Lexus sprouted as a luxury boutique branch from the tree of a very graceful and well-established automaker, Toyota. Since the 1980s, Lexus has produced only quality cars, enriched with top tech features, safety equipment, and unparalleled luxury.
Apart from quality and matchless reliability, how do Lexus cars fares as a daily runner? Let’s discuss the 3 best Lexus for daily driving, based on utility, features, safety, economy, and convenience.
Lexus is not just about big luxury cars and the gas-guzzling premium segment vehicles. The brand has adapted with time and has included various fuel-efficient cars in its lineup, without compromise on quality. Its vehicles have the latest technology, all the convenience features, with top performance and fuel efficiency.
1. Lexus UX
The first and most eligible Lexus for daily driving is the UX. Not only is it a stylish compact crossover that is ideal for intra-city usage, but has ample cargo space, driver convenience & assistance features, and the most important of all, superb fuel economy.
Lexus UX as a daily driver
UX has a lot of qualities that make it ideal for daily usage and is an ideal commute partner. Here’s why;
- Equipped with a 2.0L hybrid engine, which is rated at a superb 39 MPG fuel economy, ideal for city commuting and light on the pocket.
- Compact size, ample storage spaces, wireless charging for the phone, and multiple connectivity options enhance the daily driving experience.
- With a handy turning radius of only 17 feet, you will never get stuck anywhere.
- Unlock the UX’s power tailgate with the kick sensor if you’ve your hands full.
- Different drive modes based on your mood and needs, will keep you moving as you desire.
- A smart heads-up display to keep your focus on the busy roads all the time, and memory seats to keep the interior ready for you, as per your settings.
- Safety and assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, reversing camera, and rear cross-traffic alert keep you safe and confident on the daily basis.
All these features and aspects make it a great choice and one of the best Lexus for daily driving.
Price: $36,400
Which Year Lexus UX is Ideal to Buy for Daily Driving?
Although, you should go for a brand-new car, as it would be trouble-free and offer extended warranty coverage. But the Lexus UX would be the ideal year to buy, as it would cost less than the new car, would have only a few miles on it, and will remain trouble-free for years to come.
Cargo and Space
Lexus UX has ample cargo space for your day-to-day and long journey requirements. The highly configurable cargo area and multiple storage spaces at the front have always got you covered.
Standard cargo space: 21.7 cubic feet
Modified cargo space (with rear seats folded): 40.4 cubic feet
Insurance cost: it would cost you $1,650 to get insurance for your Lexus UX for a year.
Equipment and Features
Lexus UX is loaded with a variety of tech and driver assistance features, not to forget the range of premium equipment it has.
- Leather interior with heated, ventilated seats included with memory function.
- Heads up display and wireless charging for phone.
- Power trunk door with kick sensor.
- Digital cluster gauge with multiple driving modes.
- 10” multimedia screen and high-quality sound system.
- Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and other driver assistance equipment.
- ALEXA-assisted voice command function.
Best Engine and Trim
The best trim to choose is the Lexus UX 250h AWD with a 2.0L hybrid engine. Neither is it too costly nor sporty for normal daily usage, and has ample technology and features to drive you around with a superb hybrid powertrain.
Also read: What’s A High Mileage for A Lexus? The Facts!
2. Lexus IS
Since 1999, Lexus IS has been the face of the brand. One of the most loved compact sedans in the luxury segment, Lexus sold over 1million of these in the US alone. Packed with a powerful engine, sleek styling, comfortable interior, and best-in-class reliability, a Lexus IS is a top contender for the best daily driving Lexus.
Lexus IS as a Daily Driver
Lexus IS the direct competitor to German compact sedans and holds its head high in the race of the best daily drivers.
- IS boasts high reliability and long-term durability, making it a perfect choice for daily use.
- It has loads of driver assistance and tech features, such as an interactive multimedia display, 3 driving modes, and paddle shifters.
- Lexus IS has enough cargo space to meet the daily storage needs, with added support from interior storage bins.
- Convenience features such as adaptive cruise control, reverse camera, and wireless connectivity for an enhanced daily driving experience.
- Powerful drivetrain with time-tested dependability to meet your daily commute requirements.
- A comfortable adaptive suspension, 8-way adjustable heated seats, parking sensors for convenient usage on daily basis.
Price: A Lexus IS would cost an average of $26,000 for the 2015 model.
Which Year Lexus IS is Ideal to Buy for Daily Driving?
After getting a major revamp and equipment upgrade, the 2015 model Lexus IS would be the ideal choice as a daily driver.
Cargo and Space
The 2015 Lexus IS has a class-leading cargo space of 10.8 cubic feet, which can be increased by folding the rear seats, which retract in a 60/40 split.
Insurance Cost: The cost to get insurance for a 2015 Lexus IS would be $1,350 per annum.
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Equipment and Features
Lexus IS has loads of equipment, to match the class and genre of the vehicle and its heritage.
- 8-way power-adjustable heated seats.
- Electronic stability control, one-touch power windows, and automatic dual-zone climate control.
- Safety equipment includes 8 airbags, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and rear guide camera.
- Digital multimedia with wireless connectivity, and premium Mark Levinson sound system.
- Some optional packages are also available for further convenience and enhanced luxury.
Best Engine and Trim
The best among the lot is the 2015 Lexus IS 250, with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
Also read: Lexus vs BMW: Here’s What’s Better for You
3. Lexus NX
Another crossover in the list of the best daily driving Lexus vehicles is the Lexus NX. Offered in different trims and options, loaded with a range of safety equipment and driver assistance features, an NX can be your perfect Lexus for daily driving, with a hybrid powertrain offering peace of pocket.
Lexus NX as a Daily Driver
Lexus NX has all these capabilities to quality as the best daily driving premium vehicle;
- Compact size and tons of convenience features to make it easy to use daily, such as pre-set memory seats with heating.
- Smart entry/exit, and keyless rear door opening for easy frequent usage.
- Latest safety equipment for enhanced protection during daily usage, such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear-cross traffic alert, reverse camera with panoramic view and sensors.
- Hybrid powertrain provides a class-leading 49 MPG mileage, to be an economical daily runner, enriched with luxury and comfort.
- For convenience, wireless connectivity, multimedia steering, 3D heads-up display are added as standard on h trims.
Price: Expect to pay $40,000 for a well-loaded Lexus NX.
Which Year Lexus NX is Ideal to Buy for Daily Driving?
A 2019 Lexus NX would be the perfect choice as a daily running luxury crossover. It would be less costly than a brand-new car, still have its extended warranty, fewer miles on the odometer, and no mechanical issues if a good purchase is made.
Cargo and Space
Being a crossover, Lexus NX offers ample storage space and cargo solutions for daily usage, and long journeys as well.
Standard cargo space: 17.7 cubic feet
Modified cargo space (with rear seats folded): 54.6 cubic feet
Insurance Cost: $1,750 is the annual insurance cost of a Lexus NX.
Equipment and Features
Lexus NX has an array of enhanced features and equipment for a premium driving experience.
- Lexus Safety System + 3.0, an array of highly advanced safety features to keep you safe on the road.
- Rearview camera with panoramic view, and dynamic guidelines.
- Leatherite upholstery, smart digital cluster with a heads-up display.
- Mark Levinson premium sound system.
- Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, cross traffic alert, and pedestrian detection system.
Best Engine and Trim
The most suitable option for a daily runner would be the Lexus NX 350h AWD, packed with a 2.5L hybrid engine. It has the majority of features offered as standard, and a powertrain that’s frugal on the fuel (49 MPG).
