Model research hub
Lexus LC
MotorTrend says the 2026 Lexus LC is the brand's flagship grand tourer, created to fuse concept-car styling with everyday livability, but titles its report on the change '2026 Lexus LC Coupe and Convertible Stay Stunning, Lose Hybrid Option,' and separately says a Lexus RC and LC replacement is coming as a new Lexus coupe. CarWeek says the 2026 model year introduces the limited-run Inspiration Series, restricted to just 200 coupes and 350 convertibles in North America, positioned as the flagship luxury coupe for Lexus, with a slight refinement in chassis tuning for 2026 to enhance lateral stability. 6andauto says the 2026 Lexus LC still captivates as Toyota's flagship luxury grand tourer, with the coupe prioritizing driver-focused active safety, while shoppers wanting maximum passenger space might explore the related Lexus LS instead.
Losing the hybrid option
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Lexus LC is the brand's flagship grand tourer, created to fuse concept-car styling with everyday livability, but titles its report '2026 Lexus LC Coupe and Convertible Stay Stunning, Lose Hybrid Option,' and separately says a Lexus RC and LC replacement is coming as a new Lexus coupe.
A limited Inspiration Series
CarWeek (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 model year introduces the limited-run Inspiration Series, restricted to just 200 coupes and 350 convertibles in North America, positioned as the flagship luxury coupe for Lexus, with a slight refinement in chassis tuning for 2026 to enhance lateral stability.
Still captivating
6andauto (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Lexus LC still captivates as Toyota's flagship luxury grand tourer, with the coupe prioritizing driver-focused active safety, while shoppers wanting maximum passenger space might explore the related Lexus LS instead.
Questions buyers ask
Does the 2026 Lexus LC still offer a hybrid?
No — MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the coupe and convertible lose the hybrid option for 2026.
How rare is the 2026 Lexus LC Inspiration Series?
CarWeek (opens in a new tab) says just 200 coupes and 350 convertibles in North America.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Lexus LC is built around 5.0L V8, rated at 471 horsepower across its luxury grand touring coupe body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 LC seats 4 and is a Luxury grand touring coupe.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 LC.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Lexus LC
MY2026 drops the hybrid LC 500h entirely; every LC is now the 471-horsepower naturally aspirated V8, offered as coupe or convertible, plus a limited-run Inspiration Series (200 coupes, 350 convertibles for North America).
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Lexus LC model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus LC | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Lexus LC | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Lexus LC.
The Lexus LC is a grand tourer manufactured by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Based on the 2012 LF-LC Concept, it was revealed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It replaced the SC, which was produced from 1991 to 2010.
- Design
- The LC retained the overall design of the concept model. It has a variant of Lexus' corporate "spindle" grille with a gradient pattern; a tightly compressed mesh at the top transitions to a wider diamond at the bottom. However, unlike other vehicles in the lineup, the top of the spindle grille does not have a chrome surround.
- Chassis
- The LC is the first vehicle to use Lexus' front-engine, rear-wheel drive platform, dubbed "Global Architecture – Luxury" (GA-L). It consists of various materials, including high-strength steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre. The GA-L platform would underpin future rear-wheel drive models, including the LS 500, which was introduced in January 2017.
- Powertrain
- The LC 500 is powered by a 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 engine which is an updated version of the engine found in the RC F, GS F and other F cars alike. It uses D-4S direct and port fuel injection, Atkinson cycle operation and VVT-i.
- Marketing
- For Marvel Studios' Black Panther feature film, Lexus provided LC500s for filming in South Korea during the car chase sequence. Lexus also produced two specific LC models named Black Panther Editions that feature a large Black Panther mask decal on the hood, blue underbody lighting, 24-inch wheels and blue paint with subtle striping.
