Lexus Is Irrelevant

4,757 Views | 86 Replies | Last: 2 hrs ago by JAW3336
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:14a, 2/14/26
AG
Buddy and I have been talking about this. Kind of wild to me how irrelevant they are now. Lexus has now discontinued the following cars:

- GS
- LS
- LC
- RC (never liked this one anyway)
- IS 500 (V8)

They are keeping the most boring of their cars (the ES) and an underpowered IS. Thus, they've fully exited the luxury and performance car categories and are moving to an SUV and EV strategy. The ES is shifting to a 100% EV car so I guess it will be faster, but I'm sure no less boring.

I remember a day when the LS was one of the premier flagship sedans on the road and now I probably haven't seen one in five years.

Their current lineup of SUV's are hideous looking as well. The only models people seem to care about are the GX and LX.
Reply Quote
6
1 edit
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:14a, 2/14/26
AG
2025 was their best sales year ever in the US, so I'm not sure "irrelevant" applies. I agree it's lame they cancelled the GS and all their sportier sedans, but those didn't sell very well, something other automakers are dealing with as well.

Apparently people like crossover SUV's. Their best sellers in order last year were the RX (113k), NX (77k), and TX (57k). The TX in third place sold almost as many as all their cars combined. The LS, ES, LC, IS, and RC combined sold 63k. The ES was 40k and IS 20k. The LS, RC, and LC getting cut accounted for about 3600 sales combined last year.
Reply Quote
9
Kaiser von Wilhelm
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:24a, 2/14/26
I have a 2017 NX. Most boring vehicle ive ever driven, but it has been rock solid with not a single issue. The interior is comfortable and it is incredibly practical as a crossover. I only bought it for my extended traveling work trips, but find myself driving it a lot more than my BMW for day to day activities.

Overall, even though it is boring and not an exciting vehicle in literally anyway, it is my preferred vehicle and ended up being a solid pickup I don't regret, as it is a perfect mix of dependability and practicality.
Reply Quote
4
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to GAC06 • 10:27a, 2/14/26
AG
Yeah, the overall cratering of the sedan market is certainly at play here. They are following the pack on that.

Coincidentally, I started this thread and then saw this article after I posted it: https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/sedans-cars-trucks-detroit-afb034ee?st=2HyR7A&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Quote:
Passenger cars, which commanded half of new-vehicle sales 15 years ago, accounted for only 18% of the U.S. market in 2025, according to Motor Intelligence data. Sales of small and midsize cars fell 9% last year from the year before.

That's a crazy fall. I guess they are openly embracing the old people market by focusing on the ES. As someone looking to get a new car next year, my choices are going to be very limited. I do not need a truck or SUV.





Reply Quote
1
txyaloo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:44a, 2/14/26
AG
I think Genesis has been filling that gap. I see a lot of G70/G80 sedans on the road that would have traditionally been a Lexus.

They're moving forward with producing the Magma lineup which should help fill that higher performance gap they currently have.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/genesis-g80-magma-is-far-more-serious-than-we-expected

https://www.genesis.com/it/en/concept-car/magma/

This looks much better than the current M5.

Reply Quote
8
Bibendum 86
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to txyaloo • 10:59a, 2/14/26
AG
txyaloo said:
I think Genesis has been filling that gap. I see a lot of G70/G80 sedans on the road that would have traditionally been a Lexus.

They're moving forward with producing the Magma lineup which should help fill that higher performance gap they currently have.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/genesis-g80-magma-is-far-more-serious-than-we-expected

https://www.genesis.com/it/en/concept-car/magma/

This looks much better than the current M5.


I had three straight BMW sedans as my daily driver (learned after the first to trade them as soon as the warranty lapsed). Wanted to stick with a RWD sedan and planned to upgrade to a 7 series for number 4 but that version was just weird. Was about to pull the trigger on an LS460 when I read about the Genesis G90 - test drove it and bought it on the spot. Eight years later hands down the best car I've ever owned.
Reply Quote
8
nealan
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:48a, 2/14/26
Are all these genesis cars going electric ?
Reply Quote
Buck Turgidson
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 12:27p, 2/14/26
YouBet said:
Yeah, the overall cratering of the sedan market is certainly at play here. They are following the pack on that.

