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Like it or not, crossovers are becoming the de facto choice for many buyers and automakers are responding. There is now a wide variety of crossovers available: From large three-row models to small, compact vehicles perfect for urban environments. The latter is what we’ll be focusing on this review with the latest entrant into subcompact luxury crossover class, the 2020 Lexus UX 200 F-Sport. It’s a late arrival to the class, but as I found out with the Volvo XC40 last year, that isn’t a bad thing. So how does the most affordable Lexus model stack up to the competition? Crossover or Hatchback on Stilts? It feels odd to think of the UX being more of a hatchback with a taller ride height than a crossover, but allow me to make my case. To start, the overall shape reminds me more of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback than the NX and RX crossovers. The roofline is a perfect example as the shape is similar to Corolla than any Lexus crossover. Second is when you get inside the UX. You may think that you step up to get inside, but it’s the opposite. The lower position might cause you to think that you lose out on the visibility gain with a higher ride height, but that isn’t the case as you have excellent visibility around most of the vehicle. The rear is difficult to see out of due to the thick pillar and it is recommended to order the optional backup camera. The UX 200 does make its presence known to everyone due to some bold design choices. Upfront lies the latest iteration of Lexus’ spindle grille along with some deep cuts in the bumper to give the model an aggressive attitude. The side profile features unique sculpting on the doors and the roof steeply raked towards the back. A vibrant color palette such as this orange on my tester only adds to the bold ideal. A Small, Premium Interior Lexus has mostly nailed the UX’s interior appointments with soft-touch materials featuring stitching on the dash, metal-like buttons for the climate control system, and contrasting stitching for the seats. The only part which slightly ruins this luxury feeling is the cheap-feeling door panels. Leatherette upholstery is used on the seats and it feels quite nice when sitting on them. F-Sport models get heavily bolster front seats which may make some larger people uncomfortable. Power adjustments for the front come standard on all UX models and allows both driver and passenger to find a comfortable position. The rear seat is quite snug for two people, while three is severely pushing it. Legroom can range from ok to non-existent if a tall person happens to be sitting upfront. Headroom is decent for most people, even with the optional sunroof. Cargo space is about average for the class with 21.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up. A tall lift-over height does make it a pain to load heavy items into the vehicle. Infotainment System is Better, But Still Frustrating The base infotainment system is a 7-inch screen, while a larger 10.25-inch screen is available as an option. Controlling each screen is Lexus’ Remote Touch system. The touchpad controller is unwieldy because you need to pay attention to the screen while making a selection. Otherwise, you’ll end up selecting a different function or setting than what you had originally aimed for. Lexus has added a touchscreen to the recently refreshed RX for 2020 and I can only hope this appears on other Lexus models down the road. One change that will be a welcome relief to Android users is that Lexus has added Android Auto compatibility to the system, bringing Lexus in line with most competitors with offering this and Apple CarPlay. Mediocre Performance Except In Fuel Economy Under the hood of the UX 200 is a 2.0L inline-four producing 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with CVT and front-wheel drive. If you want AWD, then your only option is the UX 250h which pairs the 2.0L with a hybrid system. The 2.0 really struggles at high speeds as evidenced by a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds. Competitors in the class are at least are a second or two quicker. The engine also has a noticeable drone that appears when you are accelerating hard. But around town, the 2.0 feels quite punchy with excellent get-up and minimal fuss. Where the UX does well is in fuel economy. EPA figures are 29 City/37 Highway/33 Combined for the UX 200. My average for the week landed around 31 on a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving. I’m wondering if the UX could fit the 2.5L four-cylinder from the Toyota Camry. It would improve overall performance with a slight hit to fuel economy. Surprising Handling Characteristics Going for the F-Sport version like my test vehicle will net you a revised suspension setup. Going around bends, the UX shows little body roll and quick reactions. The only item that falters is the steering which feels very rubbery and doesn’t encourage enthusiastic driving. For normal driving duties, the UX’s ride quality is on the complaint side with a few bumps making their way inside. I do wish Lexus had done more to keep tire noise from coming inside, especially at highway speeds The Price Is Right With a starting price tag of $32,300 for the base UX 200, this makes it the most affordable model in the class. It also happens to be very good value as it comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard. This suite of active safety features includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The UX 200 F-Sport seen here comes with an as-tested price of $41,285 and that’s with the optional navigation system, windshield deicer, heads-up display, and power tailgate. To get something similar on the competition, you’ll need to spend a few extra thousand dollars. The 2020 UX 200 makes a very compelling case for itself in the subcompact luxury crossover class. This is due in part to its low price and a long list of standard equipment. A competent handling package in the F-Sport and decent fuel economy figures help bolster the model further. But there are areas Lexus needs to address, primarily the engine and infotainment system. The good news is that Lexus has the necessary solutions to both these issues in the form of the infotainment system from the RX and borrowing the 2.5L four-cylinder from the Camry. It would move the UX from being somewhere in the competent class to one that can compete for class honors. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the UX 200, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2020 Make: Lexus Model: UX Trim: 200 F-Sport Engine: 2.0L 16-Valve DOHC VVT-i Four-Cylinder Driveline: CVT, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 169 @ 6,600 Torque @ RPM: 151 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 29/37/33 Curb Weight: 3,307 lbs Location of Manufacture: Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan Base Price: $40,260 As Tested Price: $41,285 (Includes $1,025.00 Destination Charge) Options: Navigation System with 10.3-in Color Multimedia Display - $2,200.00 F-Sport Premium Package - $975.00 Power Rear Door w/Kick Sensor - $600.00 Premium Paint - $595.00 Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert w/Braking - $565.00 Blind Spot Monitor - $500.00 Head Up Display (HUD) - $500.00 Heated F Sport Steering Wheel w/Paddle Shifters - $150.00 Windshield Deicer - $100.00 Wireless Charger - $75.00 View full article

This week marks my first review vehicle for 2020 - the Lexus UX 200 F-Sport. This one comes equipped with such items as F-Sport exterior package, 18-inch wheels, Lexus Enform with Apple CarPlay compatibility; Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 10-way power driver's seat. Options on this vehicle include blind spot monitoring, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heads-up display, navigation, and a windhield de-icer - the last one being quite important as we had an ice storm roll through last night. Power comes from a 2.0L DOHC four-cylinder with 169 horsepower. This is likely the same engine I had in my 2019 Toyota Corolla SE hatchback I reviewed last month. This is paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Disappointingly, Lexus isn't offering all-wheel drive on the UX 200. To get that, you need to climb up the UX 250h. For the day and a half I had the UX, I found to be quite nippy around town. Though on the freeway, the engine becomes quite buzzy and you do need to step on it to get some forward momentum. It is also surprising how maneuverable the vehicle is. I was able to snatch a narrow parking space at a popular restaurant with no issue. The price-tag on this tester is $42,285 with destination. This surprised me considering how much stuff this vehicle is equipped with. So while I put some more miles on and grab some photos, drop off any questions you have for Lexus' smallest crossover. View full article

Los Angeles - Lexus unveiled the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible at the LA Auto Show today, ending speculation over whether the model was actually coming or not. Typically when manufacturers make a convertible version of an existing car, significant weight penalties crop up as structural bracing is added to preserve rigidity. Lexus was able to move supports, and bracing to produce a convertible with only minimal weight gain while maintaining structural integrity. The LC Convertible’s suspension is tuned specifically to complement the subtle changes in weight between the two platforms, as a reduction of un-sprung weight in the front suspension improves the overall stroke. In the rear, engineers were able to further enhance structural rigidity by reshaping and relocating the rear suspension brace tower. Weight was reduced in the rear of the vehicle by utilizing a lightweight die-cast aluminum suspension brace, while a performance dampener is employed to enhance ride comfort. Power of the LC 500 Convertible is the same as the coupe, with a 5.0-liter V8 rated for 471 horsepower, 398 lb.-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. To make the engine’s throaty voice heard while the top is down, the engine’s intake pulses are naturally carried through a diaphragm into a sound pipe that carries the sounds, not the air itself, into the cabin to enhance the V8’s rumble, all done without any electronic enhancement. The top is a 4 layer design and the mechanism includes a tonneau cover for when the soft top is stored. The top can be opened or closed at speeds up to 31 mph, while an animation on the display shows the tops progress through the motions. The cloth colors are offered in black or beige. Exterior paint options on the convertible include Ultra White, Smoky Granite Mica, Liquid Platinum, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Caviar, Infrared, Cadmium Orange, Flare Yellow, and Nightfall Mica. Depending upon the exterior color chosen, three interior colors are available: Black, Circuit Red and Toasted Caramel. The car being shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show is a limited edition model with a run of 100 units. It comes in Structural Blue with a white interior and blue top. The LC Convertible's HVAC system is designed to maintain temperature year round even with the top down. Neck heaters are included in the seats while the dash outlets are designed to direct heated or cooled air to the driver's hands. For 2021 the LC Convertible gets Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Car Play standard along with a 10.3-inch multimedia screen. View full article

