Lexus
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Mo Naderi
By Mo l 021 Auto Leasing
Choosing the best 2026 Lexus is not as simple as picking the most expensive model or the newest technology. The stronger question is: which Lexus fits your life?
For some drivers, the answer is the Lexus RX because it does almost everything well. For others, it is the NX 350h because it gives you luxury, hybrid efficiency, and city-friendly sizing without stepping into a larger SUV. Families may find the TX more honest for daily third-row use. Commuters may prefer the redesigned ES. EV-minded California drivers may look at the RZ or ES 350e. Outdoor buyers may head straight to the GX.
That variety is the real 2026 Lexus story. Lexus now covers compact hybrids, plug-in hybrids, full EVs, family SUVs, adventure SUVs, sport sedans, flagship SUVs, and emotional grand tourers. The right pick depends on your commute, parking situation, charging access, family size, budget, and how much you care about fuel economy.
For California buyers, that last point matters. Fuel is expensive, traffic is heavy, and many drivers want a luxury vehicle that feels calm, efficient, and dependable without forcing them into the wrong lifestyle. That is why Lexus hybrids and plug-in hybrids deserve serious attention in 2026.
Quick Answer: Best 2026 Lexus Models by Category
Best overall Lexus: Lexus RX 350h or RX 450h+
Best value luxury crossover: Lexus NX 350h
Best family Lexus: Lexus TX
Best entry-level Lexus: Lexus UX 300h
Best professional commuter: Lexus ES 350h or ES 350e
Best Lexus EV: Lexus RZ 350e
Best adventure Lexus: Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
Best flagship SUV: Lexus LX 600 or LX 700h
Best sport sedan: Lexus IS 350 F SPORT
Best emotional Lexus: Lexus LC 500
Best collector Lexus: Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition
How We Ranked the Best 2026 Lexus Models
This ranking looks at four things: official Lexus specifications, U.S. sales momentum, California practicality, and real-world buyer fit. The goal is not to declare one Lexus “best” for everyone. It is to match each model to the driver who will appreciate it most.
The strongest mainstream picks are RX, NX, TX, UX, ES, and RZ. The RX is the safe all-around choice. The NX is the smart-value crossover. The TX is the family solution. The UX is the entry point. The ES is the calm professional sedan. The RZ is the EV play.
GX, LX, IS, LC, and LS are more specialized, but they matter because Lexus buyers do not all want the same thing. Some want efficiency. Some want a family vehicle. Some want off-road capability. Some want an elegant sedan. Some want a car that still feels emotional.
What Americans Are Actually Buying
Sales do not automatically determine the best vehicle, but they reveal where buyer demand is strongest. In Q1 2026 U.S. Lexus sales, the RX remained the clear volume leader, followed by the NX and TX. That supports what many shoppers already feel: Lexus SUVs carry the brand’s mainstream momentum.
The RX led Lexus nameplate sales with 29,336 U.S. sales in Q1 2026. The NX followed with 13,219, and the TX came next with 12,489. The GX also showed strong interest with 8,565 sales, while the RZ improved its EV momentum with 4,456 sales.
The practical takeaway is simple: RX, NX, and TX should be the first three Lexus SUVs most shoppers consider. But the best choice still depends on whether you need efficiency, easy parking, a third row, EV capability, off-road hardware, or flagship luxury.
1. Lexus RX: Best Overall and Most Popular 2026 Lexus
The Lexus RX remains the best overall 2026 Lexus for most buyers because it sits in the middle of everything people want from the brand: comfort, refinement, useful space, hybrid availability, quiet daily driving, and broad appeal.
For 2026, the RX lineup includes gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and performance hybrid versions. The RX 350 uses a turbocharged four-cylinder. The RX 350h AWD uses a 246-hp hybrid system. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated 38-mile electric-only range and a manufacturer-estimated 85 MPGe rating. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance brings output to 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
That range is why the RX is so easy to recommend. A buyer who wants simple luxury can choose the RX 350. A California commuter who cares about fuel use can look at the RX 350h. A driver with home charging can consider the RX 450h+. Someone who wants sharper performance without leaving the Lexus SUV world can look at the RX 500h.
