The Most Affordable Lexus Cars Less Than 5 Years Old

Lexus has been a dominant brand in the luxury automotive space for decades, with a reputation for producing reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and high-performing vehicles. In 2026, this Japanese marque topped the list of the most reliable automakers for the fourth year in a row, according to J.D. Power's U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. This report looked at the number of reported problems per 100 vehicles, and at 151, Lexus far outpaced the industry average of 204. This dependability extends far into a Lexus' lifespan, too. In 2026, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recognized the brand for having the best resale value among luxury manufacturers for the fifth straight year, while Consumer Reports ranks Lexus No. 1 for used car reliability in 2026.

However, these impressive accolades don't come without a premium. Lexus vehicles are known for being more expensive than many mainstream marques. Cox Automotive, KBB's parent company, reports that Lexus models had an average transaction price of $63,434 in August 2026, which was considerably more than the industry average of $50,089. While many shoppers may avoid this brand altogether due to its high pricing, the pre-owned market offers some wiggle room.

We've highlighted the most affordable Lexus cars less than five years old to help drivers find the right balance between competitive pricing and high-end quality. We looked at all Lexus nameplates released between 2022 and 2026, and pinpointed the specific release year within this range that features the most affordable price tag as of October 2026. These Lexus models are listed from the most expensive to the most affordable, with additional ownership costs provided to give a more comprehensive financial perspective.

The Lexus LS 500 is a luxury, four-door sedan recognized for its comfortable interior, solid build, and reliability. In production since 1989, the LS series is the name tied to Lexus' flagship sedans, and the 2022 LS 500 comes with a fair purchase price of $52,400, according to KBB. This may be the most expensive Lexus model on this list, but its original MSRP was considerably higher at $77,075. That represents a 32% discount in upfront costs. Generally, a brand-new LS ranks low among Lexus cars for retirees due to its high MSRP, although the pre-owned market offers several more affordable options with strong reputations: KBB customer reviews show that this model is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 88% of real-world owners recommending it to others.

FuelEconomy.gov, the federal government's collection of official fuel efficiency stats, estimates that the 2022 LS 500 gets 22 miles per gallon combined. Assuming 15,000 annual miles and looking at October 2026 gas prices, owners are projected to spend about $3,750 on fuel annually. CarEdge reports that this nameplate has a five-year maintenance and repair cost of roughly $2,329. In terms of safety, this model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Lexus TX 350 is one of the newest trims on this list, released initially for the 2024 model year. This three-row SUV has a cavernous cabin, capable of seating up to seven passengers. Despite its size, the 350 still drives like a car, with composed handling and a smooth ride. The 2024 model boasts a fair purchase price of $49,000, per KBB, which is down from an initial MSRP of $56,650. This decrease signals a 13.5% discount for used buyers, and places this luxury SUV comfortably beneath the average transaction price for new vehicles in 2026. This reasonably priced access to such a sizable and versatile vehicle certainly helps indicate why Lexus ranks among customers' top 10 favorite car brands, per Consumer Reports.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2024 TX 350 averages 23 miles per gallon combined. Annually, owners of this SUV are forecasted to spend $3,550 on gas as of Fall 2026. Within the initial five years of ownership, CarEdge projects the Lexus TX to carry a total five-year maintenance and repair cost of roughly $2,660, while 68% of consumers on KBB report they recommend the 2024 TX and give it an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent safety testing organization, gave this vehicle above-average scores on all crashworthiness tests, and it comes standard with blind pot detection and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 has a fair purchase price of $43,900, as reported by KBB. When it first hit the market, this vehicle had an original MSRP of $57,150, which means this model year has seen a price reduction of 23.2% over just a few years. If you've been thinking twice about buying a new vehicle, this differential illustrates just how much older models can save you in upfront costs. The 2022 GX 460 is another three-row luxury SUV from the popular marque, featuring a seven-person seating capacity. Four-wheel drive comes standard, offering better traction and handling than you'll find in many competing SUVs.

Admittedly, ownership costs do stack up on this one: The 2022 Lexus GX 460 has an average fuel efficiency of 16 miles per gallon combined, as reported by FuelEconomy.gov. This relatively meager gas mileage is owed largely to the model's size and all-wheel drive. Over a year, this model tends to consume about $5,150 worth of gas, based on October 2026 fuel costs and assuming 15,000 annual miles, and RepairPal estimates it racks up annual repair and maintenance costs of around $770. Despite these expenses, drivers remain fans of the GX 460: KBB reports that 85% of people who own a 2022 model recommend the vehicle to others, with consumers awarding it an average score of 4.4 out of 5. It also comes with standard lane-departure warning and blindspot detection, keeping its safety standards well aligned with many other models on this list.

We've previously identified the used Lexus RX 350 as a good investment for retirees, primarily due the strong balance it strikes between luxury and affordability. More specifically, the 2022 Lexus RX features a starting fair purchase price of $36,900, according to KBB. This marks a significant decrease from its initial MSRP of $48,395, reflecting a 23.8% drop in upfront costs in total. The 2022 RX 350 is a crossover SUV with two rows and the seating capacity to accommodate five passengers. Even with a relatively approachable price tag, this nameplate features a solid build, reliable track record, and strong performance.