- Sales
- European statistics include sales from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Source: Lexus LC (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Lexus LC at a glance
- Production
- March 2017 – August 2026
- Model years
- 2018–2026
- Assembly
- Japan: Toyota City (Motomachi plant)
- Class
- Grand tourer (S)
- Body style
- 2-door fastback coupé, 2-door convertible
- Layout
- FMR layout
- Platform
- TNGA: GA-L
- Electric motor
- 132 kW 2NM AC synchronous (LC 500h)
- Power output
- 351 kW (LC 500), 220 kW (LC 500h; petrol engine only); 264 kW (LC 500h; combined system output)
- Battery
- 310.8 V high-voltage Lithium-ion
- Drivetrain
- Parallel hybrid (LC 500h)
- Wheelbase
- 2870 mm
- Length
- 4760 mm
- Width
- 1920 mm
- Height
- 1345 mm
- Curb weight
- 1931 kg
- Predecessor
- Lexus SC/Toyota Soarer
- Related models
- Lexus LS (XF50)
- Designer
- Edward Lee (LF-LC concept), Tadao Mori (chief designer), Pansoo Kwon (production exterior: 2013)
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- October 2025, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview… Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- February 2024, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control… Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Year by year
The Lexus LC across 9 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus LC | 18 | $4,450 | 2 | ||
| 2025 Lexus LC | 18–29 | $2,650–$4,300 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2024 Lexus LC | 18–29 | $2,650–$4,300 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2023 Lexus LC | 18–29 | $2,650–$4,300 | 3 | ||
| 2022 Lexus LC | 18–29 | $2,650–$4,300 | 3 | ||
| 2021 Lexus LC | 18–29 | $2,650–$4,300 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 Lexus LC | 19–30 | $2,600–$4,100 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2019 Lexus LC | 19–30 | $2,600–$4,100 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2018 Lexus LC | 19–30 | $2,600–$4,100 | 2 | 2 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Lexus LC, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 3 to 2 | 23.5 to 18.0 | Labels: LC 500h; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S10) | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 2 to 3 | 24.5 to 23.5 | Labels: LC 500 Convertible; Size classes: Minicompact Cars | |
| 2018 to 2019 | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI |
Buying used
What the Lexus LC recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | back over prevention (display function) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | back over prevention (display function) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| unknown or other | 2 | 50% | 2018 (1) |
| structure | 1 | 25% | 2018 (1) |
| electrical system | 1 | 25% | 2021 (1) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 25% | 2021 (1) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Lexus LC trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC 500 | RWD | 5.0-liter V8 | 471 | 398 | 4,340 | – | 18 | $102,400 |
| LC 500 Inspiration Series | RWD | 5.0-liter V8 | 471 | 398 | 4,340 | – | – | $120,850 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Lexus LC model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5.0-liter V8 | 471 | 4,340 | – | 21.7 |
| 2025 | 2 | 5.0-liter V8 / 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) | 354–471 | 4,340–4,410 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 354–471 | 4,340–4,420 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2023 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 295–471 | 4,340–4,420 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2022 | 2 | 5.0-liter V8 | 471 | 4,540 | – | 21.7 |
| 2021 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 295–471 | 4,340–4,420 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2020 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 354–471 | 4,280–4,435 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2019 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 295–471 | 4,280–4,435 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
| 2018 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 5.0-liter V8 | 295–471 | 4,280–4,435 | – | 21.7–22.2 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Lexus LC.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5W-30 (9.1 qt) | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Lexus LC: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | not available | backup camera |
| 2024 | 2 | not available | backup camera |
| 2023 | not available | ||
| 2022 | not available | ||
| 2021 | 1 | ||
| 2020 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | 0 | ||
| 2018 | 2 | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Lexus LC model years 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Lexus LC?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Lexus LC model year: recall counts across the 2 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about n/a recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Lexus LC by model year?
2025: backup camera. 2024: backup camera.
Q03Why do some Lexus LC model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Lexus LC model years 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Lexus LC is most often compared with.
Nearest Lexus models
Other Lexus models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 LC come in?
The 2026 Lexus LC (luxury grand touring coupe) comes in 3 trims: LC 500, LC 500 Convertible, LC 500 Inspiration Series.
Q02What are the 2026 LC trims?
The 2026 Lexus LC trims are LC 500, LC 500 Convertible, LC 500 Inspiration Series, listed from the entry LC 500 up to the top LC 500 Inspiration Series.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 LC use?
The 2026 Lexus LC is built around 5.0L V8, rated at 471 horsepower across its luxury grand touring coupe body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 LC have?
The 2026 Lexus LC is rated at 471 horsepower (5.0L V8).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 LC?
The 2026 Lexus LC is offered with RWD.