What are the towing capabilities of the latest Lexus models? This is a question frequently asked at Lexus centres and through our busy social media platforms, and it is coming up more regularly as families plan staycation holidays.
The following table lists all new Lexus models currently on sale and their maximum applicable figures. The blank spaces represent models that have either not been engineered to tow or are not homologated to do so in the United Kingdom. In these cases, luggage carrying capacity can always be increased with official Lexus touring accessories.
Lexus towing capacities
| MODEL | TOWING CAPACITY (UNBRAKED) | TOWING CAPACITY (BRAKED) | MAXIMUM NOSE WEIGHT |
| UX 250h | 750kg | 750kg | 75kg |
| UX 300e | – | – | – |
| NX 350h | 750kg | 1,500kg | 60kg |
| NX 450h+ | 750kg | 1,500kg | 60kg |
| ES 300h | – | – | – |
| RZ 450e | 750kg | 750kg | TBC |
| RC F | – | – | – |
| RX 350h | 750kg | 2,000kg | 80kg |
| RX 450h+ | 750kg | 2,000kg | 80kg |
| RX 500h | 750kg | 2,000kg | 80kg |
| LC 500h | – | – | – |
| LC 500 | – | – | – |
| LC 500 Convertible | – | – | – |
| LS 500h | – | – | – |
What is the difference between braked and unbraked trailers?
Most larger trailers and caravans feature an integrated braking system that is activated through a mechanical link from the tow bar. This means that when the tow car brakes, the inertia of this force prompts the application of what is known as the ‘overrun brakes,’ which are installed to reduce the brake effort carried out by the tow car. Smaller, lighter trailers with no integrated braking system are called ‘unbraked’ and are entirely free-wheeling. These trailers therefore rely on the tow car to carry out all the brake effort.
Why is nose weight important?
Nose weight refers to the maximum vertical load that is exerted on the tow bar by the attached trailer or caravan (this also applies to tow bar-mounted cycle carriers). This figure is established by Lexus in order to maintain a safe level of traction and steering through the front wheels.
Hello,
I would like to know the answer to – why the ES 300h saloon is unable to have a tow bar fitted? This is especially in relation to carrying a bike rack. I realise that there could be weight restrictions regarding towing a Caravan or trailer but want to know why a bike rack cannot be fitted to the ball of a tow bar? Surely the chassis of the ES saloon is large enough for a tow bar to be fitted?
Hello Peter, thanks for your comment.
Please can you provide your vehicle registration so that we can raise this with our Product Technical team and gain insight specifically related to your vehicle.
Thanks.
I purchased a brand new 2021 Lexus NX 300H from a main dealer who assured me it could tow my caravan and in fact they had a Tow Bar fitted for me by Lexus. It has now come to my notice the tow Ball weight is around 60KG which is not suitable for towing any caravans.
Hello David, thanks for getting in contact.
We are sorry to hear you are experiencing these issues and understand your frustration greatly.
We would recommend getting back in contact with your Lexus Centre to discuss this further.
Alternatively, our Customer Service team would be more than happy to support you and can be contacted here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/help-centre
Thanks.