Do Lexus cars have spare tires?
Not every Lexus model includes a traditional spare tire. A number of newer Lexus vehicles rely on a tire repair kit or run-flat tires, and a compact spare is only found on some trims and markets.
As the question implies, the availability of a spare varies by model year and region. Lexus has shifted toward lighter weight and space efficiency in many vehicles, which affects whether a spare is included. Roadside assistance remains a safety fallback in most markets.
Spare-tire formats across the Lexus lineup
Different configurations exist by model year and market. The following outlines the most common setups you may encounter on recent Lexus vehicles.
- Traditional spare tire (space-saver): Present on some older models or specific regional trims, typically stored in a floor compartment in the trunk.
- Tire repair kit with inflator: A sealant-and-air compressor kit is standard or available on many newer Lexus models as a lightweight alternative to a full spare.
- Run-flat tires: Some trims may come with run-flat tires; these can let you drive short distances after a puncture but often do not include a spare tire.
- Temporary spare (space saver) in select markets: A compact spare can still be found in certain models or regions.
Whether you get a spare, a repair kit, or run-flat tires depends on your specific model year and market. Always inspect your trunk and consult the owner's manual for your exact configuration.
Why the approach varies
Automakers, including Lexus, weigh factors such as trunk space, weight, cost, and the availability of roadside assistance programs when deciding whether to include a spare, a repair kit, or run-flat tires. Lexus provides roadside assistance in many regions to cover temporary fixes when a tire is damaged and no spare is available.
How to verify your specific Lexus model
Before relying on a spare, confirm your exact configuration using these steps.
- Inspect the trunk area and under-floor storage to see if a spare, space-saver, or repair kit is present.
- Check the owner's manual or official Lexus spec sheet for your model/year to confirm what’s included.
- Ask the dealership or service department if you’re buying a used model or if you’re unsure about regional differences.
Understanding the exact equipment ensures you’re prepared for a tire issue without surprises.
Roadside help and practical considerations
Even when a spare is not included, Lexus backs its vehicles with roadside assistance programs in many markets during the standard warranty period. That service helps with tire changes, towing, and other situations when you’re stranded due to a punctured tire.
Summary
In summary, Lexus does not have a universal spare-tire policy. Some models and markets include a traditional space-saver spare, but many newer vehicles rely on tire repair kits or run-flat tires. To know for sure, check your model-year documentation and trunk layout, or ask your local Lexus dealer. Roadside assistance remains a reliable fallback if a spare is not available.
What do I do if I get a flat tire and have no spare?
Easiest option is to simply call a tow truck. Get towed to the tire repair shop , get a coffee, and be waiting when they open.
Why do cars no longer have spare tires?
Cars no longer have spare tires to save weight, cut production costs, and free up space for other features. These savings help manufacturers meet fuel economy standards and create more room for cargo or batteries in electric vehicles. To replace the spare, many modern cars come with a tire repair kit (sealant and an inflator) or run-flat tires, though this can be a temporary solution.
Reasons for removing spare tires
- Reduced weight for better fuel economy: Spare tires and their tools can weigh 30 to 50 pounds. Removing this weight helps improve a car's overall fuel efficiency and meet government-mandated fuel economy standards.
- More interior and cargo space: Eliminating the spare tire frees up space, which is valuable in smaller cars, hybrids, or electric vehicles. Automakers can use this space for larger batteries, additional storage, or other features.
- Lower production costs: Omitting the spare tire and its associated equipment reduces manufacturing costs, which can be passed on to consumers in the form of a lower vehicle price.
- Advanced tire technology: Modern cars often replace spare tires with alternatives that allow for temporary repairs or continued driving after a puncture.
- Tire sealant and inflator kits: These kits contain a sealant and a compressor or pump that can temporarily patch and inflate a tire, allowing the driver to reach a repair shop.
- Run-flat tires: These special tires can be driven for a limited distance (often around 50 miles) at a reduced speed even after they have lost air pressure.
What to know as a driver
- Not all cars are the same; check to see if your vehicle has a spare, a kit, or run-flat tires.
- If your car has a repair kit, know that it may only be a temporary fix and is not a permanent solution.
- Be prepared for a flat tire by knowing what equipment you have and keeping it in working order, even if it's just a repair kit instead of a spare tire.
Which Lexus has run flat tires?
Several recent Lexus models, particularly the NX and UX, have run-flat tires, often as a standard or optional feature on specific trims. These tires are designed to allow you to continue driving for a limited distance after a puncture, eliminating the need for a spare tire and freeing up cargo space.
Specific models
- Lexus NX: Many recent models, including the 2022, 2024, and 2025 NX, are equipped with run-flat tires.
- Lexus UX: Some recent UX models, such as the 2022 and 2025 versions, are also available with run-flat tires.
- Other models: While these are two examples, run-flat technology is becoming more common on various Lexus models.
Considerations
- No spare tire: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires typically do not have a spare tire, as the run-flats are intended to be driven on temporarily in case of a flat.
- Range and speed: Run-flat tires have limitations. For example, some are designed to provide temporary mobility for a distance of up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 mph after a loss of pressure.
- Ride quality: Some drivers find run-flat tires to be harsher and less comfortable than regular tires, especially over bumps.
- Replacement: If you choose to replace run-flat tires with standard ones, it's essential to have an alternative for a flat tire, such as a spare tire or a tire repair kit.
Does Lexus come with a spare tire?
The newer Lexus models are now coming without spare tires because they are running run flats on them. So if it has run flats on it, chances are it doesn't have a spare.