Coincidentally, I started this thread and then saw this article after I posted it: https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/sedans-cars-trucks-detroit-afb034ee?st=2HyR7A&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Quote:
Passenger cars, which commanded half of new-vehicle sales 15 years ago, accounted for only 18% of the U.S. market in 2025, according to Motor Intelligence data. Sales of small and midsize cars fell 9% last year from the year before.

That's a crazy fall. I guess they are openly embracing the old people market by focusing on the ES. As someone looking to get a new car next year, my choices are going to be very limited. I do not need a truck or SUV.







Looks like the Camry is the last buggy whip on the market. The winner of the sedan market as the sedan market is nearing the end.
Reply Quote
1
Buck Turgidson
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:31p, 2/14/26
We have owned two Lexus vehicles in the past but have no interest in any current models. The new ones are probably still very reliable but are unattractive, boring and expensive.
Reply Quote
3rd Platoon
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:34p, 2/14/26
AG
IMO, the G70 is the best looking sedan on the market. It's a gorgeous looking car.
Reply Quote
2
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Bibendum 86 • 1:58p, 2/14/26
AG
Certainly does. I do not like the current generation of BMW at all. I can't put my finger on it but they are very bland looking to me.
Reply Quote
1
drumboy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:28p, 2/14/26
AG
LX keeps them relevant
Reply Quote
txyaloo
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 2:46p, 2/14/26
AG
YouBet said:
Certainly does. I do not like the current generation of BMW at all. I can't put my finger on it but they are very bland looking to me.

For me, it's the massive grilles and change to the DRLs. BMW DRLs used to look distinct. Now they're just two chevrons. The "new klasse" design language is better. I like the throwback to the 2002/e30 front ends, but the headlights are still boring and the side profile of the ix3 is boring.



Reply Quote
1agswitchin4lanes
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to txyaloo • 2:52p, 2/14/26
AG
txyaloo said:
I think Genesis has been filling that gap. I see a lot of G70/G80 sedans on the road that would have traditionally been a Lexus.

They're moving forward with producing the Magma lineup which should help fill that higher performance gap they currently have.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/genesis-g80-magma-is-far-more-serious-than-we-expected

https://www.genesis.com/it/en/concept-car/magma/

This looks much better than the current M5.



Agreed
Reply Quote
1
Bigballin
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:04p, 2/14/26
AG
General Motors continues to crush Ford in truck sales
Reply Quote
2
1 edit
TXAG 05
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 4:26p, 2/14/26
AG
YouBet said:
Yeah, the overall cratering of the sedan market is certainly at play here. They are following the pack on that.

Coincidentally, I started this thread and then saw this article after I posted it: https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/sedans-cars-trucks-detroit-afb034ee?st=2HyR7A&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Quote:
Passenger cars, which commanded half of new-vehicle sales 15 years ago, accounted for only 18% of the U.S. market in 2025, according to Motor Intelligence data. Sales of small and midsize cars fell 9% last year from the year before.

That's a crazy fall. I guess they are openly embracing the old people market by focusing on the ES. As someone looking to get a new car next year, my choices are going to be very limited. I do not need a truck or SUV.







Have never understood how the Tesla Y is considered an SUV. Because it has a hatchback?
Reply Quote
1
permabull
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to TXAG 05 • 6:52a, 2/15/26
AG
TXAG 05 said:
YouBet said:
Yeah, the overall cratering of the sedan market is certainly at play here. They are following the pack on that.

Coincidentally, I started this thread and then saw this article after I posted it: https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/sedans-cars-trucks-detroit-afb034ee?st=2HyR7A&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Quote:
Passenger cars, which commanded half of new-vehicle sales 15 years ago, accounted for only 18% of the U.S. market in 2025, according to Motor Intelligence data. Sales of small and midsize cars fell 9% last year from the year before.

