Lexus Crossovers Carry the Brand as GX and LX Sales Slip
The RX, NX, and TX posted solid May numbers while body-on-frame GX and LX models declined, even as the RZ EV more than doubled its year-to-date volume.
What happened
Lexus sold 27,791 SUVs in the U.S. during May, a modest gain over the prior year. The RX led with 11,075 units, up 25.1% year over year. The three-row TX held near 5,444 sales while the NX softened to 6,239. By contrast, GX sales fell 35.6% to 2,104 units and the flagship LX dropped to 613. The RZ EV reached 1,140 sales for the month, with year-to-date volume more than doubling compared to 2025.
Why it matters
Lexus remains a default luxury choice for reliability-minded buyers, but the split between crossovers and off-road models shows how recalls and segment taste can shift even a trusted brand. Updated RZ specs appear to be finding an audience, suggesting range improvements can move EV curiosity into actual sales.
Eastward angle
Lexus ownership runs deep in Asian North American communities, especially for family upgrades and first luxury purchases. When the RX and TX thrive but the GX and LX struggle, it reflects a preference for refined daily drivers over trail-ready status symbols. For parents recommending a "safe bet" SUV to adult children, the sales gap is a data point worth bringing to the test-drive conversation.
Source
This note summarizes reporting from CarBuzz. Read the original for full details.