The last-generation Lexus LS felt a bit lost. It had many of the qualities of previous LS models, but it could not fully compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and BMW 7-Series. People pointed out the somewhat plain design, lackluster performance of the V8 engine, or the confounding infotainment system as possible reasons. But I think the reason comes down to Lexus not having something that made the LS stand out. How do you right the ship of what many considered to be at one time, the best luxury sedan on sale? If you’re Lexus, that means making some very drastic changes. Lexus has tended to play it safe with the LS’ design to fit with the general idea of a flagship sedan - providing a presence without shouting. But this new generation decides to stray away from that idea. The front end features a lot of inspiration from LC coupe with a wide grille, protruding cutouts for the faux vent, and a lowered hood. A set of Z-shaped LED headlights help the LS stand out from other Lexus models. The rest of the design looks to be an evolution of the previous model with slightly wider fenders and a new trunk lid design. One of the places that LS surprised me was the interior. The layout is quite attractive with a flowing dash and contours on the door panels. A clever touch is the horizontal slat pattern used on the center part of the dash that somewhat disguises the center vents. Material quality is top-notch with leather, real wood, and metal used throughout. This particular test vehicle was equipped with perforated leather upholstery which had a unique snakeskin pattern. I quite liked it, but some who rode in the vehicle found it to be a bit gaudy. This seat pattern is only available on the F-Sport, all other LS models have a plain design. The front seats are quite comfortable and provide numerous power adjustments, along with heat and ventilation. Rear seat passengers will find plenty of legroom, but tall passengers will be annoyed by their heads touching the roof liner, a major downside to the lower roofline. The interior also houses a big disappointment; Lexus Remote Touch. The touchpad controller is still confounding and distracting to use as you need to be precise with your finger movements to correctly select the function you want. Otherwise, you’ll end up on another screen and want to scream. This is disappointing considering that Lexus Enform has improved a lot. The system is noticeably quicker in various functions and can use Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. Despite the 500 designation, there is not a 5.0L V8 under the LS’ hood. Instead, Lexus is using a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine with 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic routes power to either the rear or all four wheels like in my test vehicle. The twin-turbo V6 is disappointing when leaving a stop as there is a considerable amount of turbo lag between pressing the accelerator and the engine responding. Once you get past this, the V6 provides plenty of scoot. Never once did I think that the V8 would be better whenever I need to merge or speed out of a corner. It is also noticeably quieter and more refined than the old V8. Fuel economy is rated at 18 City/27 Highway/21 Combined if you opt for AWD. Stick with RWD and the numbers rise to 19/30/23. My average for the week landed at 20.2 mpg on a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving. Picking the F-Sport trim will get you a revised suspension setup and uprated brakes. It will not transform the LS into something like an Alpina B7 or a Mercedes-AMG S63, but it does make the vehicle feel a bit more poised on a winding road. When put into S+ mode, Body roll is kept in check and the steering is quick to respond. The coil springs used on the LS F-Sport are a bit stiff, which will provide a more choppy ride. An optional air suspension is reportedly better at dealing with bumps and other imperfections, but I will need to try it out before saying it is better or not. This drastic move by Lexus with the new LS could have gone wrong, but it pulls it off. The new model is more interesting to look at, luxurious and offers improved driving dynamics when ordered with the F-Sport package. There are still some thorns Lexus needs to extract such as the poor initial performance of the twin-turbo six and the mess that is Remote Touch. If you’re willing to deal with these issues, then the 2019 LS is a very viable alternative to the Germans. How I would configure an LS 500: Most likely I would build one similar to the one seen here, although I would get it in red as I think the paint really makes the design pop. Alternatives to the LS 500 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The S-Class is still considered by many to be the best of the best. Considering its wide range of engines, very smooth ride, and impressive interior quality, it is tough to argue this. But the LS comes very close to matching the S-Class's interior quality, along with a more eye-catching design. It doesn't help that the S-Class is about $7,000 more than the LS. Genesis G90: Still the bargain in the flagship sedan class with a base price of $69,350 and coming with almost every feature you would expect. The twin-turbo 3.3L V6 offers better off-the line performance than the 3.5 found in the LS. But the LS offers higher quality interior materials than what is available in the G90. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the LS 500, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2019 Make: Lexus Model: LS Trim: 500 F-Sport Engine: 3.5L Twin-Turbo 24-Valve DOHC V6 Driveline: 10-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 416 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 442 @1600 - 4800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - Curb Weight: 5,027 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $84,420 As Tested Price: $88,605 (Includes $1,025 Destination Charge) Options: Mark Levinson Audio System with 23 Speakers - $1,940.00 24-Inch Heads-Up Display - $1,220.00 View full article

When Toyota introduced the last-generation Avalon for the 2014 model year, I was shocked by how Toyota had built the better Lexus ES. On the surface, this seems a bit crazy. But Toyota had put a lot of effort into shedding the image of Avalon of an old person’s car by bringing a modern and sleek look; luxurious interior, and a balance between a relaxing ride and sporty dynamics. This became more apparent when compared to the ES launched a couple of years earlier, looking very dated in terms of looks and driving like a cream puff. The times are a changing and the two brands have launched new versions of their respective sedans within the past year. I find myself wondering if Toyota still builds the better Lexus or if the ES has finally stepped up and can give the Avalon a real challenge. Exterior Toyota stuck with the shape of the previous Avalon but gave it some refinement. The low roofline and sloping rear glass shape are paired with more aggressive rear end featuring a full-length taillight. Where the new design falls apart is in the front. Toyota must have taken some of the pages out of Lexus’ design book on grille design as the Avalon has a massive grille. Lower trim models make do with black slats for the insert, but my Hybrid Limited tester features chrome slats that make it more polarizing. I understand Toyota wants to give the Avalon a bit more presence on the road, but this new grille design is a bit much. The ES 350 is a different story as Lexus’ designers pulled off an extensive transformation. Wearing a toned-down version of the brand’s current design language, the new ES has an overall look of something formidable and elegant. The spindle grille is front and center, but Lexus has made it slightly smaller to have fit in with the flowing lines. Other design traits include a sloping roofline and shortened rear deck. Interior Like the exterior, the ES’ interior is completely unrecognizable from the outgoing model. Gone are the cheap feeling and mismatch plastics. In their places is a combination of leather, soft-touch plastics, and wood trim that brings forth a sense of premium uniformity. Ergonomics are also top of the class with such touches as control knobs sitting on either side of the instrument panel, and controls for the climate and audio being in easy reach for driver and passenger. Those sitting in the front are treated to leather-covered seats that provide an excellent balance between support and coddle. Those sitting in the back seat might complain about the low position, but will like the ample amount of head and legroom. Stepping inside the Avalon Hybrid, Toyota has given it a major makeover. Gone is the flowing and rounded center stack with capacitive touch controls. Instead, the Avalon uses a narrower and blocky center stack with actual buttons. I’m sad to see the touch controls go away as I found them to be quite responsive. Toyota likely dropped them as buyers complained there was no feedback - a click sound or pulsation - to whoever was using it. Other changes include a slim chrome bar running along the dash vents and more color choices. Finding a comfortable position in the Avalon was no problem due to the numerous amount of power adjustments available on the Limited. Like the ES, the Avalon’s seats strike the balance of comfort and support just right. In the back, there is an abundance of legroom that allows passengers to stretch out. Headroom is fine for most adults. Infotainment Toyota has installed the latest version of Entune for the 2019 Avalon. While looking somewhat dated with a muted color palette and dull screen, Entune retains its ease of use. The menus with large touchscreen buttons make it very easy to move around the system, along with clearly marked buttons and knobs sitting on either side. Toyota has also got with times and made the Avalon the first model to feature CarPlay integration. Those wanting Android Auto will need to wait until 2020. If there is an Achilles