The RX is not the flashiest Lexus, but it may be the most complete Lexus for the largest number of buyers. It feels upscale without becoming excessive, roomy without becoming difficult to park, and efficient in hybrid form without requiring a full EV lifestyle.
Best for: professionals, couples, small families, empty nesters, luxury SUV shoppers, and California drivers who want comfort with fuel-conscious options.
The catch: the RX is a two-row SUV. If your family regularly uses a third row, the TX is the better fit.
2. Lexus NX 350h: Best Price-to-Value Luxury Crossover
The Lexus NX 350h may be the smartest 2026 Lexus for many California drivers. It is smaller and easier to park than the RX, more premium than the UX, and more efficient than many gas-only luxury crossovers.
For 2026, Lexus added front-wheel-drive availability for NX 350h models, expanded F SPORT Handling availability across all powertrain configurations, and added a Premium grade to the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The 2026 NX starts at $45,470 including delivery, processing, and handling.
The NX 350h produces 240 combined system horsepower and is rated at an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined with AWD or 40 mpg combined with FWD. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated 37-mile EV-only range, while the NX 350 AWD gas model produces 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Where this becomes useful is daily life. The NX 350h is big enough for a professional, couple, or small family, but not so large that it becomes annoying in dense parking lots, apartment garages, or tight Los Angeles streets. It is also efficient enough to make sense when California fuel prices are high.
The NX 350h is the smart-money Lexus crossover. It gives you luxury, hybrid efficiency, and daily usability without stepping into the size or cost of the RX or TX.
Best for: commuters, single professionals, young families, buyers downsizing from larger SUVs, and shoppers who want luxury without unnecessary size.
The catch: rear-seat and cargo room are not RX or TX-level. If space matters more than easy parking, move up.
3. Lexus TX: Best 2026 Lexus for Families
The Lexus TX is the Lexus SUV that families were waiting for. The RX has long been popular, but it is not a true three-row family SUV. The TX solves that problem with real third-row utility, generous cargo capacity, and a more relaxed family layout.
The 2026 TX offers three powertrains, including a PHEV paired with a V6 engine. Lexus lists 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a starting MSRP of $57,090 including delivery, processing, and handling. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on all 2026 TX models.
The TX 350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The TX 500h F SPORT Performance adds a stronger hybrid setup. The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid is the premium family play, especially for households that can charge at home.
The reason the TX works is not just that it has three rows. It is that it feels designed around families who need those rows often. School runs, grandparents, sports bags, strollers, road trips, and airport runs all make more sense in a TX than in a two-row SUV.
The TX is the Lexus for families who refuse to treat comfort as a compromise.
Best for: families of four to seven, road-trip households, grandparents, carpool duty, and buyers comparing luxury three-row SUVs.
The catch: the TX is larger than the RX and NX. California buyers should think about garage fit, parking, and whether they truly need a three-row vehicle every week.
4. Lexus UX 300h: Best Entry-Level and City Lexus
The Lexus UX 300h is the most accessible 2026 Lexus and one of the easiest Lexus models to justify for city life. It is not the roomiest Lexus. It is not the fastest. But it is efficient, premium, manageable, and easy to live with.
The 2026 UX 300h is hybrid-only in the U.S. and starts at $38,250 including delivery, processing, and handling. Lexus says it uses a fifth-generation hybrid system with 196 total system horsepower.
Fuel economy is the UX’s strongest argument. Lexus lists a manufacturer-estimated 43 mpg combined rating for FWD models and 41 mpg combined for AWD models. That gives it an obvious role for California drivers who want a premium badge, good efficiency, and a small footprint.
In practical terms, the UX 300h is closer to a premium urban crossover than a full SUV. That is not a weakness if you mostly drive in the city, commute alone or with one passenger, and value parking ease over maximum cargo capacity.
