Is the Lexus LX made in Japan?
The Lexus LX is manufactured in Japan, with the current LX generation assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, for global markets.
Where is the Lexus LX built?
The flagship SUV is produced in Japan, primarily at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. This facility handles a range of Lexus models and sits within Toyota’s broader production network that links the LX to the Land Cruiser lineage.
Main production site
Below are key facts about the plant and its role in LX production. The following list captures the core details that define where and how the LX is built for most markets.
- Motomachi Plant, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan — the primary assembly site for the current LX generation.
- Integral part of Toyota’s global supply chain; LX production aligns with the Land Cruiser family’s GA-F platform.
- Vehicles are exported to customers worldwide from Japan, reflecting Lexus’ emphasis on controlled manufacturing quality for the LX.
In short, the LX’s manufacturing footprint centers on Japan, underscoring Lexus’ focus on precision engineering and premium craftsmanship for its flagship SUV.
Production process and timeline
To provide a clearer picture of how a flagship Lexus SUV comes together at Motomachi, here is a concise overview of the typical production flow at the plant.
- Body assembly and paint preparation: panels are joined and primer/finish work applied to ensure exterior quality.
- Powertrain installation: engine, transmission, driveline, and exhaust components are integrated into the shell.
- Interior installation: seating, trim, electronics, and safety systems are installed with meticulous attention to fit and finish.
- Quality inspection: repeated checks for alignment, paint quality, electrical systems, and performance; road tests are conducted as part of final verification.
- Logistics and shipment: completed vehicles are prepared for export and distribution to customers around the world.
These steps reflect Lexus’ emphasis on consistency, safety, and luxury in its most important model line, with Motomachi serving as the hub of production for the LX.
Regional considerations and market context
While the LX is predominantly produced in Japan, regional marketing and supply strategies can influence how vehicles are delivered to various markets. As of 2025, the primary official production reference remains Japan-based, with no broad announcement of mass production of the LX at North American plants. Customers in different regions typically receive vehicles manufactured in Japan, though regional logistics and dealer networks handle delivery to local markets.
Summary
Bottom line: yes—the Lexus LX is made in Japan. The current LX generation is assembled at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, for global distribution. The plant’s role underscores Lexus’ commitment to high-quality manufacturing standards and alignment with the broader Lexus-Land Cruiser platform family. For prospective buyers, this means a flagship SUV built in Japan with the craftsmanship and quality associated with the Lexus name.
Which Lexus models are made in Japan?
Several Lexus models, including the LS, IS, RC, and GX, are made in Japan at plants like the Tahara and Motomachi factories. Other models such as the LC, LX, NX, and UX are also manufactured in Japan at different facilities like Kyushu and Yoshiwara.
This video explains how to determine the manufacturing plant based on the vehicle identification number (VIN): 35sE39M5SPEEDYouTube · Dec 3, 2023
Lexus models made in Japan
- Tahara Plant: LS, IS, GX, RC, RC F
- Motomachi Plant: LC, LC Hybrid, GS, GS F
- Kyushu Plant: UX, UX Hybrid, NX, NX Hybrid, RX, RXL, ES Hybrid
- Yoshiwara Plant: LX
- Tahara Plant: GX
- Miyata Plant: IS and ES
- Motomachi Plant: LC
This video discusses the Lexus GX and its relationship to other models built in the Tahara factory: 48sAutomotivePressYouTube · Mar 2, 2023
Other Lexus manufacturing locations
- United States: Lexus ES (Lexington, Kentucky)
- Canada: Lexus RX, RX Hybrid (Cambridge, Ontario)
How to tell if a Lexus is built in Japan?
You can tell if a Lexus was built in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. A "J" at the beginning of the VIN indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. Alternatively, you can look at the sticker in the driver's side door jamb, which may explicitly state the manufacturing location.
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Find the VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb.
- Check the first character: The first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin.
- Look for "J": If the VIN starts with the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan.
- Other letters: Other letters or numbers at the start of the VIN indicate manufacturing in other countries. For example, a "2" or "5" can mean the vehicle was assembled in North America (Canada or the U.S.).
Using the door jamb sticker
- Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb.
- Read the label: This sticker often contains a phrase like "Manufactured by Honda in Japan" or "Built in Japan by Honda," leaving no doubt about its assembly point.
Where is the Lexus LX manufactured?
The Lexus LX is manufactured in Japan at two plants: the Toyota Tahara Plant in Tahara, Aichi, and the Toyota Yoshiwara Plant in Toyota, Aichi.
- Toyota Tahara Plant: Builds the Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC.
- Toyota Yoshiwara Plant: Specifically produces the Lexus LX.
Which Lexus is not made in Japan?
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. – Cambridge, Ontario, Canada —assembles the Lexus RX, as well as the Lexus RX Hybrid. Toyota Motor Kyushu – Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan — assembles the Lexus UX. Toyota Tahara Plant – Tahara, Japan — assembles the Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC.