heel to the ES 350, that would be Lexus’ Remote Touch. I have written numerously about how using this system is not only a pain, but very distracting when driving. Take for example changing an XMSirius station. Look at the screen to see where the cursor is. Use the touchpad to move the cursor to the station you want, making sure to keep an eye on the screen. Press down on the touchpad to make the selection, hoping you’re finger doesn’t slip and causes something else to happen. This whole routine plays out time and time again whenever you want to do something. Even Apple CarPlay which was introduced for 2019 is a pain to use with Remote Touch. There is salvation on the horizon. Earlier this year, Lexus unveiled an updated RX crossover with a touchscreen for the infotainment system. The automaker said that it will be available on other models in the coming years. Here’s to hoping the ES is one of the first recipients. Performance Both vehicles come with the choice of either a 3.5L V6 or hybrid system using a 2.5L four-cylinder. An eight-speed automatic is teamed with the V6. The hybrid uses a CVT. The 3.5 V6 has been given a bit more power for 2019, now producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This bump makes for a noticeable improvement in overall acceleration, feeling slightly quicker than the last ES 350 I drove. Power builds on a smooth and linear fashion. The engine is also noticeably refined, with barely a rumble coming from underneath the hood. With only a total output of 215 horsepower, the hybrid system in the Toyota Avalon may seem underpowered. This is only an issue when climbing a steep hill or needing to make an immediate pass. Otherwise, the hybrid system provides plenty of oomph for the daily drive. I like how the system seamless transitioned from electric to hybrid power with only a minimal buzz coming from the engine bay. Like other Toyota hybrids, the Avalon Hybrid can travel on electric power alone - albeit a short distance and at speeds below 25 mph. In EPA testing, the ES 350 returns 22 City/33 Highway/26 Combined and the Avalon Hybrid returns 43 City/43 Highway/43 Combined. I clocked averages of 25 in the ES 350 and 40 in the Avalon Hybrid. Ride and Handling Aside from engines, the Avalon Hybrid and ES 350 share another vital component. Under the skin of both models is a version of Toyota New Global Architecture (TGNA) known as GA-K. This variant provides the stiffer structure and lower-center of gravity found on other TGNA models, but allows both Toyota and Lexus to build larger front-wheel drive vehicles. In the Avalon Hybrid, the move to GA-K doesn’t change much. The last-generation model showed that you could have good driving dynamics and retain a mission of comfort. The new model continues that with slightly improved handling and sharper steering response. The ES 350 is a different story. Changing over to GA-K transforms the model from a creampuff on wheels to a luxury sedan with that can take corners without embarrassing itself. Body roll is significantly reduced and the steering responds to inputs without fuss. Neither one of these sedans will challenge the likes of the Germans or the Kia Stinger GT, but they will not fall over and cry uncle when pushed. Ride quality is still one of the impressive points for both models. On some of roughest, pothole-ladened streets that the Metro Detroit has on offer, the Avalon Hybrid and ES 350 made it feel like mere ripples. Not much outside noise comes inside the cabin of either model, making them a perfect place to decompress after a long day. Verdict Let’s begin with the 2020 Avalon Hybrid. This updated sedan didn’t surprise me and that’s fine. Aside from the styling, Toyota made small changes to address certain issues of the previous-generation and build upon its strengths. Getting 40 MPG is still an impressive trait for such a big sedan. With a starting price tag of $35,560 for the gas version and $36,650 for the hybrid, the Avalon is still the one to buy if you want the luxuries of the ES without the luxury tax. The ES 350, on the other hand, is the more impressive of the two. You have to wonder if Lexus was motivated by what Toyota was able to pull off with last-generation Avalon. In a lot of ways, the ES 350 looks and feels like a proper luxury car. Add in a new platform that doesn’t make you feel like you’re going to tip over and Lexus is very close to that idea of “Experience Amazing”. The only fault is Remote Touch which sours many of the dramatic improvements. If Lexus can get that new touchscreen into the ES ASAP, I would gladly give it my “Most Improved Car of the Year” award. How I would configure a 2019 Lexus ES 350 or Toyota Avalon Hybrid Starting with the ES 350, I would skip the base model and go with the Luxury trim. This adds such items as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and ambient lighting. On top of this, I would add Blind Spot Monitoring package and a power rear sunshade. With destination, I'm out the door with a final price of $45,540. For the Avalon Hybrid, I would pick the XSE. This is positioned as the sporty model with various exterior treatments including a mesh insert for the grille. Other standard equipment includes a moonroof, leatherette and suede upholstery, and wireless phone charging. The only two options I would tick are the Ruby Flare Pearl paint and 14-Speaker JBL Audio System. Add destination and the final price comes to $41,480. Alternatives Genesis G80: A perennial favorite, the G80 slots between the Avalon Hybrid and ES 350 in terms of price - $41,750. It comes showered with loads of standard equipment and an excellent engine lineup. It cannot match the ES and Avalon in terms of interior design, but provides a more modern and easier to understand infotainment system. Ride quality is similar in all three vehicles, but the ES and Avalon have a slight edge in handling. Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2019 Make: Lexus Model: ES 350 Trim: Luxury Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve with Dual VVT-i V6 Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Eight-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 302 @ 6,600 Torque @ RPM: 267 @ 4,700 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/33/26 Curb Weight: 3,649 lbs Location of Manufacture: Georgetown, Kentucky Base Price: $42,755 As Tested Price: $45,955 (Includes $1,025 Destination Charge)* Options: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking - $1,065.00 18-Inch Split Five-Spoke Alloy Noise Reduction Wheels - $950.00 Wood and Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel - $300.00 Power Rear Sunshade - $210.00 *No window sticker was provided for the ES 350. This is me taking a guess as to final price and options. Year: 2019 Make: Toyota Model: Avalon Hybrid Trim: Limited Engine: 2.5L 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i Four-Cylinder, 650V Electric Motor Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 176 @ 5,700 (Gas); 118 (88 kW) (Electric); 215 (Total Output) Torque @ RPM: 163 @ 3,600-5,200 (Gas) Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 43/43/43 Curb Weight: 3,715 lbs Location of Manufacture: Georgetown, Kentucky Base Price: $42,800 As Tested Price: $45,118 (Includes $920.00 Destination Charge) Options: Advanced Safety Package - $1,150.00 Carpet Mat Package - $248.00 View full article

The Lexus GX 460 is one of those vehicles that just keeps on being sold in spite of being rather old. For 2020, the GX 460 gets a face lift, a new safety system, and an available all-new off-road package. Starting off with the styling, Lexus added a giant spindle grille to the front, apparently borrowed from the larger LX. Lexus also added Lexus Safety System+ as a standard feature across the lineup. This addition means that now all Lexus vehicles have standard active safety equipment. The Safety System+ on the GX 460 consists of Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The new available off-road package offers multi-terrain monitor, panoramic view monitor, transmission cooler, fuel tank protector, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. The suspension is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that helps level out the vehicle in different load conditions to keep all four wheels on the ground. On-road smoothness is helped by the Adaptive Variable Suspension that uses electronically controlled shocks that can be selected to Normal, Sport, or Comfort modes depending on the driver's mood. The standard and only engine remains the same, a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft of torque. The updated 2020 Lexus GX 460 arrives at dealerships this fall. View full article

Toyota Motor North America Reports April 2019 Sales RAV4 sales up 10.1 percent; a best-ever April Tacoma up 8.3 percent; a best-ever April and the 18th consecutive month of increased sales Corolla Hatchback sales increased 14.2 percent; a best-ever April NXh sales up 13.0 percent; a best-ever April and the 19th consecutive best-ever month PLANO, Texas (May 1, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported April 2019 sales of 183,866 vehicles, a decrease of 4.4 percent on a volume basis and a decrease of 8.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus April 2018. Toyota division posted April sales of 162,506 units, down 4.8 percent on a volume basis and down 8.6 percent on a DSR basis. Lexus division posted April sales of 21,360 vehicles, down 1.3 percent on a volume basis and down 5.3 percent on a DSR basis. April 2019 Highlights Tacoma up 8.3 percent; a best-ever April, with 18 consecutive months of increased sales Toyota light trucks marked a best-ever April, with 102,074 in sales RAV4 sales up of 10.1 percent; a best-ever April Corolla Hatchback sales increased 14.2 percent; a best-ever April Yaris sales up 21.6 percent Mirai sales increased 165.8 percent; a best-ever April LX sales up 4.9 percent ES sales increased by 8.7 percent NXh sales up 13.0 percent; a best-ever April and the 19th consecutive best-ever month RXh sales increased 30.4 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 60.9 percent Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