For city life, the UX 300h is the Lexus that makes the most financial and practical sense: efficient, easy to live with, and premium without excess.
Best for: first luxury-car buyers, city drivers, singles, couples, high-fuel-cost commuters, and buyers who want the lowest-cost new Lexus entry point.
The catch: cargo and rear-seat room are limited compared with the NX, RX, and TX.
5. Lexus ES: Best Professional Commuter and Executive Sedan
The redesigned 2026 Lexus ES gives Lexus a fresh sedan story at a time when many luxury shoppers have moved toward SUVs. That makes the ES more interesting, not less. It is for buyers who still value a quiet, elegant, comfortable sedan and do not need SUV height.
For 2026, the ES adds first-ever battery-electric ES models, with the ES 350h hybrid joining the lineup. Lexus says the ES 350e has a 307-mile EPA-estimated total driving range with standard 19-inch wheels. The ES 500e adds dual motors, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, 338 hp, and an estimated 0–60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The 2026 ES also debuts a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch driver display, and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0.
This creates a useful split. The ES 350h is likely the safer recommendation for drivers who do not have reliable home or workplace charging. The ES 350e makes sense for EV-ready commuters who want Lexus quietness and a predictable daily routine. The ES 500e is the more powerful AWD EV option.
The ES remains the quiet professional’s Lexus, but 2026 turns it into a serious electrified luxury sedan story.
Best for: professionals, executives, long-distance commuters, sedan loyalists, and buyers who want calm luxury instead of SUV bulk.
The catch: EV versions are strongest for drivers with dependable charging. Without that, the hybrid is easier to recommend.
6. Lexus RZ: Best Improved Lexus EV
The Lexus RZ is no longer just “the electric Lexus.” For 2026, it becomes a more serious EV contender thanks to revised powertrains, improved range, and NACS charging.
The 2026 RZ lineup includes the RZ 350e FWD, RZ 450e AWD, and RZ 550e F SPORT AWD. Lexus says the revised BEV system includes new battery and eAxle updates, while the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD introduces an electronic M Mode with virtual manual gear shifting.
Range depends heavily on configuration. Lexus lists a manufacturer-estimated driving range of about 301 miles for the RZ 350e FWD, 264 miles for the RZ 450e AWD with 18-inch tires, and 229 miles for the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD with 20-inch tires.
The RZ 350e is the practical pick because range matters more than bragging rights for most EV buyers. The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD is more emotional and performance-focused, but it gives up range. That trade-off should be clear before signing.
The RZ is no longer just Lexus’ first EV. It is now a more credible California luxury EV for buyers who value comfort, Lexus build quality, and home charging over maximum range bragging rights.
Best for: EV-curious Lexus loyalists, home-charging households, tech-forward professionals, and California drivers with predictable commutes.
The catch: compare real-world range, charging access, and lease terms carefully. The most powerful version is not the most efficient one.
7. Lexus GX 550: Best Adventure and Outdoor-Lifestyle Lexus
The Lexus GX is the best 2026 Lexus for drivers who want genuine SUV capability, not just SUV styling. It is body-on-frame, rugged, upright, and built for buyers whose weekends may involve snow, dirt, towing, camping, trails, or mountain roads.
The 2026 GX carries a starting MSRP of $66,935 including delivery, processing, and handling. Lexus positions it with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 and six available grades.
Capability is the point. The GX produces 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, offers full-time 4WD, and can tow up to 9,096 pounds in Overtrail grade with the standard tow hitch receiver. Overtrail and Overtrail+ models also add a one-inch suspension lift and 9.84 inches of minimum running ground clearance.
For California, the GX makes sense if your life points toward Tahoe, Mammoth, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, surf gear, camping equipment, ski weekends, towing, or unpaved access roads. It is not the cheapest commuter, but that is not its job.
The GX is the Lexus for Californians whose weekends point toward adventure, but who still want a quiet, premium cabin Monday through Friday.
Best for: outdoor families, towing needs, off-road buyers, ski trips, camping, and luxury SUV shoppers who want real hardware.
