When did Lexus stop making diesel?

Lexus stopped selling diesel-powered passenger cars in Europe by 2018 and has not offered diesel engines since.

The change did not happen overnight. It followed years of declining diesel demand in Europe, tightening emissions regulations, and a strategic pivot toward electrified powertrains. Lexus, like many automakers, chose to double down on petrol-electric hybrids and, in more markets, plug-in hybrids and fully electric models as part of Toyota’s global electrification plan.

Timeline of Lexus diesel in Europe

Below is a concise look at how the brand's diesel offerings evolved and ultimately disappeared from new-car lineups in Europe.

• Diesel variants were introduced into Lexus’s European lineup in the mid-2000s, expanding the options beyond petrol and hybrid models.


• During the 2010s, diesel options were gradually reduced as demand weakened and hybrid/petrol variants gained prominence.


• By 2018, Lexus publicly shifted its European strategy to petrol and electrified powertrains, marking the end of new diesel sales in the region.

In the years that followed, the brand reiterated that no new diesel engines would re-enter its European lineup, aligning with a broader industry move toward electrification and lower overall emissions.

Context for the decline

The downturn in diesel sales was driven by emissions scandals, stricter regulatory scrutiny, and a consumer shift toward hybrid and electric propulsion. Lexus’s parent company, Toyota, has invested heavily in electrification, which further accelerated the move away from diesel engines in its premium brands.

Current status and buyer impact

Here is where things stand today and what it means for customers considering a Lexus vehicle.

• There are no new diesel-powered Lexus models offered anywhere in the world as of 2025.


• The current lineup focuses on petrol hybrids, self-charging hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and, in some markets, full-electric options.


• Diesel variants that existed in prior years were phased out as the brand embraced electrification and stricter emissions targets.

For buyers, this means selecting from hybrid or petrol-only options with an emphasis on efficiency, lower emissions, and alignment with future regulatory environments. Lexus’s electrified strategy aims to provide modern alternatives without relying on diesel technology.

Market-by-market nuance

Availability can vary by region, but the overarching pattern is consistent: diesel is no longer part of Lexus’s core global strategy. Some markets that previously offered limited diesel choices may still have market leftovers, but new diesel models are not being introduced.

Summary

Lexus ceased manufacturing and selling diesel engines for passenger cars by 2018 in Europe and has not offered diesel engines globally since then. The brand has continued its pivot toward electrification, with hybrids and, in some markets, plug-in hybrids and full EVs forming the core of its modern lineup. This shift reflects a broader industry trend away from diesel toward cleaner, electrified propulsion, a direction Lexus has embraced as part of Toyota’s wider electrification roadmap.

Does Lexus make a diesel car?

LX 500d BI-TURBO V6 DIESEL
Our first two-way twin turbo diesel switches automatically between single turbo operation at low speeds and twin-turbos at higher speeds, allowing powerful acceleration and flexible torque.

Are Lexus diesels any good?

The new entry-level diesel may be down on power, but it still makes a lot of sense for business drivers – the model's core market – and it has one of the most composed, comfortable and luxurious driving experiences around. It's no class-leader, yet it is a decent alternative to many more obvious choices.

Is the 3.0 V6 turbo diesel a good engine?

Reviews of the 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine (often the GM Duramax) highlight its excellent fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque for towing and everyday driving. However, some potential issues include emissions system problems and leaks, which may require significant labor to repair.
 
This video provides an in-depth review of the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine, discussing its performance, fuel economy, and potential issues: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · May 14, 2025
Pros

• Excellent fuel economy: This is a major advantage, with some reviews noting figures well above 252525 MPG even while towing, and higher MPG in city and highway driving compared to comparable gasoline engines. 
• Strong torque: The engine provides significant low-end torque, making it responsive for towing and accelerating from a stop. 
• Smooth and quiet: Many reviews describe the engine as smooth and quiet once underway, especially compared to larger diesel engines. 
• Good for daily use: The combination of efficiency, quiet operation, and smooth power delivery makes it suitable for daily driving and "tweener" situations for those who need a light-duty truck but want diesel capability. 

Cons

• Emissions system complexity: Modern diesel engines have complex emissions systems (EGR, DPF, SCR) that can lead to potential issues and error codes. 
• Potential for oil leaks: Both older (LM2) and newer (LZ0) versions have been noted to have potential oil leaks from spots like the rear main seal and oil pan. 
• Labor-intensive repairs: Several key components, like the oil pump belt and timing chain, are located at the back of the engine, making replacement extremely labor-intensive and costly, potentially requiring transmission or even cab removal. 
• Oil consumption concerns: Some owners report unacceptable oil consumption, although GM states its acceptable rate is higher for towing and personal use. 
• Lower heavy-duty capacity: While capable, it is not ideal for heavy-duty work like frequently pulling large gooseneck trailers, where larger engines may be more suitable. 

You can watch this video to see the 3.0L Duramax engine in action while towing a heavy trailer: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 27, 2025

When did Lexus stop making diesel cars?

Which car companies have stopped making diesel cars? In 2015 only two manufacturers (Lexus and Smart) didn't offer diesel models in their ranges. Fast forward to mid-2024 and the choice of new diesel models for sale has drastically declined.