New for 2013: Lexus

Jeff Youngs | Sep 18, 2012

2013 Lexus Model Overview


Call 2013 the year of the "spindle-style" grille. Lexus is adding this new design characteristic as a way to distinguish its luxury cars and SUVs while uniting them under a single styling ethos. The only model that does not get the new grille is the Lexus IS, which is due for a complete redesign. Additionally, the Lexus ES and GS luxury sedans are completely redesigned for 2013, while the Lexus LS flagship sedan receives a thorough freshening and the popular RX crossover SUV benefits from a mild update.

2013 Lexus CT

The 2013 Lexus CT 200h is a 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback equipped with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Together, the gas engine and battery pack deliver 134 combined horsepower to the front wheels, which the automaker rates to return 42 mpg in combined driving. The Lexus CT 200h offers Normal, Sport, Eco and EV driving modes, the latter for pure electric driving at low speeds and for short distances. An optional F Sport package supplies a sportier appearance and a sport-tuned suspension.

What's New

  • Updated navigation system with Lexus Enform, Safety Connect, App Suite, and HD radio technology
  • Padded driver's armrest
  • Seat Comfort package with heated front seats, power front passenger seat
  • Park Assist offered as stand-alone option
  • Two exterior paint colors have been added

2013 Lexus ES

The 2013 Lexus ES is a front-wheel-drive, midsize luxury sedan. For 2013, this model is redesigned, and is now offered as the ES 350 and the ES 300h. The ES 350 is equipped with a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine while the new ES 300h features a Lexus Hybrid Drive gas-electric powertrain that generates 200 horsepower and is expected to return 40 mpg in combined driving. The new ES shares its platform with the 2013 Toyota Avalon instead of the Toyota Camry, as has historically been the case.

What's New

  • Longer wheelbase equates to larger rear-seat accommodations
  • Both models equipped with Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes
  • ES 300h offers EV driving mode for electric propulsion at low speeds for short distances
  • Nu-Luxe, leather, or semi-aniline leather upholstery choices
  • 10 standard air bags
  • Standard 1-year subscription to Safety Connect with automatic collision notification and an emergency assistance button
  • Optional reversing camera
  • Optional blind-spot monitoring system
  • Optional rear cross-traffic alert system
  • Optional lane-departure warning system
  • Optional pre-collision system
  • Optional hard-drive navigation system
  • Optional Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system

2013 Lexus GS

The Lexus GS 350 and GS 450h midsize luxury sport sedans are completely redesigned for 2013. The new 2013 GS 350 is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive in combination with a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Lexus Drive Mode selector. The new 2013 Lexus GS 450h generates 338 combined horsepower from its gas-electric Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, fed exclusively to the rear wheels.

What's New

  • Redesigned inside and out
  • Larger interior with more head, foot, leg, and knee room
  • Lexus Drive Mode with Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport + driving modes
  • 10 standard air bags
  • Standard reversing camera
  • Standard "S-Flow" automatic climate control system
  • Optional F Sport package with sport-tuned adaptive suspension, larger front brakes, revised steering, 19-inch staggered-width wheels, unique design details
  • Optional dynamic radar cruise control system
  • Optional pre-collision system
  • Optional adaptive front lighting system
  • Optional blind-spot monitoring system
  • Optional lane-departure warning system
  • Optional Lane Keep Assist technology
  • Optional night vision system
  • Optional ventilated front seats
  • Optional power rear sunshade
  • Optional 18-way power front seats
  • Optional semi-aniline leather
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system
  • Optional Lexus Enform technology with App Suite connectivity
  • GS 450h equipped with LED headlights

2013 Lexus GX


The 2013 Lexus GX is a traditional body-on-frame SUV equipped with 3 rows of seats and 7-passenger capacity. Based on the Toyota 4Runner platform, the Lexus GX offers a 301-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine, full-time 4-wheel drive, and genuine off-roading capability due to a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip center differential, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Crawl Control, and Active Traction Control.

