Lexus has long been known for making some of the most luxurious and capable SUVs on the market. With strong V6 and V8 engines under the hood, their SUVs can confidently haul heavy loads when properly equipped. If you’re looking for an SUV that offers both refinement and robust towing capabilities, Lexus has several models that fit the bill.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at the key specs, features, and towing capacities of the most popular Lexus SUVs. Whether you’re looking to tow a boat, RV, trailer, or sports equipment, understanding the towing limits of each model will help you select the right one to meet your needs.
Overview of Lexus SUVs and Their Towing Capacities
Here’s a quick rundown of the main Lexus SUV models and their maximum towing capacities:
- Lexus NX: Up to 2,000 lbs
- Lexus RX: Up to 3,500 lbs
- Lexus GX: Up to 6,500 lbs
- Lexus LX: Up to 8,000 lbs
As you can see, there’s quite a range depending on which SUV you choose. The smallest NX crossover can pull lightweight trailers and cargo, while the full-size LX is a true towing powerhouse.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at each model.
2024 Lexus NX Towing Capacity
The Lexus NX is the most compact SUV in their lineup. It seats 5 passengers comfortably and comes standard with a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional.
With its nimble size and lighter curb weight, the NX is best suited for lightweight towing. It has a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lbs when properly equipped with a factory hitch and wiring. This allows you to tow small trailers, jet skis, ATVs, and more. Trying to push the limits beyond that is not recommended.
When it comes to hauling in the NX, you have up to 53.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. So packing the interior for road trips or outdoor adventures is easy. Overall, the NX strikes a nice balance of luxury, fuel efficiency, and light-duty towing capability.
Key NX Towing Specs:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs
- Curb Weight: 3,660 – 4,080 lbs
- Engine Options: 235-hp 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder or 239-hp 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
- Maximum Cargo Volume: 53.5 cubic feet
2023 Lexus RX Towing Capacity
Stepping up to the popular RX crossover opens up more robust towing capabilities. The standard gas-powered RX 350 is equipped with a 295-hp 3.5L V6 engine, while the RX 450h hybrid gets a combined 308 hp from its 3.5L V6 paired with electric motors.
When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity for both the RX 350 and RX 450h is 3,500 lbs. This allows you to confidently pull small campers, larger boats, enclosed trailers, and more. The RX has the power to handle moderate loads, just be careful not to regularly exceed its limits.
With a roomy interior and up to 56.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the RX also carries passengers and gear with ease. It’s a well-rounded package of luxury, performance, tech features, and enhanced towing capabilities.
Key RX Towing Specs:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs
- Curb Weight: 4,222 – 4,650 lbs
- Engine Options: 295-hp 3.5L V6 or 308-hp 3.5L V6 Hybrid
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
- Maximum Cargo Volume: 56.1 cubic feet
2023 Lexus GX Towing Capacity
When you need maximum towing power in a luxurious SUV package, the off-road-ready Lexus GX is a top choice. It comes standard with a 301-hp 4.6L V8 engine that can churn out 329 lb-ft of torque. This brute strength allows the GX to tow up to a whopping 6,500 lbs when properly equipped.
With high ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and advanced traction systems, the GX can traverse rugged terrain while confidently towing boats, RVs, ATV equipment, horse trailers, and more. Its body-on-frame construction gives it enhanced durability for off-road driving.
In addition to its stellar tow ratings, the Lexus GX provides up to 64.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats. Few competitors can match its unique blend of off-road capabilities, robust power, and luxury appointments.
Key GX Towing Specs:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 lbs
- Curb Weight: 5,130 – 5,200 lbs
- Engine: 301-hp 4.6L V8
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
- Maximum Cargo Volume: 64.7 cubic feet
2023 Lexus LX Towing Capacity
The flagship Lexus LX SUV sits atop the lineup when it comes to towing muscle. For 2023, it gains a new twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine that produces a stout 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new powerplant helps boost the LX’s towing capacity to a best-in-class 8,000 lbs when equipped properly.
With its sophisticated four-wheel drive system, adaptive suspension, and advanced traction aids, the LX can traverse rough terrain while towing heavy loads. Its maximum towing capabilities allow you to pull large campers, multiple vehicle trailers, heavy equipment, and more.
In addition to brute strength, the refined LX pampers passengers with soft leather seats, wood accents, and plenty of legroom. For overnight excursions, you get up to 71 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. This Lexus offers an unrivaled mix of luxury, passenger comfort, off-road performance, and towing muscle.
Key LX Towing Specs:
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,000 lbs
- Curb Weight: 5,890 – 6,000 lbs
- Engine: 409-hp 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
- Maximum Cargo Volume: 71 cubic feet
What Gives Lexus SUVs Strong Towing Capabilities?
There are a few core reasons why Lexus SUVs make such effective tow vehicles:
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Powerful V6 and V8 engines – With high horsepower and torque outputs, these engines provide plenty of muscle for towing heavy loads. Lexus performance engineering ensures maximum durability under stress.
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Advanced drivetrain technology – Standard full-time 4WD or available AWD systems improve traction and control, especially important when towing. Sophisticated traction control and stability systems enhance capabilities further.
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Robust body-on-frame construction – Heavier-duty frame construction on SUVs like the GX and LX improves towing stamina and long-term durability when hauling frequent heavy loads.
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Integrated towing features – Available factory tow packages add essentials like hitch receivers, wiring harnesses, transmission coolers, and upgraded alternators. This fully integrates the towing gear.
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Refined ride and handling – Even when loaded up, Lexus SUVs remain smooth and stable on the road thanks to finely tuned suspensions and advanced driver aids.
Important Towing Considerations for Lexus Models
While Lexus SUVs can confidently handle heavyweight loads when equipped properly, there are some key factors to keep in mind:
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Adhere closely to the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and tongue/weight distribution limits. Exceeding these can impact handling, braking, and drivetrain components.
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Use a weight distribution hitch and sway control for larger trailers. This transfers weight to the front axle and minimizes trailer sway.
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Equip your Lexus with a factory tow package if you’ll be towing frequently or at maximum capacity. This includes essential cooling system upgrades.
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Adjust driving habits for increased stopping distances and reduced acceleration when towing. Avoid aggressive maneuvers.
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Load gear and passengers appropriately in your Lexus to avoid exceeding rear or total weight capacities. Distribute weight evenly.
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Check tire pressure frequently and inspect brakes, fluids, and suspension before and after towing. Maintain your Lexus diligently.
Ready to Haul: Choose the Right Lexus SUV for Your Towing Needs
Lexus builds some of the most refinement and technically advanced SUVs on the market. When equipped properly, models like the RX, GX, and LX can confident
