Did Lexus ever make a manual?
Yes—on rare occasions in the brand’s early history. Manual gearboxes were offered on a few IS/Altezza variants in select markets, but there has never been a broad, global manual option in Lexus’ modern lineup. Today, Lexus vehicles are built with automatic transmissions only.
Historical context
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lexus built the IS around the Toyota Altezza platform. In those years, some markets had manual transmissions available on certain IS/Altezza variants. In the United States, manual versions were not offered for the IS line. Over time, Lexus shifted toward automatic transmissions across its lineup, including hybrids and electrified models, and manual transmissions were phased out.
Markets and models where manual boxes appeared:
- Japan: The Altezza/IS lineup offered a manual option on select trims, reflecting the home market’s appetite for manual gearboxes.
- Europe: Early IS/Altezza models in certain trims and years were available with a manual transmission.
- Other limited markets: A handful of early IS/Altezza variants were offered with manual gearboxes, though these were not widely distributed.
In summary, manual transmissions existed in Lexus’ history, but only in limited, market-specific cases and for a relatively short period. They are not part of the current or recent Lexus lineup.
Current state and future prospects
As of 2024–2025, Lexus does not offer a manual transmission in any new model. The brand emphasizes automatic transmissions, hybrids, and electrification. For enthusiasts seeking a manual from the Toyota/Lexus family, options are largely limited to older, used vehicles or to non-Lexus platforms that shared engineering with Toyota’s performance lineage.
Notable exceptions and trivia
The LFA, Lexus’ high-performance supercar, uses a 6-speed automated manual transmission rather than a traditional manual. This highlights how even performance-focused Lexus models have leaned away from conventional manuals.
Summary
Lexus did briefly offer manual transmissions in its early IS/Altezza era, but only in select markets and configurations. The modern lineup is automatic-only, and there is no current Lexus model with a manual gearbox. For manual enthusiasts, the historical IS/Altezza variants remain the primary, limited option, along with the broader used-car market.
