Can I tow with a Lexus IS300?

Yes, you can tow light loads with a Lexus IS300, but it is not intended as a heavy-tow vehicle. Towing capability depends on the model year, drivetrain, and whether a hitch or towing package is installed. Always consult your owner's manual and adhere to the official towing rating for your exact configuration.

Understanding the IS300's towing limits

The IS300 was designed primarily as a sport sedan rather than a dedicated towing vehicle. Key factors that affect towing capability include the year, whether the car is rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and whether a factory or dealer-installed tow package exists. In practice, many IS300 owners report towing within roughly 1,000 pounds or less, with lower ratings possible for some markets. For any towing plan, verify the published limit for your exact vehicle and ensure your transmission cooling, brakes, and suspension are prepared for the extra load.

Below are the main factors that influence whether and how you can tow with an IS300.

• Official tow rating varies by year and drivetrain; most IS300s require a hobbyist-level hitch and do not include a heavy-duty tow package by default.


• Drivetrain matters: rear-wheel-drive versus all-wheel-drive configurations can affect towing capability and handling; always confirm the rating that corresponds to your trim.


• Trailer type and braking: lighter trailers without brakes may be acceptable at very small weights, but heavier trailers typically require electric or hydraulic trailer brakes and proper lighting wiring.


• Hitch and wiring: use a hitch rated for the trailer’s weight and a wiring harness compatible with your vehicle; improper installation can be dangerous and illegal.


• Vehicle limits beyond towing: consider tongue weight, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and gross combined weight rating (GCWR); exceeding these can strain the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.

The takeaway is that towing capability for the IS300 exists but is limited and highly dependent on your specific model and equipment. Always cross-check the exact figures in your owner's manual and with a Lexus dealer if you are unsure.

Safe towing steps for an IS300

To tow safely, follow these practical steps and use appropriate equipment. This list helps ensure you stay within the car's limits and maintain proper control on the road.

1. Check the official towing rating for your exact year, drivetrain, and trim in the owner’s manual or with a Lexus dealer before towing anything.


2. Install a properly rated hitch and electrical wiring harness that matches the trailer’s weight and braking needs.


3. Use a trailer with brakes if you plan to tow toward the upper end of the rating or beyond about 1,000 pounds; ensure the trailer braking system is correctly wired and tested.


4. Ensure tongue weight is appropriate (roughly 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight) and that the trailer is loaded so weight is evenly distributed.


5. Consider an auxiliary transmission cooler and verify the engine cooling system can handle the extra load; monitor transmission and engine temperatures during towing.


6. Inspect tires (on both the IS300 and the trailer), lights, and braking systems; drive conservatively, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid steep grades or high speeds.

Conclusion: If the expected trailer weight is near or above the IS300’s rated limit, or if you lack proper braking and hitch equipment, reconsider towing or choose a vehicle better suited for the task.

Practical alternatives and final guidance

If you expect to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, a dedicated tow-capable vehicle (such as a midsize SUV or a car with a higher towing rating) is a safer choice. For rare, light-tow situations, ensure you stay well within the published limits and use proper equipment, professional installation, and careful driving practices.

Summary

The Lexus IS300 can tow light loads, but its towing capacity is limited and varies by year, drivetrain, and whether a tow package is present. Always verify the exact rating in the owner's manual, equip the car with a correctly rated hitch and trailer wiring, and avoid exceeding GVWR/GCWR or using trailers with insufficient braking. For frequent or heavier towing, consider a vehicle designed for towing to ensure safety and reliability.

What Lexus is good for towing?

The best Lexus for towing is the Lexus LX, with a maximum capacity of 8,000 lbs. The Lexus GX is also a strong contender, offering a towing capacity of up to 9,063 lbs for the 2025 GX550 model. For those with less demanding towing needs, the Lexus RX can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the proper package.
 
You can watch this video to see the Lexus GX 550's towing capabilities: 1mBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Mar 17, 2025
Highest towing capacity 

• Lexus GX 550: Up to 9,063 lbs. 
  • This model features a body-on-frame construction, twin-turbo V6 engine, and standard four-wheel drive, making it highly capable for towing and off-roading. 
• Lexus LX: Up to 8,000 lbs. 
  • The LX is another excellent choice, offering a high towing capacity and features like Trailer Sway Control and full-time four-wheel drive. 

This video discusses the Lexus GX550's payload and capacity in comparison to a pickup truck: 1mBig Truck Big RVYouTube · Mar 24, 2025
Other Lexus models

• Lexus RX: Up to 3,500 lbs (with Towing Prep Package). 
  • Suitable for smaller loads like a utility trailer or a small personal watercraft. 
• Lexus NX: 2,000 lbs. 
  • Designed for smaller towing needs, such as a small utility trailer or a personal watercraft. 

What IS the 80% rule for towing?

The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
 
How it works

• Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. 
• Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds. 
• Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit. 

Why it's important

• Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops. 
• Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan. 
• Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load. 

How much can a Lexus IS 300 tow?

This Lexus IS300 hitch is rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight. This makes it an excellent choice for any cargo carrier or bike rack as well as a variety of lightweight trailers (never exceed the lowest-rated towing component).

What IS the towing capacity of the 2017 Lexus IS 300?

1500kg
The towing capacity of the 2017 Lexus IS300 supports up to 1500kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.