Which Lexus models have a CD player?
None of the current Lexus models come with a built-in CD player. For CD playback in a new car, you would need an older model year or aftermarket equipment.
As the auto industry shifts toward digital media and streaming, Lexus has phased out CD players across its latest sedans and SUVs. This article explains the current status of CD players in Lexus cars, what models historically offered them, and practical options if you specifically want a CD player in a vehicle today.
The current lineup: is a CD player still offered?
In the model year 2024–2025 Lexus lineup, CD players are not advertised as a feature in any new model. Infotainment centers on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and digital media options. If a CD player is essential, you will not find it in new vehicles from Lexus; you would need a used model from earlier years or an aftermarket solution.
How to verify a vehicle’s features
Always check the official spec sheets for a specific model and year at the dealer or Lexus official site. Car brochures, window stickers, and feature lists typically indicate "CD player" or "CD changer" if present. Dealers can confirm per vehicle.
Historically, which Lexus models commonly offered CD players?
CD players were a common feature in many Lexus models through the 1990s, 2000s, and into the 2010s. The exact configuration varied by generation and trim, but the following models were typically found with a built-in CD player in at least some trims or generations:
- Lexus ES
- Lexus GS
- Lexus LS
- Lexus RX
- Lexus NX
- Lexus IS
- Lexus RC
- Lexus CT
- Lexus GX
- Lexus LX
Note: The presence of a CD player depended on the year, trim, and market. Many of these models offered a CD player or, in higher trims, a multi-disc changer in earlier generations. In recent years, CD players have been removed across the lineup.
What should you do if you need a CD player today?
Two main paths exist: buy a used Lexus from an older model year that still includes a CD player, or install an aftermarket CD player or head unit compatible with your current vehicle's wiring and dash space.
- Buy a pre-2020 Lexus with CD playback in the official equipment list.
- Install an aftermarket head unit that includes a CD drive while ensuring compatibility with the car’s electrical system and steering-wheel controls.
- Use an external CD player connected via an auxiliary input or USB in models that still offer these ports, if CD audio can be accessed through USB-based devices.
Keep in mind that aftermarket installations may affect warranty coverage and require professional installation to preserve dash aesthetics and safety features.
Summary
Built-in CD players are no longer offered in Lexus’ current model lineup. If CD playback is essential, you’ll primarily find it in older Lexus models or by adding aftermarket equipment. Always verify the exact features of any model-year before purchase.