The catch: fuel economy and daily maneuverability are not NX-like. Buy the GX for capability, not maximum efficiency.
8. Lexus LX: Best Flagship Lexus SUV
The Lexus LX is the flagship SUV choice. It is expensive, large, capable, and intentionally premium. This is not the value pick in the conventional sense. It is the Lexus for buyers who want presence, luxury, and serious SUV underpinnings.
The 2026 LX starts at $107,950 including delivery, processing, and handling. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard across the LX lineup.
The LX 700h hybrid produces 457 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, while the LX 600 uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Lexus says both LX 600 and LX 700h can tow up to 8,000 pounds.
The LX is for buyers who want the commanding Lexus SUV experience without pretending they are shopping on entry-level terms. It is best understood as a flagship, not a budget-conscious family hauler.
Best for: executives, high-income families, luxury SUV loyalists, towing needs, and buyers who want flagship presence.
The catch: size, price, and fuel use make it less practical for dense daily commuting.
9. Lexus IS 350 F SPORT: Best Driving-Focused Lexus Sedan
The 2026 Lexus IS is the compact sport-sedan choice for buyers who still want a more personal driving feel than a crossover can offer. The lineup is now focused around the IS 350, with F SPORT Design and F SPORT grades.
The IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with RWD and AWD availability. RWD models use an eight-speed automatic, while AWD models use a six-speed automatic. It also gets standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen.
The IS is not the most practical Lexus, but it has a clear identity. It is for drivers who want a compact luxury sedan with a naturally aspirated V6 character and a stronger connection to the road than the typical crossover.
Best for: sport-sedan loyalists, single professionals, enthusiasts, and buyers who do not need SUV cargo space.
The catch: it is less practical than NX or RX, and the 2026 lineup is narrower than in past years.
10. Lexus LC 500: Best Emotional Lexus
The Lexus LC 500 is the Lexus you buy with your heart and justify with craftsmanship. It is not trying to be the most practical Lexus. It is the design and grand-touring statement of the lineup.
The 2026 LC 500 starts at $101,700 including delivery, processing, and handling. Lexus also says the 2026 Inspiration Series returns with 200 units for North America.
The LC 500 keeps the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, producing 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Lexus lists a 0–60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating.
This is the weekend-drive Lexus, the design-lover Lexus, the “I still care how a car makes me feel” Lexus. It is not the sensible family recommendation. That is why it works.
Best for: design lovers, collectors, couples, weekend drivers, and buyers who want a grand-touring coupe.
The catch: expensive, low-volume, and not family-practical.
11. Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition: Best Collector Sedan
The 2026 Lexus LS is less a mainstream sedan recommendation and more a final-year flagship moment. Lexus unveiled the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition as a final-year tribute to the sedan that launched the brand.
The 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition is limited to 250 units in the United States and starts at $99,280 including delivery, processing, and handling.
That makes it a specialist choice. A buyer shopping for pure practicality should probably look at ES, RX, or TX. A buyer who understands Lexus history may see the LS Heritage Edition differently.
Best for: collectors, Lexus loyalists, executives, and buyers who want a rare final-year flagship sedan.
The catch: limited availability and high pricing make it a niche choice.
Best 2026 Lexus Models for California Drivers
California changes the Lexus conversation because fuel costs, traffic, parking, charging access, and incentives all matter.
For most California drivers, the easiest recommendations are Lexus hybrids. They deliver efficiency without asking you to change your routine. You do not need to install a charger, plan around public charging, or think about EV range every day. You simply drive.
The strongest no-lifestyle-change Lexus hybrids are the UX 300h, NX 350h, RX 350h, and ES 350h.
These models are especially useful for commuters, families, and professionals who want lower fuel consumption without committing to a full EV.
Best Plug-In Hybrid Lexus Models
The best Lexus plug-in hybrid choices are the NX 450h+, RX 450h+, and TX 550h+.