Toyota Motor North America Reports March 2019 Sales C-HR sales increased 8.1 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter 4Runner sales up 6.4 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter Tacoma up 12.6 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter NXh sales up 21.2 percent; a best-ever March (18th consecutive) and first quarter PLANO, Texas (April 2, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported March 2019 sales of 214,947 vehicles, an increase of 0.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and a decrease of 3.5 percent on a volume basis versus March 2018. For the quarter, TMNA reported sales of 543,714 vehicles, a decrease of 3.7 percent on a DSR basis and a 5.0 percent decrease on a volume basis. Toyota division posted March sales of 185,696 units, down 1.6 percent on a DSR basis and down 5.1 percent on a volume basis. For the quarter, Toyota division reported sales of 476,923 vehicles, down 4.8 percent on a DSR basis and down 6.1 percent on a volume basis. “Light trucks and SUVs continue to lead the way for our industry, and Toyota’s Tacoma and RAV4 first-quarter sales results are a reflection of the strong consumer appeal of these vehicles,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “Passenger cars, however, remain an important part of Toyota’s portfolio. Earlier in the month, we introduced the all-new Corolla — the world’s best-selling nameplate — now with a hybrid option, which comes on the heels of Prius AWD, Camry TRD and Avalon TRD introductions. While some of our competitors are abandoning sedans, we remain optimistic about the future of the segment.” Lexus division posted March sales of 29,249 vehicles, up 12.2 percent on a DSR basis and up 8.2 percent on a volume basis. For the quarter, Lexus sales of 66,791 vehicles were up 5.4 percent on a DSR basis and up 4.0 percent on a volume basis. “Lexus had a solid start to 2019. The launch of the all-new UX was a success in Q1, particularly with the introduction of the UX 250h,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “We are looking forward to continued momentum next quarter with the updated Lexus RC F and limited-edition RC F Track Edition arriving at dealerships this month.” March 2019 Highlights C-HR sales increased 8.1 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter 4Runner sales up 6.4 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter Tacoma up 12.6 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter; 17 consecutive months of increased sales Light trucks marked a best-ever March, with 114,844 in sales RAV4 posted sales of 33,166 Mirai sales increased 112.0 percent; a best-ever March NXh sales up 21.2 percent; a best-ever March (18th consecutive) and first quarter LX sales up 4.5 percent ES sales increased by 25.0 percent RC sales up 55.7 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 94.1 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % TOTAL TOYOTA 214,947 222,787 0.1 -3.5 543,716 572,041 -3.7 -5.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV 185,696 195,750 -1.6 -5.1 476,923 507,824 -4.8 -6.1 TOTAL LEXUS 29,249 27,037 12.2 8.2 66,791 64,217 5.4 4.0 YARIS SD (INCL YAR IA) 3,947 2,918 40.3 35.3 7,710 7,506 4.1 2.7 YARIS LIFTBACK 52 144 -62.6 -63.9 184 454 -58.9 -59.5 TOTAL YARIS 3,999 3,062 35.4 30.6 7,894 7,960 0.5 -0.8 tC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 1 -100.0 -100.0 COROLLA HB (INCL COR IM) 2,144 2,147 3.6 -0.1 5,263 5,029 6.0 4.7 COROLLA SEDAN 22,335 29,245 -23.4 -26.2 72,590 72,791 1.0 -0.3 TOTAL COROLLA 24,479 31,392 -19.1 -22.0 78,606 77,820 2.3 1.0 SUPRA 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 86 (INCL FR-S) 320 491 -32.4 -34.8 807 1,182 -30.8 -31.7 MIRAI 176 83 119.9 112.0 347 462 -23.9 -24.9 AVALON 2,855 4,068 -27.2 -29.8 6,619 10,576 -36.6 -37.4 PRIUS 5,410 8,222 -31.8 -34.2 12,058 22,235 -45.1 -45.8 CAMRY 33,615 35,264 -1.1 -4.7 81,684 90,767 -8.8 -10.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. CAR 70,854 82,595 -11.0 -14.2 188,017 211,016 -9.7 -10.9 CT 0 1 -100 -100 0 4 -100.0 -100.0 IS 1,694 2,312 -24.0 -26.7 3,884 5,283 -25.5 -26.5 RC 422 271 61.5 55.7 963 618 57.9 55.8 ES 4,922 3,938 29.6 25.0 11,390 9,263 24.6 23.0 GS 394 754 -45.8 -47.7 955 1,763 -45.1 -45.8 LS 457 1,008 -53.0 -54.7 1,404 1,673 -15.0 -16.1 LC 141 218 -32.9 -35.3 320 522 -37.9 -38.7 LFA 0 0 0 0 3 1 204 200 TOTAL LEXUS CAR 8,030 8,502 -2.1 -5.6 18,919 19,127 0.2 -1.1 TOTAL TOYOTA CAR 78,884 91,097 -10.2 -13.4 206,936 230,130 -8.9 -10.1 SIENNA 8,351 7,559 14.6 10.5 18,616 23,619 -20.1 -21.2 C-HR 5,676 5,253 12.1 8.1 14,521 13,619 8.0 6.6 RAV4 33,166 34,937 -1.6 -5.1 83,820 91,461 -7.1 -8.4 FJ CRUISER 0 0 0 0 0 1 -100 -100 VENZA 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 HIGHLANDER 20,824 21,438 0.7 -2.9 52,621 52,882 0.8 -0.5 4RUNNER 12,510 11,761 10.3 6.4 32,829 31,550 5.4 4.1 SEQUOIA 843 1,006 -13.1 -16.2 2,410 2,828 -13.7 -14.8 LAND CRUISER 324 267 25.8 21.3 807 764 7.0 5.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. SUV 73,344 74,662 1.9 -1.8 187,009 193,105 -1.9 -3.2 TACOMA 22,798 20,250 16.8 12.6 58,183 53,779 9.6 8.2 TUNDRA 10,351 10,697 0.3 -3.2 25,100 26,318 -3.4 -4.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PICKUP 33,149 30,947 11.1 7.1 83,283 80,097 5.3 4.