That's a crazy fall. I guess they are openly embracing the old people market by focusing on the ES. As someone looking to get a new car next year, my choices are going to be very limited. I do not need a truck or SUV.







Have never understood how the Tesla Y is considered an SUV. Because it has a hatchback?


Crossovers like the rav4 and crv on that list are basically hatch backs with more head room. They are closer to a sedan than what was once considered an SUV (body on frame)
Reply Quote
2
MouthBQ98
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:51a, 2/15/26
AG
The sedan and coupe have lost ground to the public acceptance of the crossover SUV regarding vehicle styling and utility. Lexius has a TON of competition in the upscale luxury vehicle sector. All sorts of EV and hybrid entries from Tesla and others have flooded that market and reduced opportunities there. That's pretty much what it is.
Reply Quote
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to MouthBQ98 • 8:56a, 2/15/26
AG
MouthBQ98 said:
The sedan and coupe have lost ground to the public acceptance of the crossover SUV regarding vehicle styling and utility. Lexius has a TON of competition in the upscale luxury vehicle sector. All sorts of EV and hybrid entries from Tesla and others have flooded that market and reduced opportunities there. That's pretty much what it is.


I think they catered too long to the old demographic as well and those people have aged out. They had no customer bench to take the torch.

As someone else said, Genesis basically took that segment, I think. Early on Genesis flat out copied Lexus then hired the BMW design people and added performance and styling to their already quality/reliable Lexus like brand.

It's the best combination of quality/reliability and performance/style on the market now for the upscale luxury segment. IOW, what Lexus used to be.
Reply Quote
1
DannyDuberstein
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:57a, 2/15/26
AG
You left out "sedans" in your title. Lexus just knows where to make the $$$ and it isn't in cranking out sedans most people don't want
Reply Quote
3
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 10:00a, 2/15/26
AG
Quote:
They had no customer bench to take the torch.


Did you miss the part where I pointed out 2025 was their best sales ever? Obviously they have customers.

In fact, Lexus absolutely dominates the Japanese/Korean luxury brands.

2025 US sales

Lexus 370k
Genesis 82k
Acura 133k
Infiniti 53k
Reply Quote
11
1 edit
Silvy
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:59a, 2/15/26
AG
Appliance cars
Reply Quote
3
CenterHillAg
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:16a, 2/15/26
AG
I don't think you can say they're irrelevant when all they've done is adjust to market demands, and continue to dominate the market they compete in. Out of our friend/family circle, I can think of one wife that has recently bought a Lexus ES, every other woman drives an SUV or truck. There are a few sedans, and they're all commuters for men.

Unfortunately the sedan market seems to have become almost exclusively a commuter vehicle for middle aged men, myself included, and that's not a market I see manufacturers putting much effort into if they think they can push them into crossovers/suvs as well. I'd love to get another sedan when my Jetta craps out, but realistically a hybrid Maverick checks all the boxes I need as an economical commuter with the ability to carry gas cans and propane as well.
Reply Quote
3
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to GAC06 • 11:55a, 2/15/26
AG
GAC06 said:
Quote:
They had no customer bench to take the torch.


Did you miss the part where I pointed out 2025 was their best sales ever? Obviously they have customers.

In fact, Lexus absolutely dominates the Japanese/Korean luxury brands.

2025 US sales

Lexus 370k
Genesis 82k
Acura 133k
Infiniti 53k

Well, I guess I must have but most of those sales are likely the SUVs or they wouldn't be killing all of their car models but 2 of them.
Reply Quote
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 12:08p, 2/15/26
AG
Yeah as I said, the models getting dropped (LS, LC, RC) combined sold less than 4000 last year. People want SUV's.
Reply Quote
4
TitanAGGIE09
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:00p, 2/15/26
AG
Only TexAgs can you find someone calling one of the premier brands, for a premiere manufacturer and the upper echelon of dealership ownership goals as irrelevant.
Reply Quote
18
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to TitanAGGIE09 • 1:09p, 2/15/26
AG
TitanAGGIE09 said:
Only TexAgs can you find someone calling one of the premier brands, for a premiere manufacturer and the upper echelon of dealership ownership goals as irrelevant.


