Which Lexus is still made in Japan?
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail. While Lexus has manufacturing plants in various countries, including the United States and Canada, many car enthusiasts and buyers often wonder which Lexus models are still made in Japan. This article explores the Lexus models that continue to be manufactured in their home country, ensuring the highest standards of Japanese engineering and quality.
Why Does It Matter Where a Lexus Is Made?
The location of a vehicle's manufacturing plant can influence its perceived quality, craftsmanship, and even its appeal to certain buyers. Lexus vehicles made in Japan are often associated with:
- Superior craftsmanship: Japanese factories are known for their meticulous attention to detail and high-quality standards.
- Cultural heritage: Many buyers value the authenticity of a Lexus made in its country of origin.
- Advanced technology: Japan is a leader in automotive innovation, and vehicles produced there often benefit from cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
For these reasons, many Lexus enthusiasts specifically seek out models that are still made in Japan.
Current Lexus Models Manufactured in Japan
As of 2025, several Lexus models are still produced in Japan. These include:
- Lexus LS: The flagship luxury sedan, known for its opulence and advanced technology, is manufactured in the Tahara plant in Japan.
- Lexus LX: The full-size luxury SUV, built for both rugged performance and refined comfort, is also made in Japan.
- Lexus GX: This mid-size luxury SUV, popular for its off-road capabilities, is produced in Japan.
- Lexus RC: The sporty coupe, designed for performance enthusiasts, is manufactured in Japan.
- Lexus IS: The compact luxury sedan, offering a balance of performance and comfort, is made in Japan.
These models are produced in Lexus's highly advanced manufacturing facilities, such as the Tahara and Kyushu plants, which are renowned for their precision and quality control.
How to Identify a Lexus Made in Japan
If you're interested in purchasing a Lexus made in Japan, you can verify its origin by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here's how:
- The first character of the VIN indicates the country of manufacture. For Lexus vehicles made in Japan, the VIN will start with the letter "J".
- Inspect the VIN on the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side door frame, or in the owner's manual.
By checking the VIN, you can ensure that your Lexus was manufactured in Japan, giving you peace of mind about its authenticity and quality.
Conclusion
While Lexus has expanded its manufacturing operations globally, several models continue to be made in Japan, maintaining the brand's legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and engineering. Whether you're drawn to the luxurious LS, the rugged LX, or the sporty RC, choosing a Lexus made in Japan ensures you're getting a vehicle that embodies the finest traditions of Japanese automotive excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Lexus is made in Japan?
In the case of a Lexus, the first digit indicates the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. If your Lexus has the numbers 2 or 5, it was assembled in North America—either Canada or the United States. Japan is indicated by the letter J.
Is the Lexus LX 570 made in Japan?
Vehicles are produced at seven manufacturing plants in Japan and North America. Here's the rundown: Toyota Tahara Plant (Tahara, Japan) — Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC. Toyota Yoshiwara Plant (Toyota, Aichi, Japan) — Lexus LX.
Where is the Lexus RX 450h+ manufactured?
So this week I am driving 2024 Lexus RX 450h plus which is a plug-in hybrid. And even though all the rxs are built in Ontario Canada. This one happens to be built in Japan because it's a plug-in
Which Lexus models are made in Japan?
Toyota Tahara Plant – Tahara, Japan — assembles the Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC. Toyota Yoshiwara Plant – Toyota, Aichi, Japan — assembles the Lexus LX. Toyota Miyata Plant – Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan — assembles the Lexus IS and ES.
How do I tell where my Lexus was built?
The first character of a VIN is the country code indicating where the car was assembled. Inside the driver's door frame is a VIN label that spells out the car's manufacturing location. A new vehicle's window sticker shows the source of its parts and the final assembly point.
What do Japanese think of Lexus?
A foreign car was once a major status symbol, but a recent survey in Japan found that people of all ages rate the Japanese Lexus as their dream drive.
How do I know if my Toyota is Japan or USA built?
Toyota VINs starting with "1", "4", or "5" represent vehicles assembled in the United States, VINs beginning with "2" indicate vehicles assembled in Canada, and vehicles with VINs beginning with "3" were assembled in Mexico. Vehicles with VINs that start with "J" were produced in Japan.
What Toyota vehicles are still made in Japan?
Most RAV4s and Camrys are made outside Japan. The 4Runner has always been made in Japan. The Land Cruiser 200 and Lexus LX are also Japan-made. It seems like Toyota builds lower-volume vehicles in Japan, while best-sellers are made closer to the market to reduce costs.
What is the difference between lx570 and lx570s?
The Lexus LX 570 S is further distinguished by a moulded 'S' badge on the tailgate, front and rear performance dampers that improve body rigidity and steering stability, alloy pedals and door courtesy lamps with 'LX S' projector illumination.
Are any Lexus vehicles made in USA?
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. This plant is responsible for the Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Finally, the US home to Lexus is Georgetown, Kentucky, United States. At Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc., Americans build the Lexus ES.
