Who makes oil for Lexus?
Lexus, the luxury branch of Toyota, does not rely on a single oil producer. The oils used in Lexus engines are typically Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) or other approved lubricants that meet Toyota’s specifications, and the actual manufacturing is handled by a network of global lubricant suppliers whose identities vary by region, model, and year. This arrangement can change over time as contracts evolve.
Understanding Lexus oil specifications
To keep engines performing as designed, Lexus specifies oils that meet certain standards and viscosities. The most common requirements are synthetic oils in the 0W-20 or 5W-30 range, with one of several gasoline engine oil specifications that align with API and ILSAC guidelines as well as Toyota’s own standards. The precise formulation can vary by market and model year.
- Lexus typically recommends Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) or other brands that meet Toyota's specification and API/ILSAC standards. Oils marketed as TGMO meet Toyota's requirements and are often used as the factory fill and during service.
- Any oil that is proven to meet the applicable Toyota specification and viscosity for your model is acceptable, provided it is synthetic (for most modern engines) and carries the correct rating (e.g., 0W-20 in many vehicles).
- OEM-approved oils include those from major global lubricant makers that supply oils designed to meet Toyota/Lexus specs, though the exact brand and formulation are regionally dependent.
The above list clarifies common options; the best practice is to consult your owner's manual or a Lexus service adviser to confirm the exact oil type for your vehicle based on model year and region.
Regional perspective: who makes the oil by market
Because Toyota uses a worldwide supply network, the specific manufacturer of the oil can differ by region. Below are the general patterns for major markets.
North America
In North America, Lexus vehicles typically use synthetic oils that conform to Toyota's recommended grades and specifications. The actual oil used can be a Toyota-approved product produced under license by regional lubricant manufacturers, with service centers offering TGMO or equivalent oils that meet the required specs.
- Oil that meets Toyota's specification and grade, often marketed as Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent, is commonly used as factory fill and during maintenance.
- Other approved synthetic oils from major global brands that meet the required specifications are also acceptable when properly indicated by Lexus service manuals.
Dealers and service centers will ensure the oil meets the model-year requirements and the intervals specified by Lexus.
Europe
European Lexus models typically require synthetic engine oils that meet the same Toyota specifications and 0W-20 or 5W-30 viscosities. The supply network includes oils produced by regional lubricant manufacturers aligned with TGMO standards.
- Factory-fill and service oils are drawn from a network of approved suppliers that produce TGMO-compliant lubricants for the European market.
- Consumers can buy TGMO or compatible oils from the same pool of approved lubricants, or use other brands that meet the Toyota specs.
Always verify the exact specification in your manual or with a dealer to ensure compatibility.
Asia-Pacific
In Asia-Pacific, the oil supply can vary by country, with local refiners and multinational oil companies providing TGMO-compliant oils. Toyota and Lexus emphasize oils that meet the correct API/ILSAC ratings and the Toyota specification for each market.
- Approved TGMO-compliant oils are offered by regional suppliers and used as factory fill in Lexus vehicles sold there.
- As with other markets, the key requirement is meeting the right viscosity and standards rather than a single brand.
It is common for manufacturers to rotate among approved suppliers depending on supply agreements and regional regulations.
How to verify you’re using the right oil
Keeping Lexus engines properly lubricated requires following official guidance. Always check the owner’s manual or consult a Lexus dealer for the model-year-specific oil grade and specification. Look for oils labeled as Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or those that meet Toyota’s specification and the ILSAC/API standard required for your engine (often 0W-20 synthetic for modern engines).
- Confirm the recommended viscosity (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) for your engine.
- Verify the oil meets the appropriate API/ILSAC ratings (e.g., API SN/GF-5, GF-6) and Toyota's specification.
- Choose an oil from a reputable brand that is listed as approved for Toyota/Lexus or labeled as Toyota Genuine Motor Oil when possible.
In practical terms, you should follow the manual and seek guidance from a Lexus service adviser to ensure you use an oil that matches the model-year requirements and regional specifications.
Summary
There isn’t a single oil producer responsible for all Lexus engines. Oil for Lexus is typically Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or other approved lubricants that meet Toyota’s specifications, produced by a network of global lubricant manufacturers. The exact supplier can vary by region and model year, but the guiding principle remains clear: use an oil that meets the correct viscosity, API/ILSAC ratings, and Toyota's own specifications as listed in your owner’s manual.
Quick takeaway: Lexus relies on a broad, regionally arranged supply of TGMO-compliant oils rather than a single, centralized manufacturer. Always verify the spec in your manual and opt for TGMO or an approved equivalent to maintain performance and warranty coverage.
Is Lexus oil the same as Toyota oil?
The Lexus brand is owned by Toyota. This is why the majority of new Lexus models need Toyota Genuine Motor Oil SAE 0W-20, a type of synthetic motor oil. If you drive an older Lexus model, it is more likely that your car will need Toyota Genuine Motor Oil 5W-30.
Can I use Mobil 1 in my Lexus?
Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Lexus
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.
Is Toyota oil just Mobil 1?
No, Toyota oil is not the same as Mobil 1, although ExxonMobil manufactures both Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Mobil 1, reports a YouTube video and Reddit users. Toyota Genuine Motor Oil is made to a Toyota-specific formula, while Mobil 1 is a separate brand of oil from ExxonMobil.
- Manufacturer: ExxonMobil manufactures both products.
- Formula: Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) is made to a Toyota-specified formula, not the standard Mobil 1 formula.
- Brand: While the manufacturer is the same, they are different brands sold under different names.
- Performance: Both are high-quality oils designed to meet the requirements of Toyota vehicles, but their specific additive packages and performance characteristics may differ slightly.
- Recommendation: It's best to check your owner's manual to see which oil is recommended for your specific Toyota model and engine, and you can choose either the Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or a high-quality synthetic oil like Mobil 1, as long as the viscosity grade is correct.
What oil brand does Lexus recommend?
Lexus recommends its own Lexus Genuine Motor Oil, which is a full-synthetic SAE 0W-20 for most new vehicles, or Toyota Genuine Motor Oil since Lexus is owned by Toyota. If you're looking for a third-party brand, top-performing brands like Mobil and Castrol are also recommended, but always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific viscosity and specifications required for your model.
Recommended oils
- Lexus Genuine Motor Oil: This is the oil Lexus specifically recommends.
- Toyota Genuine Motor Oil: Since Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota, the Toyota-branded oils are also highly recommended and meet Lexus specifications.
- SAE 0W-20: The recommendation for most new Lexus models.
- SAE 5W-30: May be recommended for older Lexus models.
- Third-party synthetic oils: If you prefer another brand, choose high-quality, high-performance synthetic oils from reputable brands.
- Examples: Mobil and Castrol are mentioned as good alternatives.
- Important: Always ensure the third-party oil meets the specifications in your owner's manual.
What to remember
- Always check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct oil for your specific vehicle, especially for older models.
- Prioritize synthetic oil: Many Lexus dealerships recommend full-synthetic oil for its longer lifespan.