A plug-in hybrid works best if you can charge at home or at work. Without regular charging, the financial advantage becomes less convincing. With regular charging, a PHEV can cover many local trips on electric power while keeping gas flexibility for longer drives.
For California buyers, that flexibility can be valuable. You can handle weekday errands and commutes with electric driving when conditions allow, but still take longer trips without relying entirely on public charging.
Best Lexus EV Choices
The strongest Lexus EV choices are the ES 350e, RZ 350e, ES 500e, RZ 450e, and RZ 550e F SPORT AWD.
For California drivers with predictable commutes and home charging, the ES 350e and RZ 350e make the most practical sense. For drivers who want AWD or more performance, ES 500e and RZ 450e are worth a look. The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD is the emotional EV pick, but range drops compared with the RZ 350e.
The key is charging access. A Lexus EV is much easier to recommend if you can charge at home, charge at work, or reliably use nearby charging stations without disrupting your week.
California Incentives and HOV Reality Check
Do not assume that a 2026 EV or plug-in hybrid automatically comes with the same incentive story buyers remember from a few years ago.
Federal clean-vehicle purchase credits have changed, and buyers should verify current eligibility before making any financial decision. California’s old Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is also no longer a general rebate path for new applications.
California solo HOV access is no longer a general EV or plug-in hybrid perk either. The Clean Air Vehicle decal program has ended, meaning drivers must follow posted occupancy and toll rules.
There are still targeted California clean-vehicle programs for eligible lower-income consumers and priority populations, but those programs have specific requirements. They should be checked carefully before assuming eligibility.
The practical takeaway is simple: choose a Lexus hybrid, PHEV, or EV because it fits your driving life and numbers, not because you assume old incentives still apply.
Should You Lease or Buy a 2026 Lexus?
Leasing can make a lot of sense with Lexus models because technology, incentives, residual values, interest rates, and inventory conditions can change quickly. That is especially true for EVs and plug-in hybrids, where charging standards, battery improvements, and market pricing are still moving.
Buying may make more sense if you keep vehicles for a long time and want long-term ownership stability. Leasing may make more sense if you like changing vehicles every few years, want lower commitment, or want to let the market absorb some long-term uncertainty.
For California shoppers, working with a broker can also save time. 021 Auto Leasing helps clients source vehicles, compare options, structure lease terms, and avoid wasting time calling multiple dealerships.
For current Lexus lease pricing, do not compare against random outdated lease ads. Check 021 Auto Leasing’s current offers or ask the team to source the specific Lexus model, trim, color, mileage allowance, and term you want.
Best 2026 Lexus by Buyer Type
For most buyers: Lexus RX 350h
For smart-value luxury shoppers: Lexus NX 350h
For families: Lexus TX 350 or TX 550h+
For city drivers: Lexus UX 300h
For professional commuters: Lexus ES 350h or ES 350e
For EV-ready households: Lexus RZ 350e or ES 350e
For outdoor families: Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
For flagship SUV buyers: Lexus LX 600 or LX 700h
For driving enthusiasts: Lexus IS 350 F SPORT
For weekend drivers: Lexus LC 500
For collectors: Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition
Pros and Cons of the 2026 Lexus Lineup
Pros
Lexus gives buyers more powertrain choice than ever. You can choose gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV depending on the model. That flexibility is especially useful in California, where one household may need a hybrid commuter, a family SUV, and an EV-ready second vehicle.
The brand also enters 2026 with strong dependability credibility. Lexus has long been associated with durability and low-stress ownership, and that reputation remains one of the biggest reasons shoppers choose the brand.
The lineup is also unusually lifestyle-complete. UX, NX, RX, TX, ES, RZ, GX, LX, IS, LC, and LS all serve different buyers instead of overlapping completely.
Cons
The Lexus lineup can be confusing because several models now offer multiple powertrain paths. A shopper comparing RX 350, RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h may need help understanding which one actually fits their use case.
EV and PHEV incentives are also less generous and less predictable than many buyers assume. Charging access matters more than the badge. A great EV on paper can become frustrating if you cannot charge conveniently.