What's New

  • No changes for the 2013 model year

2013 Lexus IS

For 2013, the Lexus IS enters its eighth model year since the last complete redesign. Sedan or convertible (IS C) body styles are offered, the latter equipped with a standard power-retractable hardtop that opens in about 20 seconds. The IS 250 models have a 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine, while the IS 350 models have a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard, propelling the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is optional for IS sedans.

What's New

  • Lexus Enform 2.0 service with App Suite technology included on models with optional navigation system
  • HD radio with iTunes tagging capability is now available
  • Automatic Bluetooth phonebook download is now available
  • Optional red semi-aniline leather on IS C models
  • New 18-inch wheel design for IS C models
  • New Silver Lining Metallic paint color for IS C models
  • Cerulean Blue discontinued for IS C models

2013 Lexus IS F

The 2013 Lexus IS F is a performance-tuned version of the Lexus IS sedan. A 416-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine generating 371 lb. ft. of torque is standard, driving the rear wheels through an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission with a Sport mode, manual mode, paddle shifters, and downshift rev matching. A Torsen limited-slip rear differential and a lowered sport suspension are standard, along with 19-inch BBS wheels and Brembo brakes. The IS F can attain a top speed of 170 mph, according to Lexus.

What's New

  • Revised suspension tuning
  • Lexus Enform 2.0 with App Suite technology
  • HD radio with iTunes tagging
  • Two exterior paint colors have been added

2013 Lexus LS

For the 2013 model year, the Lexus LS receives a thorough freshening, including new styling details inside and out, new convenience and safety technology, and an F Sport package designed to give the car extra performance potential. A 386-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine (360 horsepower with AWD) is standard in LS 460 models. The LS 600h L is a gas-electric hybrid model equipped with 438 horsepower, gas-electric hybrid powertrain, and full-time AWD. All Lexus LS models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What's New

  • Updated exterior and interior design
  • Revised suspension, steering, and braking systems
  • New Drive Mode Select offers Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport + driving modes
  • New 12.3-inch high-resolution color infotainment system display
  • New front seat design
  • Upgraded Lane Keep Assist technology
  • Optional F Sport package with revised exterior styling, bolstered front seats, paddle shifters, lowered sport air suspension, Torsen limited-slip rear differential (RWD), Brembo braking components, and 19-inch wheels
  • Optional 4-zone Lexus Climate Concierge system
  • Optional Mark Levinson Reference premium surround-sound system
  • Optional Executive Class Seating package with individual power rear seats offering shiatsu massage
  • Optional advanced pre-collision system
  • Optional collision-avoidance system
  • Optional blind-spot monitoring system
  • Optional rear cross-traffic alert system

2013 Lexus LX


The 2013 Lexus LX is a 3-row, 8-passenger SUV based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. A genuine off-road-capable model, the Lexus LX is equipped with a 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 engine, and 90% of its peak 403 lb. ft. of torque is available at 2,200 rpm, Lexus says. A 6-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4-wheel-drive system are standard, as well as a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, Active Traction Control, Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Multi-terrain Select technology, and an Active Height Control suspension.

What's New

  • Lexus-signature "spindle" grille design
  • Restyled bumpers
  • Updated rear styling
  • Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
  • 20-inch aluminum wheels
  • Redesigned headlights with LED running lights
  • Revised dashboard with color in-dash display screen
  • Mahogany interior trim
  • Standard Easy Access driver's seat
  • Two exterior paint colors have been added

2013 Lexus RX

The 2013 Lexus RX is a 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV. The RX 350 has a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and is available with an Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system. The RX 450h is a gas-electric hybrid model generating a combined 295 horsepower. All-wheel drive is optional on the RX 450h.

What's New

  • Redesigned front end with new Lexus signature "spindle" grille design
  • Restyled rear liftgate, taillights, and rear bumper
  • Standard power liftgate
  • Revised center console and steering wheel designs
  • RX 350 F Sport model with 8-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, sport suspension tuning, and structural braces
  • New Sport Appearance package with 19-inch wheels and unique front bumper design
  • New Sport mode for RX 450h powertrain
  • Standard USB port with iPod control
  • Optional Saddle leather interior
  • Four exterior paint colors have been added
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