Lexus has become one of the major players in the electric vehicle space. Luxury lovers have spoken, and they want more powertrain options that don’t rely solely on gas engines. Lexus vehicles have always been known for their premium interiors, fitted with stunning upholstery and eye-catching designs. Their exteriors exude the cosmopolitan flare that’s ideal for driving around New York. But what we really love about Lexus EVs is that they help reduce pollution in our great city. We’d all love to breathe fresher air here. We want it for ourselves and for future generations.
While the honking cabs and idling buses might be part of New York’s charm, we are envisioning a future with fewer tailpipe emissions. If you have been a loyal Lexus driver for some time and are curious about switching to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or if you’re new to the Lexus brand but have heard good things about its EVs, we’d love to show you this luxury brand’s terrific offerings. There is something for every driver in this lineup, and every model promises that famous Lexus style.
The Lexus RZ BEV
As of now, Lexus makes a single all-electric vehicle: the RZ. The RZ is a midsize SUV comparable to the popular Lexus RX and is an excellent first showing for the brand in the EV space. Two versions are available. The RZ 300e has longer range, while the RZ 450e comes with more power and all-wheel drive.
The RZ boasts a stunning exterior with an eye-catching fascia and striking bodylines. On the performance front, it shines with several features that enhance behind-the-wheel feel and responsiveness. The available DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system continuously monitors the road, making instant adjustments to traction at all wheels to improve command. It also minimizes power consumption and offers excellent acceleration.
On the steering wheel, you’ll find paddle shifters. These let you adjust the regenerative braking function, which sends power to the battery each time you brake. The RZ also boasts five drive modes, each of which will automatically adjust your vehicle's systems to help you get good grip and control just about wherever you are.
We love recommending the RZ to New York drivers specifically because we know how frustrating New York gas stations can be. With long lines and high prices, gas stations sometimes feel inaccessible here. But if you drive a BEV, you can charge your vehicle at home overnight. So you don’t need to interrupt your busy days to hit the gas pump. And since we know how fast a New York minute whizzes by, we want you to enjoy more time on the road and less time at gas stations.
The Lexus Hybrids
Lexus has really built out its hybrid lineup, and we love showing these electrified models to our New York customers. Unlike BEVs, which must be plugged in to recharge, HEVs still have gasoline engines but use electric motors for increased efficiency. The brand offers a variety of body styles with hybrid powertrains, so shoppers who are looking for sedans, SUVs, or even sports cars can get an incredibly fuel-efficient vehicle.
Hybrids are terrific options for New York drivers who spend equal time in the city and out of it. Since hybrids gain battery power through regenerative braking, they’re ideal for the traffic in NYC. When you’re sitting in stop-and-go traffic, you’re actually charging your battery and using more electricity than gasoline. But the gas engine means you have long range and quick refueling when you want to take road trips out of the city. Here’s a look at the Lexus hybrid models.
The LC: A Hybrid Sports Car
The Lexus LC is a sleek and thrilling vehicle. It boasts a 3.5L V6 engine paired with electric motors for a genuine performance powertrain, sending 354 hp to the rear wheels. That's enough power to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. While it's built more for fun than efficiency, the 2024 LC 500h is still rated for a remarkably good 29 MPG combined. A cockpit-style cabin and sports seats that hold you in place make for a really fun driving experience.
The ES: A Hybrid Midsize Sedan
The Lexus ES is an excellent commuter vehicle. If you live on the outskirts of the city and need to commute in on a daily basis, the 2024 ES 300h will get you an EPA-estimated 44 MPG combined. Its dimensions make it easy to park in the cramped spots of the city, too. What we love to show drivers about the ES is the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. It essentially works to instinctively switch between battery power and gasoline or combine both when necessary to maximize efficiency. Convenient steering wheel controls, hands-free calling, and excellent infotainment systems make it the commuter’s dream.
The LS: A Hybrid Full-Size Sedan
Drivers looking for a hybrid sedan with more rear legroom and incredible luxury can check out the Lexus LS, the brand's flagship full-size model. It has a super comfortable cabin and is great for anyone who spends a lot of time in their vehicle. Exclusive to the LS is Lexus Teammate with Advanced Drive, Lexus’ hands-free active driving assist. This can take over braking, accelerating, and steering on compatible roads. This model also gets Advanced Park, which will take over braking, steering, and accelerating in tight parking spots (perfect for NYC parking).
The UX: A Hybrid Subcompact SUV
The Lexus UX is a terrific choice for drivers who commute in and out of the city and want an SUV but still want manageable dimensions. Thanks to its small size, the 2024 UX 250h is rated for an impressive 42 MPG combined. This is an excellent vehicle for anyone who wants to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint but still needs cargo space and an increased driving height. The UX is known for one of the best turning radiuses in a vehicle of its kind. That should come in handy when navigating tricky situations in congested New York streets. Its available electronic all-wheel drive system is also ready to tackle roads made slick by snow or rain.
The NX: A Hybrid Compact SUV
The Lexus NX is a hybrid compact SUV. It’s a step up from the UX as far as rear seat and trunk space goes. If you need seating for five but want to give your backseat passengers a little extra legroom, check this model out. It has available 60/40 power-folding heated rear seats, allowing you to make more trunk space when you need it. The EPA estimates that the 2024 NX 350h gets 39 MPG combined, so it should save you a great deal on gas over time.
The RX: A Hybrid Midsize SUV
The RX is Lexus’ midsize hybrid SUV with spacious seating for five. It has all-wheel drive and is ready for slippery roads. It also has power-folding rear seats, allowing you to make extra cargo space when you need it. We love the large panoramic glass roof available for this model, which lets you take in the stunning sights of the city. Thanks to a power rear liftgate with an available kick sensor, it’s easy to load up the RX’s cargo area when your hands are full.
The TX: A Hybrid Three-Row SUV
Finally, we get to the TX. This is Lexus’ latest three-row SUV. If you need comfortable seating for six passengers but don’t want to drive a gas guzzler, we’d love to take you for a spin in the TX. Its cabin is comfortable and loaded with carpool-ready perks like plenty of drink holders, storage cubbies, and USB-C ports.
We also like to point out that the TX is terrific for family road trips. Its trunk can hold 20.1 cu.ft. of cargo, giving you plenty of space for suitcases. If you’re loading everyone up for a trip to Niagara Falls or Saratoga Springs, everybody can bring their creature comforts along. The TX can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it more than ready for camping trips.