Finally, some of the most desirable Lexus models can become expensive quickly. GX, LX, LC, LS, RX PHEV, and TX PHEV buyers should look closely at real transaction price, lease structure, mileage allowance, taxes, and fees before deciding.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best 2026 Lexus?
The best 2026 Lexus for most buyers is the Lexus RX, especially the RX 350h or RX 450h+ if efficiency matters. It is popular for a reason: it balances comfort, size, technology, efficiency options, and everyday luxury better than almost anything else in the Lexus lineup.
The best value pick is the Lexus NX 350h. It is the smart California crossover for buyers who want premium comfort, strong fuel economy, and easier parking than a midsize SUV.
The best family Lexus is the TX. If you need a true third row, do not force the RX to do a TX job.
The best entry Lexus is the UX 300h. It is efficient, accessible, and ideal for city life.
The best professional commuter is the ES, especially the ES 350h for low-hassle efficiency or ES 350e for drivers with home charging.
The best Lexus EV is the RZ 350e for practical electric use, while the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD is the more emotional EV choice.
The best adventure Lexus is the GX, the best flagship SUV is the LX, the best emotional Lexus is the LC 500, and the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition is the collector’s farewell.
The best 2026 Lexus is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one that fits your real life.
For help finding or leasing the right Lexus in California, contact 021 Auto Leasing at +1 805 888 8021 or visit 021autoleasing.com to ask the team to source the exact model, trim, color, mileage allowance, and lease structure you want.
FAQ
What is the best 2026 Lexus overall?
The best 2026 Lexus overall is the Lexus RX, especially the RX 350h for hybrid efficiency or RX 450h+ for buyers who can use plug-in charging. It offers the strongest mix of comfort, practicality, popularity, and powertrain choice.
What is the best 2026 Lexus for the money?
The Lexus NX 350h is the best value pick for many buyers. It is efficient, premium, city-friendly, and less expensive than larger Lexus SUVs while still feeling like a true luxury crossover.
What is the best 2026 Lexus for families?
The Lexus TX is the best family Lexus because it offers a true three-row layout, useful cargo space, and family-focused comfort. The RX is excellent for smaller families, but the TX is better if you regularly need the third row.
What is the most fuel-efficient 2026 Lexus SUV?
The Lexus UX 300h is one of the most efficient Lexus SUV and crossover choices, with manufacturer-estimated combined fuel economy of 43 mpg for FWD models and 41 mpg for AWD models. The NX 350h is also very efficient, with up to 40 mpg combined in FWD form.
Is the 2026 Lexus RX better than the NX?
The RX is better if you want more room, a more substantial midsize SUV feel, and broader powertrain choices. The NX is better if you want a smaller, easier-to-park luxury crossover with strong fuel economy and a lower entry point.
Is the 2026 Lexus TX bigger than the RX?
Yes. The TX is the better choice if you need three rows and more family cargo flexibility. The RX is a two-row luxury SUV and works better for buyers who do not need regular third-row seating.
Should California buyers choose a Lexus hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV?
Most California buyers should start with a hybrid if they want efficiency without changing their routine. A plug-in hybrid makes sense if you can charge at home or work. A full EV makes sense if your commute is predictable and charging access is reliable.
Do 2026 Lexus EVs still qualify for federal EV tax credits?
Do not assume they do. Federal clean vehicle credit rules have changed, and buyers should verify current eligibility before making a decision.
Does California still offer Clean Air Vehicle HOV decals?
No. California’s Clean Air Vehicle decal program has ended, so drivers should follow posted HOV occupancy and toll rules.
Where can I find Lexus lease deals in California?
For current Lexus lease options, contact 021 Auto Leasing directly. Lease pricing changes with inventory, credit, mileage allowance, term, taxes, fees, and incentives, so the most accurate quote is model-specific and time-sensitive.
Related 021 resources: Lexus NX lease guide, Lexus RX 350 pricing guide, current lease deals.