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. TRUCK 114,844 113,168 5.2 1.5 288,908 296,821 -1.4 -2.7 UX 1,776 0 0.0 0.0 3,925 0 0.0 0.0 NX 5,633 5,859 -0.3 -3.9 13,775 14,327 -2.6 -3.9 RX 10,967 9,819 15.8 11.7 23,529 23,795 0.2 -1.1 2,291 2,329 2.0 -1.6 5,429 5,691 -3.3 -4.6 552 528 8.4 4.5 1,214 1,277 -3.7 -4.9 21,219 18,535 18.7 14.5 47,872 45,090 7.6 6.2 136,063 131,703 7.1 3.3 336,780 341,911 -0.2 -1.5 27 28 76 77 TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % VOL % COROLLA 20,388 29,245 -27.7 -30.3 71,381 72,791 -0.6 -1.9 CAMRY 33,519 33,235 4.6 0.9 81,283 82,164 0.2 -1.1 AVALON 2,855 4,068 -27.2 -29.8 6,619 10,576 -36.6 -37.4 YARIS SD (INCL YARIS IA) 3,947 2,918 40.3 35.3 7,710 7,506 4.1 2.7 RAV4 12,631 14,622 -10.4 -13.6 29,472 41,184 -27.5 -28.4 VENZA 1 0 0.0 0.0 1 0 0.0 0.0 HIGHLANDER 20,824 21,438 0.7 -2.9 52,620 52,882 0.8 -0.5 SIENNA 8,351 7,559 14.6 10.5 18,616 23,619 -20.1 -21.2 SEQUOIA 843 1,006 -13.1 -16.2 2,410 2,828 -13.7 -14.8 TACOMA 22,798 20,250 16.8 12.6 58,183 53,779 9.6 8.2 TUNDRA 10,351 10,697 0.3 -3.2 25,100 26,318 -3.4 -4.6 ES 3,882 3,507 14.8 10.7 8,844 8,282 8.2 6.8 RX 9,227 8,203 16.6 12.5 19,013 21,009 -8.3 -9.5 TOTAL 149,617 156,748 -1.0 -4.5 381,252 402,938 -4.1 -5.4 N.A VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 69.6% 70.4% 70.1% 70.4% TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 10,143 13,116 -19.8 -22.7 21,022 37,966 -43.9 -44.6 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 4,148 4,995 -13.9 -17.0 10,075 10,845 -5.9 -7.1 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 60,709 69,466 -9.4 -12.6 166,993 173,037 -2.2 -3.5 LEXUS NA BUILT CARS 3,882 3,507 14.8 10.7 8,844 8,282 8.2 6.8 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 78,882 91,084 -10.2 -13.4 206,934 230,130 -8.9 -10.1 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT TRUCK 39,045 37,596 7.7 3.9 102,506 96,211 7.9 6.5 LEXUS IMPORT TRUCK 11,992 10,332 20.4 16.1 28,859 24,081 21.4 19.8 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT TRUCK 75,799 75,572 4.0 0.3 186,402 200,610 -5.9 -7.1 LEXUS NA BUILT TRUCK 9,227 8,203 16.6 12.5 19,013 21,009 -8.3 -9.5 TOTAL TOYOTA TRUCK 136,063 131,703 7.1 3.3 336,780 341,911 -0.2 -1.5 Selling Days 27 28 76 77 TOYOTA U.S. HYBRID SALES SUMMARY March 2019 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2019 2018 DSR % 2019 2018 DSR % TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 5,410 8,222 -31.8% 12,058 22,235 -45.1% TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID 743 0 0.0% 753 0 0.0% TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID 2,606 2,125 27.2% 6,366 5,303 21.6% TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID 734 828 -8.1% 1,793 1,818 -0.1% TOYOTA MIRAI 176 83 119.9% 347 462 -23.9% TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 1,252 1,401 -7.3% 3,404 3,471 -0.6% TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 892 4,128 -77.6% 2,829 11,289 -74.6% LEXUS ES HYBRID 844 388 125.6% 1,890 865 121.4% LEXUS GS HYBRID 0 2 -100.0% 4 10 -60% LEXUS UX HYBRID 889 0 0.0% 1,983 0 0 LEXUS NX HYBRID 891 735 25.70% 2,301 1711 36.30% LEXUS RX HYBRID 1,522 965 63.60% 3,441 2216 57.30% LEXUS LS HYBRID 15 41 -62.10% 33 68 -50.80% LEXUS LC HYBRID 4 13 -68% 7 30 -76.40% LEXUS CT HYBRID 0 1 -100% 0 4 -100.0% TOTAL TMNA HYBRID 15,978 18,932 -12.50% 37,209 49,482 -23.80% TOTAL TOYOTA HYBRID 11,813 16,787 -27.00% 27,550 44,578 -37.40% TOTAL LEXUS HYBRID 4,165 2,145 101.40% 9,659 4,904 99.60%

Toyota Motor North America Reports February 2019 Sales Tacoma sales increased 10.2 percent; up for the 16th consecutive month Highlander sales up 8.9 percent; a best-ever February Lexus RXh sales up 52.5 percent; a best-ever February Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February March 01, 2019 February 2019 Sales Chart PLANO, Texas (March 1, 2019) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported February 2019 sales of 172,748 vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent from February 2018 on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Toyota division posted February sales of 152,626 units, down 6.3 percent on a volume and DSR basis. Lexus posted February sales of 20,122 vehicles, up 4.4 percent on a volume and a DSR basis. February 2019 Highlights Corolla sales up 16.0 percent Highlander sales increased 8.9 percent; a best-ever February C-HR sales increased 7.3 percent; a best-ever February Tacoma up 10.2 percent; a best-ever February Land Cruiser sales increased 52.5 percent LX sales up 6.8 percent ES sales increased by 23.8 percent in February RC sales up 50.0 percent NXh sales up 39.8 percent; a best-ever February RXh sales up 52.5 percent Lexus Hybrid sales up 112.3 percent Lexus Luxury SUV sales up 7.0 percent; a best-ever February *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume. Toyota_Motor_North_America_Reports_February_2019_Sales_Chart_Final.pdf

Lexus has some has some big plans in store for the F performance sub-brand. Motor1 is reporting that the luxury brand is planning to keep the Track Edition nameplate for some time. “The plan right now is to build 60 [RC F] Track Editions...and it’s going to be 40 of the white and 20 of the matte gray [cars for 2020]. It’s [our] intention to have a version of the Track Edition in subsequent [model] years,” said Cooper Ericksen, vice president for product planning and strategy at Lexus. It is unclear what Lexus has planned for the future of Track Edition. Ericksen said everything is up in the air ranging from improving the performance to possibly applying the treatment to other models (LC Track Edition anyone?). “We’re having fun with the engineers to figure out what [Track Edition] can look like in the future." Another item being talked about for F is building a crossover or SUV. Ericken said that a key topic of discussion is whether or not they should focus on doing an on-road version or buck the trend and do an off-road one. “[What] we're currently trying to figure out is [if] the on-road performance aspect [is] more important [for Lexus] to invest in than the off-road performance.” Source: Motor1, 2 View full article