Dude, I was referring to the fact that they have discontinued most of their cars. Their cars are irrelevant or they would still be making them.
Reply Quote
1
HDeathstar
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:59p, 2/15/26
Sedans are being replaced by crossovers. In traffic, people like to sit a little higher. SUVs/crossovers are riding smoother like cars. All these decrease the sales of sedans. Sedans will come back due to the high cost of cars.

Some of the luxury sedans lost ground to tesla. People that probably would have moved to lexus as their next car, may have bought a tesla, or other interesting car. Lexus still gets the Toyota devotees upgrade business. Those people want a luxury brand, but only trust toyota, thus they get a lexus.

I am probably one of them. However, I will probably buy three cars in the next two years for different people with different needs, and I am having trouble finding any new toyota or Lexus that I like (smaller, smaller engines, or hybrid). Odd times. Toyota/Lexus needs to make a SUV that fits 4 people over 6 feet tall with ample storage room. How hard is that.
Reply Quote
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 2:18p, 2/15/26
AG
According to this they also had the best selling luxury sedan in the US last year, the ES. Irrelevant.

https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2025-u-s-auto-sales-figures-by-model-all-vehicle-ranked-2/
Reply Quote
1
DannyDuberstein
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 2:18p, 2/15/26
AG
YouBet said:
TitanAGGIE09 said:
Only TexAgs can you find someone calling one of the premier brands, for a premiere manufacturer and the upper echelon of dealership ownership goals as irrelevant.


Dude, I was referring to the fact that they have discontinued most of their cars. Their cars are irrelevant or they would still be making them.


Most gas sedans are irrelevant.
Reply Quote
6
1 edit
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to HDeathstar • 2:22p, 2/15/26
AG
I realize I'm probably sounding like a Lexus salesman but have you been in a Grand Highlander or TX? Ample interior space. TX with second row captains chairs (and I assume the GH too if that's an option) is plenty space for people over six feet, plus a third row that can fit adults and more space behind. Tons of space if the third row is folded down. I'm 6'1" and drove one a couple weeks ago but my wife wants a GX.
Reply Quote
1 edit
1996
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:41p, 2/15/26
AG
GX is a lot smaller on the inside compared to the TX. We have had a TX for a year and it is great. I love the way it looks, but when we test drove the GX it felt like driver and passenger were sitting right next to each other.
Reply Quote
Teslag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to YouBet • 5:50p, 2/15/26
AG
YouBet said:
TitanAGGIE09 said:
Only TexAgs can you find someone calling one of the premier brands, for a premiere manufacturer and the upper echelon of dealership ownership goals as irrelevant.


Dude, I was referring to the fact that they have discontinued most of their cars. Their cars are irrelevant or they would still be making them.


They aren't making them because no one wants sedans. It's not a Lexus problem, it's a you problem.
Reply Quote
2
YouBet
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Teslag • 5:51p, 2/15/26
AG
Teslag said:
YouBet said:
TitanAGGIE09 said:
Only TexAgs can you find someone calling one of the premier brands, for a premiere manufacturer and the upper echelon of dealership ownership goals as irrelevant.


Dude, I was referring to the fact that they have discontinued most of their cars. Their cars are irrelevant or they would still be making them.


They aren't making them because no one wants sedans. It's not a Lexus problem, it's a you problem.


Yes, we answered this yesterday.
Reply Quote
GAC06
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 1996 • 6:47p, 2/15/26
AG
1996 said:
GX is a lot smaller on the inside compared to the TX. We have had a TX for a year and it is great. I love the way it looks, but when we test drove the GX it felt like driver and passenger were sitting right next to each other.


Yeah, the TX is quite a bit roomier and more comfortable but happy wife happy life
Reply Quote
Last Page
Page 1 of 3 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.