10 Reasons to be Thankful for Lexus & Toyota in 2023

Intro

Well folks, it is that time of year again. As we head into “December to Remember” season, we wanted to look back at 2023 and give thanks for all that Toyota and Lexus has given us. There have been exciting new models announced and some old favorites are still with us. The last couple of years have been challenging with the pandemic and supply chain shortages. But as things return to normal, we have plenty to be thankful for. These are our top ten.

10. Toyota Crown Signia

Toyota has recently announced the second Crown model and it is a distinctive crossover SUV called the Crown Signia. From the front it gives off strong Ferrari Purosangue vibes. But even loaded up you can expect the Toyota to cost about $400K less than the Ferrari. The Crown Signia is a luxurious, spacious and flexible all-wheel drive hybrid crossover that seems to have all the ingredients required for success.

9. Lexus TX

With the introduction of the 2024 Lexus TX we get a true three-row luxury SUV. There are three powertrain options: a 2.4L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder comes with the TX350. Stepping up to the TX500h gets you a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid. At the top of the ladder is the 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid on the TX550h+. No matter which you choose, they can all tow up to 5,000 pounds. For those that need the space, this new Lexus should transport your whole family anywhere you want to go.

8. RZ 450e

Back in March Lexus introduced the RZ 450e. Judging solely by looks, you might think it is not a big deal as it is just another SUV. But the RZ is a big deal. It is the first ever fully electric Lexus vehicle. We all know the world is rapidly moving to EVs and the RZ is the first step for Lexus. It will help the automaker stay relevant and we are thankful for that.

7. Tundra TRD Pro

This beefy half-ton Toyota truck goes to new heights with the TRD Pro trim. The new height is achieved partially thanks to the off-road suspension with FOX shocks and 1.1-inch front lift. You also get 18-inch BBS wheels with all terrain tires, skid plates and more. Work or play the new TRD Pro Tundra will be a fun and capable partner.

6. New GX and Land Cruiser Go Back to Roots

Do you miss the days of the squared-off and chunky looking SUV? We do. And that is why we were thrilled to see the new Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser models. They both go back to the roots of simple, off-road machines. The Land Cruiser had become more of an expensive status symbol than anything else in the last few model years before being cancelled here in the U.S. But now it is coming back with a new purpose and a new (much cheaper) price.

5. LC 500 Perfection

The Lexus LC 500 is not selling very well. And that is a darn shame because it is as close to perfect as you will find in the Lexus lineup. Or any lineup for that matter. A wonderful sounding and powerful V8 engine is under the hood. The car still looks like a modern concept car that escaped to the street. It is beautiful. It is quick and comfortable. The only nit we could pick was with the touchpad interface. And guess what? For 2024 that has been dropped and replaced with a touchscreen. The 2024 LC is now perfect. Buy one before it is too late.

4. The Toyota GR Cars

GR86, GR Corolla or GR Supra. Take your pick. They are all wonderful. For around $30K the GR86 is a screaming performance car bargain. You might not win the stoplight grand prix against a Corvette, but you will smile every time you get behind the wheel. The same can be said for the funky and fun GR Corolla models. And the GR Supra needs no introduction. None of the cars are outrageously priced and they all deliver a lot of fun.

3. Trailhunter & Overtrail Models

Toyota and Lexus are taking overlanding seriously with new Trailhunter and Overtrail trims. The concept is the same. They will offer beefier components for those that wish to build the perfect overlanding rig. If you need to get away, and stay away for a while, then these rigs have you covered. Of course, the Toyota/Lexus build quality and luxury still remain.

2. New Tacoma

Everybody loves the Toyota Tacoma. But there was no hiding the fact that the mid-size truck was getting long in the tooth. Well, it finally received the overhaul that it needed, and we are here for it. New i-Force and i-Force Max engines offer 278 horsepower, 317 pound-feet of torque or 326 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque respectively. But the overhaul didn’t stop at just the engines. The exterior and interior design was refreshed as was all the technology. The new Tacoma is a homerun.  

1. 2UR-GSE V8 Lives On

In 2023 the naturally aspirated V8 engine is an endangered species. But the lovely 2UR-GSE V8 still lives on under the hood of THREE different Lexus models. The IS 500 F Sport Performance, RC-F and LC 500 all pack this powerplant. We don’t know how much longer it will last. But we are thankful for everyday we still have with it.

Images: Toyota; Lexus