Are Lexus and Toyota the Same Company?

Lexus and Toyota are auto manufacturers whose origin is the Toyota Motor Corporation. As a result, their vehicles are similar in many ways. Instead of using their own distinct car parts, the two companies share certain components across different models, meaning there’s some crossover between their vehicles. Check out this guide to learn more about the differences between Lexus and Toyota.

Are Lexus and Toyota the Same Company?

Lexus is the luxury branch of Toyota’s parent company. However, Lexus and Toyota aren’t exactly the same brand, even though they share some platforms and components. In fact, some Lexus vehicles are even manufactured in Toyota factories in North America and Japan. Simply put, Lexus is a corporate cousin of Toyota that makes fancier vehicles. Considering how and where these two brands produce their cars, they’re essentially the same manufacturer. However, they remain two separate brands catering to different driver groups.

When Was Lexus Founded?

Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, Lexus has a much shorter history than its mainstream sibling. In 1983, Toyota began an operation called Project F1, based on a challenge that its chairman, Eiji Toyoda, had set for the company. This project aimed to produce the finest vehicle in the world. It was completed in 1989, leading to the launch of an all-new luxury brand called Lexus. The same year, Lexus established 81 new dealerships across the United States and debuted the LS 400 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Since the early 2000s, Lexus has been operating its own design, engineering, and manufacturing centers. By 2019, the company had sold 10 million vehicles worldwide, making it a leading luxury car brand.

What Are the Main Differences Between Lexus and Toyota?

Although Lexus and Toyota share a lot of similarities, they also have differences that set them apart. That’s why they’re regarded as separate entities. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between Lexus and Toyota.

Image and Craftsmanship

The most obvious difference between Lexus and Toyota is their brand image, which can have an impact on how people perceive and treat you. Pulling up in a Toyota isn’t particularly impressive, but you’ll probably turn a few heads if you drive a Lexus. The reason for this may be the difference in quality between the two brands. When you step into a Lexus, you can tell immediately that the level of craftsmanship is undoubtedly higher than that of a comparable Toyota.

Performance

When it comes to reliability, there’s no notable difference between Lexus and Toyota. With proper maintenance, vehicles from both brands are expected to last a long time without needing frequent repairs. This is partly because they share certain engines across different models.

However, some engines don’t cross over, especially those built for sporty Lexus vehicles. These engines are often too performance-oriented to match the Toyota brand, which is the preferred option for drivers who favor practicality over performance. Also, they would cause the price of Toyota vehicles to inflate too much, which could undermine the brand’s budget-friendly image.

Price

A Lexus vehicle is typically pricier than a similar Toyota. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that Lexus is a luxury brand and Toyota mostly makes vehicles meant for everyday use. Many car shoppers don’t mind spending more to get a Lexus because of its premium image, high-end materials, and luxury features.

Does Lexus or Toyota Sell More Vehicles?

Since it’s a mainstream brand, Toyota is the one that sells more vehicles. This is probably because of the wealth distribution in the United States, where most consumers are in the lower- to middle-income range. Since Lexus vehicles are quite costly, the average American will most likely go for a Toyota.

Which Brand Makes Safer Cars?

Lexus takes the win in the safety department. All new Lexus models come standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies called Lexus Safety System Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and forward collision warning. Toyota has a similar suite of safety features known as the Toyota Safety Sense. It’s standard on popular models such as the Corolla, Camry, and RAV4. Overall, Toyota has an excellent safety rating, but its lineup includes models such as the 4Runner that bring down the average.

How Do Lexus and Toyota Compare in Terms of Maintenance and Repair Costs?

Lexus vehicles are equipped with more luxury features than Toyotas, meaning that they have more expensive parts that need maintenance. When these components wear down or become faulty, you can expect the cost of repairing or replacing them to be relatively high. However, oil changes and other routine maintenance procedures usually cost about the same for the two brands. Then again, Lexus owners may end up paying more due to the extra services they receive at https://www.eskridgelexus.com/oklahoma-city-lexus-premium-maintenance-coupons/a service center, such as a complimentary car wash.

Is a Lexus or Toyota a Better Used Car?

Due to their exceptional reliability, both Lexus and Toyota vehicles are excellent options for used car buyers. If they’re given proper care and attention, they can last a long time and provide great value for money down the road. In general, pre-owned Lexus vehicles are significantly more expensive than similar Toyotas, but they offer a higher level of comfort and more desirable features.

Find Your Dream Lexus at Eskridge Lexus

If you’re interested in buying a new or used Lexus in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, come visit us at Eskridge Lexus. Serving Oklahoma City, Piedmont, Cashion, Seward, Arcadia, Choctaw, Yukon, and Forest Park, our dealership has one of the largest selections of new and used Lexus vehicles in Central Oklahoma. As such, you can rest assured that you’ll find a model on our lot that fits you perfectly. Additionally, we regularly run special offers that can help you save substantially on your car purchase. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.

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