Where do they build Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX is produced at a small number of global facilities, with the majority of manufacturing centered in Japan and China to serve different markets. In practical terms, its primary production location is in Japan, with Chinese-market NX models assembled locally in China.
Global factory footprint
To understand where the NX comes from, it helps to identify the main assembly sites that have historically produced the model for worldwide distribution and for local markets. The two primary production hubs are in Japan and China.
- Japan — Miyawaka Plant, Fukuoka Prefecture: This facility has long served as a key production site for the Lexus NX, exporting vehicles to multiple regions.
- China — Changshu Plant, GAC Toyota joint venture (Jiangsu Province): NX models destined for the Chinese market are assembled locally to meet domestic content requirements and importation rules.
In summary, the NX’s global output is largely concentrated in Japan, with a dedicated Chinese-assembly line for China-market units. This dual-plant approach helps Lexus balance supply, tariffs, and local demand.
Market-specific production details
China market
For buyers in China, the Lexus NX is assembled domestically at a GAC Toyota joint-venture facility in Changshu. Local production helps meet regulatory requirements and offers shorter lead times for Chinese customers.
Other regions (North America, Europe, and beyond)
Vehicles bound for most international markets—including North America and Europe—have historically been produced at the Miyawaka Plant in Japan and then distributed internationally. While production counts and routes can shift with model-year updates and supply-chain considerations, Japan remains the primary source for non-Chinese NX units.
Summary
Today, the Lexus NX is built mainly in Japan at the Miyawaka Plant in Fukuoka, with Chinese-market NX models assembled locally at the Changshu plant operated by GAC Toyota. This setup reflects Lexus’ strategy of aligning production with regional demand and regulatory frameworks, while continuing to export NX units from Japan to global markets. The production footprint may evolve with new model years, but the two-country configuration represents the core approach.
Is the Lexus NX built on the RAV4 platform?
Yes, the Lexus NX is built on the same GA-K platform as the Toyota RAV4. While they share the same platform and wheelbase, the NX features more premium materials, a refined interior, and different powertrain options, resulting in a luxurious experience that differentiates it from the more practical RAV4.
- Platform: Both vehicles are built on Toyota's GA-K platform.
- Shared components: They share the same wheelbase and similar base powertrains, with the Lexus NX offering a wider variety of engine choices, including more powerful and hybrid options.
- Key differences:
- Luxury vs. practicality: The NX uses higher-end materials and features a more luxurious and sculpted interior, while the RAV4 has a more rugged and practical design.
- Features: The NX includes premium features like ambient lighting and more advanced infotainment options.
- Performance: The NX's suspension is tuned for a quieter and more refined ride.
- Dimensions: The NX is slightly longer and has less rear legroom and cargo space to accommodate its more luxurious design.
Which Lexus models are built in Japan?
Many Lexus models, including the LS, IS, GS, GX, LX, RC, and LC, are built in Japan at various plants. Other models like the ES, NX, and RX may be built in Japan or in other countries like the U.S. or Canada, depending on the specific model, trim, and destination market.
Lexus models built in Japan
- LS: Built in Tahara and Tahara, Aichi.
- IS: Built in Tahara, Aichi and Miyawaka, Fukuoka.
- GS: Built in Motomachi, Aichi.
- GX: Built in Tahara, Aichi.
- LX: Built in Tahara, Aichi, Yoshiwara, Toyota City, Aichi, and Motomachi, Toyota City, Aichi.
- RC: Built in Tahara, Aichi.
- LC: Built in Motomachi and Motomachi, Toyota City, Aichi.
- NX: Built in Kitakyushu, Miyawaka, and Tahara.
- RX: Built in Kitakyushu, Miyawaka, and Tahara.
- UX: Built in Miyawaka, Fukuoka and Kyushu.
- CT: Built in Kitakyushu.
- HS: Built in Kitakyushu.
- SC: Built in Susono.
- ES: Built in Miyawaka, Fukuoka and Kyushu.
Lexus models built outside of Japan
- RX: Also built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- ES: Also built in Georgetown, Kentucky, United States.
- NX: Also built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- TX: Built in Princeton, Indiana, United States.
Which Lexus models are built in the USA?
Lexus models made in the USA include the Lexus ES (Kentucky) and the Lexus TX (Indiana). These vehicles are assembled at different Toyota manufacturing plants within the United States.
- Lexus ES: Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK).
- Lexus TX: Assembled in Princeton, Indiana, at a plant that also produces the Grand Highlander.
Where are Lexus NX models made?
The Lexus NX is made in multiple locations, including Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and Japan (specifically the Tahara and Kyushu plants in Fukuoka). The country of origin depends on the specific model, hybrid version, and market.
You can watch this video to see the production line of the Lexus NX in Canada: 59sLSFTYouTube · Feb 17, 2023
- Canada: The Cambridge, Ontario plant manufactures the NX and NX Hybrid, particularly for the North American market.
- Japan: Other production facilities, like the one in Kyushu, Fukuoka, also produce the NX and NX Hybrid for various markets.
- Market specific: The specific location where a vehicle is made can depend on which market it is built for. For example, the plug-in hybrid version may be built in Japan, while non-plug-in hybrids might be built in Canada.
