Lexus has long been a symbol of luxury, but did you know that many models also have substantial tow capacity?
Not only can you ride in style, but you can also enjoy the premium features of a luxury vehicle while dragging a camper or a boat.
Today we’ll cover the models you can use to move your motorhome.
Let’s dive in!
Towing in Luxury, What Is Lexus?
Lexus vehicles are well-known for their superior comfort and premium features. The brand is the high-end division of Toyota, a Japanese automotive powerhouse.
Toyota presented Lexus vehicles in the 1980s. This is the same time rival automakers Honda and Nissan presented their luxury lines, Acura and Infiniti.
Today, Lexus has a range of 15 different models ranging from sports cars to SUVs. Drivers who prefer comfort over utility will find something they love in one of these classy lines. But one thing they all have in common is superior reliability. Even better, many of these vehicles have surprising hauling capabilities.
Why Is Towing Capacity in Lexus Important?
Knowing the towing capacity of your Lexus is critical. If you want to pull a camper or RV, you have to make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge. Otherwise, your safety and your investments are at stake.
Another important factor is all-wheel drive. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to haul the maximum load. And if the towing capacity of your vehicle is anywhere near maxing out, you should consider the weight of everything inside your camper.
Make sure that your ride is well-maintained by keeping up with oil changes, tire rotations, and other upkeep. This can help ensure a safe trip for you and your belongings.
Pro Tip: Always follow these 10 Unwritten Rules for Towing when using your Lexus.
What Are 5 Popular Lexus Model Tow Capacities?
Some Lexus lines are more capable of heavy towing than others. We’ve picked five favorites to highlight below, so you can know which model is right for you.
#1 GX
The GX 460 is one of the luxury line’s most robust vehicles. It offers a comfortable ride and an impressive view of the road.
This four-door SUV boasts a 4.6 liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The tradeoff for all that power is less-than-stellar gas mileage at 17 mpg.
This Lexus has a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, so it can easily pull the average camper or small boat. A full-size pickup truck would indeed be able to haul more, but it would certainly lack the comfort of the GX.
#2 RX
The RX is a four-door crossover SUV. It’s smaller than the GX. It offers 295 horsepower with a 3.5 liter V6 engine.
This Lexus has a maximum haul capacity of 3,500 pounds, which beats any other luxury crossover. The RX’s competition can pull 3,000 pounds at most. The standard option doesn’t come with a tow package. But if you get it with Tow Prep, it offers everything you need to drag a small camper, like a pop-up or teardrop.
#3 NX
Lexus NX 200t is very similar to the RX in appearance but has slightly lower specs. This is a compact, four-door crossover SUV. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can get as much as 235 horsepower.
This vehicle prioritizes comfort but can also haul a load of 2,000 pounds. It can easily tow a trailer with a jetski or a couple of canoes. And if you have a very lightweight camper, the NX 200t haul it.
But be sure to know the weight of your belongings, so you don’t put too much stress on the engine. Driving the NX 600-800 miles before towing anything substantial is also recommended.
#4 LX
The LX was built on the foundation of the cult classic Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s the largest SUV in their lineup. It has a 5.7 liter V8 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and full-time four-wheel drive.
This is the best off-road vehicle in the lineup, offering multiple terrain modes, Turn Assist, and low-speed “crawl control”. The LX is also Lexus’ most robust towing vehicle, with a capacity of 7,000 pounds. This means it can easily haul smaller campers.
#5 UX
The UX 200 is the luxury line’s smallest crossover. This four-door hatchback is sporty and maneuverable, with all-wheel drive capabilities. It has a 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors, giving this model 181 horsepower.
Beginning in 2023, Lexus will only be producing the UX hybrid.
This model isn’t rated for towing, so if you want to take the boat to the lake, you’ll need something a little more robust.
Are Any Lexus Models Flat Towable?
First and foremost, Lexus is a luxury brand. While they seem to be accommodating more adventurous features, they are still primarily built for comfort.
Flat towing a vehicle causes all four tires to rotate, despite the car being off. In a Lexus, the pumps that lubricate the transmission only work while the engine is on. This means that it’ll likely destroy your ride.
There are kits you can buy to work around this issue, but they come with their own drawbacks and, in most cases, will void your warranty.
Pro Tip: Get more bang for your buck by using these tips on How to Improve MPG When Towing.
Lexus Offers High-Class Towing Capacity
When you think of a Lexus, you might picture plush leather seats, top-of-the-line technology, and a silky smooth ride. And this brand does have all those features.
But they also offer several options for towing small campers and all kinds of recreational equipment. So, if you’re looking for an elegant ride that can also get down and dirty, don’t overlook Lexus. It just might make the trip a little nicer.
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