Is A Lexus manual or automatic?
Most Lexus cars are automatic. There are no current Lexus models that come with a traditional manual gearbox, and hybrids typically use eCVTs or specialized automatic systems. A rare historical exception exists, but it’s not part of today’s lineup.
To understand what this means for everyday driving, it helps to look at how transmissions are distributed across the Lexus range, why automatic gearboxes dominate, and what options exist if you specifically want a manual driving experience.
Current transmission landscape across the Lexus lineup
Below is a broad breakdown of the typical transmissions used by major Lexus model families in recent years. Variants by year and trim can differ, but the overarching pattern is clear: automatic transmissions are the standard, hybrids often rely on eCVTs, and only a historical model used a non-traditional manual-type setup.
- Sedans (IS, ES, LS): broadly automatic transmissions. IS and ES generally use 8-speed automatics (with hybrid variants adopting eCVT-style systems in some trims); LS uses a higher-capacity automatic (commonly 10-speed) for smooth, refined operation.
- SUVs and crossovers (UX, NX, RX, GX, LX): all rely on automatic gearboxes. Non-hybrid versions typically use 8-speed automatics, while hybrids (UX 250h, NX 450h+, RX 450h, etc.) employ hybrid transmissions such as eCVT or similar systems.
- Performance models (RC, LC): equipped with traditional automatics appropriate to the model line (RC variants use 8-speed automatics; LC 500 uses a 10-speed automatic) with paddle-shift controls for manual-like feel.
- Special/legacy note: a limited-production model historically used a non-traditional gearbox rather than a true manual, but it is not part of the current catalog.
In summary, if you’re shopping new today, you won’t find a traditional stick shift in a Lexus. Automatics dominate, with hybrids leaning toward eCVT-type systems and performance models using high-capacity automatic transmissions.
Historical and rare exceptions
LFA’s automated manual gearbox
The Lexus LFA, a limited-production supercar produced from 2010 to 2012, used a 6-speed automated manual gearbox rather than a conventional manual transmission. It was a special, high-performance setup and is not representative of Lexus’s current lineup or mainstream strategy.
Why Lexus avoids manual transmissions
Lexus emphasizes a refined, quiet, and effortless driving experience, with a focus on smooth power delivery and reliability. Automatic gearboxes—especially modern automatics with multiple gears and hybrid configurations—better support that goal, improve efficiency, and align with the brand’s market position in luxury and performance. The engineering and production costs of maintaining manual options across a broad lineup also play a role in the decision to standardize on automatics.
What about used or older Lexus models?
If you specifically want a manual transmission, your options would be limited and mostly limited to older, non-current models or moving outside the Lexus brand. For a contemporary manual experience from a Toyota-family brand, many buyers turn to Toyota’s GR lineup (such as the GR Supra or GR86) or other brands that continue to offer manual transmissions. A used hybrid or non-hybrid Lexus with a manual is not part of the present inventory.
Summary
Today’s Lexus lineup is almost exclusively automatic. There are no new Lexus models with a traditional manual gearbox, and hybrids use eCVTs or hybrid-specific automatics. If a manual transmission is essential, you would need to consider non-Lexus options or a used, legacy model with the desired setup.
Are luxury cars manual or automatic?
Automatic in Luxury Cars. Luxury cars have redefined automatic technology. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW now offer advanced automatic transmissions like Dual-Clutch (DCT) and Tiptronic systems that provide the best of both worlds — lightning-fast gear shifts with manual override options.
Do any Lexus come in manual?
No current Lexus models are sold with a traditional manual transmission, as the last manual was the 2012 IS sedan. However, Lexus is developing a new electric vehicle (EV) with a simulated manual transmission that offers a manual-like driving experience through a software-controlled clutch and shifter. A manual-transmission hot hatch concept, the LBX Morizo RR, has also been announced for the Japanese market.
Traditional manual transmissions
- The 2012 Lexus IS sedan was the last model to offer a physical manual transmission.
- Models like the IS 250 were available with a manual transmission until the 2011 model year in the US, with the 2012 model year being the final one in the US.
New developments and concepts
- Simulated manual transmission in EVs: Lexus is developing a simulated manual transmission for its electric vehicles that uses a physical shifter and clutch pedal but is controlled by software to mimic a manual experience.
- LBX Morizo RR hot hatch: A manual transmission has been announced for the upcoming LBX Morizo RR, a hot hatch model intended for the Japanese market.
- Lexus Electrified Sport concept: This concept car features a manual transmission and is a modern take on the LFA supercar.
- RC prototype: A 600 horsepower, 6-speed manual RC prototype was tested for motorsports purposes.
Is the Lexus IS 350 manual or automatic?
If you need more power you can go for an IS350 which is available with a 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated engine and it makes 311hp/ 379 NM of torque. The rear wheel drive gets an 8 speed automatic but a IS350 AWD gets a 6 speed automatic.
Is Lexus only automatic?
The only model Lexus UK has ever specified with a manual transmission has been the IS saloon. A six-speed manual gearbox was standard equipment for all first-generation IS models, a feature that was unique within the compact executive car class at the time of its launch.
