When did Lexus switch to touch screen?
The shift to touchscreen infotainment in Lexus vehicles happened gradually over several model years rather than in a single, brand-wide moment. In practical terms, most core Lexus models adopted touchscreen interfaces by the early 2020s, with earlier models still using the older Remote Touch trackpad in various trims.
To understand this transition, it helps to know the context: Lexus long relied on the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) trackpad to control its infotainment screens, a setup that drew both criticism and praise. As competition improved and connectivity features expanded, Toyota’s luxury division began offering direct-touch control and larger, more capable displays, alongside widespread smartphone integration and updated operating software. The result is a blended period in which some models offered touch input while others retained RTI for a time, before a broader, touchscreen-centric approach became the norm.
Background: From Remote Touch to touchscreen input
The Remote Touch Interface (RTI) debuted in the 2010s and became a mainstay in many Lexus models for several years. Drivers used a trackpad-like controller to navigate a central display, which critics said could be distracting. Over the same period, Lexus added or upgraded touchscreen functionality in various trims and models, along with modern conveniences such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The industry-wide push toward larger, more intuitive screens accelerated the move away from RTI in many markets and model lines.
Below is a timeline highlighting the core milestones in this transition. It focuses on the general industry and Lexus’s approach across popular models, noting that exact availability can vary by region and trim.
- Late 2010s: The Remote Touch Interface is widely used in many Lexus models, while some offerings begin to experiment with touchscreen displays as a supplementary input.
- Early 2020s: A broader shift toward touchscreen-centric infotainment appears in several new models and refreshes, with larger displays and improved touch-input responsiveness, while Apple CarPlay/Android Auto become more widely standard.
- Mid-2020s: The majority of Lexus lineup moves to touchscreen-first interfaces in new or redesigned models, with RTI largely phased out in mainstream trims, though rare exceptions may persist in certain markets or lower-spec variants.
In summary, the transition occurred over a few model years rather than at a single moment. Buyers today will generally find touchscreens as the primary input in newly launched Lexus models, with RTI mostly relegated to older stock or specific markets.
What this means for buyers today
For prospective buyers, the shift means:
- Most new Lexus models use touchscreens as the primary infotainment input.
- RTI trackpads are increasingly rare in current trims, though some older or region-specific models may still offer them.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonly supported, often as standard features, enhancing smartphone integration.
- When shopping used or in different regions, verify the model year and trim to confirm whether the vehicle relies on touchscreen input or retains any RTI controls.
If you’d like, I can provide a model-by-model breakdown for a specific year or region to illustrate exactly when each Lexus lineup shifted to touchscreen inputs.
Summary
Lexus’s move to touchscreen infotainment started in the late 2010s and accelerated through the early 2020s. There isn’t a single switch date for the entire brand; the transition happened gradually, varying by model, trim, and market. Today, touchscreen input is the norm on most new Lexus models, supported by widespread smartphone integration and a continued focus on intuitive, driver-friendly interfaces.
