How many gears does a Lexus have?

There isn’t a single universal number for Lexus vehicles; gear counts vary by model, year, and drivetrain. In practice, most modern Lexus gasoline models use 8-speed automatics, some high-end or performance models use 10-speed automatics, and many hybrid versions rely on CVT-style systems rather than fixed-number gears.

How gear counts vary by drivetrain

Understanding the question requires looking at whether a Lexus is powered by a traditional gasoline engine with an automatic transmission or by a hybrid system. Each setup has its own typical gear configuration. Below, you’ll find a practical breakdown of common patterns across current and recent models.

Gasoline and non-hybrid transmissions

As a quick guide to current and recent Lexus gasoline models, the following gear configurations are typical. The list describes common arrangements you’ll encounter in showroom or used-car references.

• 8-speed automatic: Widely used across many contemporary Lexus models (e.g., IS, ES, NX, RX, and related variants) to provide smooth shifts and efficient performance.


• 6-speed automatic: Found on older or earlier-generation Lexus vehicles; less common on new purchases but still present in some legacy models.


• 10-speed automatic: Used on a subset of higher-performance or flagship models (notably certain LC and LS configurations) to balance acceleration with highway efficiency.

In short, modern gasoline Lexuses predominantly rely on 8-speed automatics, with 6-speed transmissions mostly in older inventories and 10-speed units appearing in select higher-end or performance-oriented models.

Hybrid and alternative-transmission systems

Hybrid Lexus models frequently swap fixed-number gears for electric-assisted systems. Here’s how those typically work in practice.

• e-CVT (electronic CVT-style hybrid): Common in many hybrid Lexuses (e.g., NX hybrid, RX hybrid, and similar powertrains) where the transmission combines electric motors with a continuously variable gear ratio rather than a conventional stepped gear count.


• Hybrid with fixed gears in some configurations: Some hybrid setups use a planetary gear set paired with electric motors and a conventional automatic-like control, but the user-facing gear count isn’t a straightforward 4, 6, or 8—it's optimized for smooth combined output rather than a traditional “gears” display.

For hybrids, the experience is more about seamless power from the electric motors than about a fixed number of gears, so the notion of “gears” isn’t always directly comparable to non-hybrid automatics.

How to find the exact gear count for your Lexus

If you need the precise gear count for a specific model and year, check these sources. They will give you an definitive answer for your exact car.

• The vehicle’s owner’s manual or official specifications sheet


• The window sticker or build sheet for new or certified pre-owned vehicles


• Lexus official website or dealer service departments (model-by-model specifications)

Knowing the exact model and year will confirm whether the car uses an 8-speed, 10-speed automatic, or a hybrid e-CVT setup.

Summary

In summary, there isn’t a single answer to how many gears a Lexus has. Most current gasoline Lexuses use 8-speed automatics, some high-performance or newer examples use 10-speed automatics, older models employed 6-speed units, and hybrids typically use e-CVT systems rather than fixed-gear transmissions. For an exact count, refer to the specific model and year documentation.

What does the gear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mean?

Now Let's Move on to the Numbers!
So, what do they mean? 1 & 2: These two gears are typically lower and used when driving at a slower speed. 3 & 4: These two gears are typically higher gears used when driving at a faster speed. 5: This gear is also high but is mainly used for highway driving.

How many gears does the Lexus RX 350 have?

The 2024 Lexus RX 350 Premium AWD features an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.

How to shift gears in a Lexus?

Now to go back. Up go up puts it back up to reverse. Now you could if you wanted to you could put it in neutral. Right there or you could slide over. And go to manual if you want not many people do.

How many gears are in a normal car?

Most modern cars have between 5 and 8 forward gears. For manual transmissions, 5 or 6 speeds is typical, while automatic transmissions often have 6, 7, or 8 forward gears to improve fuel efficiency and performance. Older cars had fewer gears, sometimes just 3 or 4. 
Manual transmissions

• Typical number: 5 or 6 forward gears.
• Historical context: Older cars often had 3 or 4 gears.
• Purpose: To give the driver more control over power and speed. 

Automatic transmissions

• Typical number: 6, 7, or 8 forward gears are common in modern vehicles.
• Purpose: More gears allow the engine to operate within a narrower, more efficient RPM range, which helps with fuel economy. 

Factors that influence the number of gears

• Fuel efficiency: More gears allow the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range at various speeds. 
• Performance: More gears can provide better acceleration and responsiveness. 
• Engine design: The power, rev range, and gear ratios of the engine play a role in determining the optimal number of gears. 
• Complexity: More gears can increase a transmission's complexity, cost, and weight.