX a top pick for anyone looking for a safe, luxurious, and economically sensible vehicle.