Honestly the Best Lexus for You

Whether you're looking to own a Lexus for the first time or you're already a Lexus owner looking to change models, this is buyers guide is for you.

By Thomas Mabson - September 6, 2016
Ready to Buy a Lexus?
Coupe/Convertible RC & IS Convertible
Hatchback CT
Sedans IS ES GS LS
SUV NX RX GX LX
Hybrid vs Power

Ready to Buy a Lexus?

In the market for a new Lexus and not quite sure where to go? There are so many choices you have with variations within a model to complicate your decisions even further. So let's try to make this process easier on you and helps you find the Lexus that fits your life by going through all the models and variations Lexus has for you.  

Coupe/Convertible RC & IS Convertible

Nothing makes a statement that you have no responsibilities outside of yourself and a partner like a two-door. Owning a car that restricts access to four people gives way to a sportier air and rakish looks that you only get with a coupe or convertible. The drawback to an awesome car like the RC or IS convertible is when you do happen to have more than one passenger or end up going on a monster grocery shopping trip where you run out of trunk space and have to move the seats to stow cargo in the back. The base RC 200t runs at 241 hp, while the IS drop top has reigned in 204 hp.  

Hatchback CT

When they offer you four doors and you ask for five in a sedan ride height, then you are in hatchback territory. It combines small SUV like capacity with the handling of a sedan to make a hybrid vehicle that in this case actually is a hybrid. So not only do you get great stowing capacity wit the rear seats folded down, but you get great gas mileage to boot. With fluctuating gas prices and increasing environmental awareness, many drivers are thinking twice about SUV purchases and are instead turning to crossovers and hatchbacks. The CT has 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The CT can boast that it has the second most cargo room for an upscale small car on the market. So if you have any trepidations on the lack of room for things like skis, a few golf bags, or even a good sized potted plant, rest assured, they will all fit nicely.     

Sedans IS ES GS LS

If there are kids in the picture or you regularly shuttle people around, then you're looking at a sedan. If you are debating between a coupe, hatchback and sedan, then you really need to think of your need of space. If you say, "I have small kids that can fit in the RC backseat," then consider their growth. If you need space but not a TON of space, then a hatchback might not be the best option. The great middle area would be that sporty sedan like the IS with F sport package and the GS with F sport package, depending on the space and level of luxury you desire. 

SUV NX RX GX LX

Higher ground clearance? Check. More interior room? Check. More powerful engines? Check. The higher seating position of an SUV has increased visibility and the higher stance is helpful if you live in the northern regions of the country where heavy snowfall can really put a damper on your driving plans. Keep in mind that with having a taller and heavier vehicle is the diminished fuel economy and higher-speed stability. Many owners chose SUVs in order to skip the boring looks and fun ending stigma of having a minivan. A large SUV like the LV will give greater cargo space and passenger comfort to riders.   

Hybrid vs Power

So now you have an idea of what model you want to get but you may now be wondering whether you should go for the larger engine or the hybrid? Well, rest assured that if you are leaning towards a hybrid, there is no reason to worry about hp numbers. They are lower most of the time than standard engines but they are still peppy enough to get you up to highway speeds at a relatively quick pace. If gas mileage is not an issue, you need to feed your inner speed demon daily with open roads then an F model with a bigger engine is definitely the way you should go. If you have a longer commute or just don't want to stop as much for gas fill ups, then you should check out the hybrid models to see the various mile ranges available. Be sure to test drive all the vehicles you're thinking about objectively as to not what feels good in the moment but what is right for you day after day in various situations.  

Which Lexus model did you choose? Share your thoughts here in the forum.

For do-it-yourself guides on the Lexus IS and other Lexus models, please see our how-to articles at http://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/.

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