According to FuelEconomy.gov stats, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 features an average fuel efficiency of 23 miles per gallon combined. This equates to an annual 15,000-mile fuel expense of roughly $2,900 in Fall 2026. Over the initial half-decade of ownership, the RX 350 is estimated to demand around $2,566 in servicing to remain running smoothly and optimally, per CarEdge. As for the ownership experience, KBB reports the 2022 Lexus RX features an aggregate consumer rating of 4.1 out of 5, with 73% of actual owners recommending this model to others. The 2022 Lexus RX is also the first model on this list to be named a Top Safety Pick, the IIHS's second-highest safety classification. In addition to receiving perfect crashworthiness scores across six tests, it comes standard with blindspot detection and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 is a two-door sports coupe with a tight rear seat. Though it may not have much cargo space, it delivers the acceleration, performance, and handling you would expect from a premier sports model. Though it was discontinued in 2025, the RC remains a viable option on the used market: The 2022 release is the most affordable model less than five years old, with a fair purchase price of $32,100, according to KBB. In roughly five years, its entry-level price point fell over $11,000 from its original MSRP of $43,895, representing a 26.9% drop. This price discrepancy between new and pre-owned is one of the many reasons buying a used luxury car can be worth the money.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, this sporty coupe gets a combined average of 25 miles per gallon. Thus, owners of the 2022 RC 300 tend to spend approximately $3,300 on fuel annually. Per CarEdge, the RC 300's maintenance and repair costs reach about $2,061 total after five years of ownership. These expenses are fairly low for models on this list, and KBB's consumer ratings reflect that appeal: The 2022 RC is recommended by 85% of owners and boasts a 4.5 out of 5 average customer review. For safety considerations, the IIHS gave the 2022 RC pristine ratings across all crash test simulations, which are only enhanced by its standard lane-departure warning and blindspot detection systems.

As the brand's first fully electric SUV, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e marked a major milestone for the company in terms of fuel efficiency and lineup variety. It has a fairly small footprint for an SUV, but still features two rows, five seats, and standard all-wheel drive. The original 2023 model year remains the cheapest iteration of this nameplate available, boasting a Fall 2026 fair purchase price of $31,000, per KBB. Despite its age, the 2023 RZ 450e's value has already been nearly halved from its initial MSRP of $59,650.

Per FuelEconomy.gov, the 2023 RZ 450e averages a combined 107 miles per gallon equivalent, the metric by which an electric vehicle's (EV) fuel efficiency is compared to that of internal combustion engines. That projection gives the RZ 450e the lowest average annual fuel cost on this list of affordable Lexus models, with owners projected to spend just $700 yearly if they drive 15,000 miles. The RZ model is projected to require around $1,606 in servicing across five years of ownership, according to CarEdge, suggesting it also has the lowest repair and maintenance costs on this list. If you're wondering if an EV really saves you money in the long run, this certainly offers an indication. It comes recommended by 75% of the real-world owners on KBB, and displays an average consumer rating of 4 out of 5. The 2023 model also boasts a Top Safety Pick+ classification, the highest recognition IIHS offers, thanks to its unblemished crashworthiness report. Like its combustion-engine-powered peers, the RZ 450e features standard blindspot detection, rear automatic braking, and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Lexus IS has been highlighted as a five-year-old Lexus car that's still worth buying in 2026, and the following model year also has plenty of value on offer. While classified as a compact sedan, the IS 300 still has comfortable seating for five passengers, with sufficient room in the back for adults. Despite being smaller than its full-size LS 500 counterpart, the IS 300 is built with more sports-oriented performance, including tighter handling and a more enjoyable driving experience. KBB reports that the 2022 model has a fair purchase price of $30,600, down from an initial cost of $40,780. This signals a roughly 25% discount from the 2022 IS 300's original asking price.

Per FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 Lexus IS 300 is projected to get 25 miles per gallon combined on average. Looking at October 2026 fuel prices and assuming 15,000 miles per year, owners are estimated to spend $3,300 on gas annually. According to CarEdge, the IS 300 has a long-term repair and maintenance cost of $1,923. KBB reports that 83% of 2022 Lexus IS owners recommend this vehicle to others. Furthermore, this model carries a 4.5 out of 5 rating from an aggregate of owner reviews. Adding to its strong reputation, the 2022 IS is another IIHS Top Safety Pick+, exhibiting pristine crashworthiness scores along with standard lane-departure warning and blindspot detection.

The 2022 Lexus NX 250 is a crossover SUV featuring two rows and a seating capacity of five passengers, with enough room in the back row to keep it competitive with many vehicles in its class. In keeping with the brand's luxury status, this model features an opulent cabin, aesthetic build, and comfortable driving experience. According to KBB, the 2022 NX 250, the most affordable recent model year as of 2026, displays a fair purchase price of $30,700. This nameplate's original MSRP was $39,025, which means pre-owned buyers are cutting their upfront costs by 21.3%. Even better, the Lexus NX has been pinpointed as one of the most reliable luxury vehicles on the market.

Despite its size, this SUV gets a decent 28 miles per gallon combined, which ties the 2026 market average for fuel economy. According to FuelEconomy.gov, owners of the 2022 NX 250 are projected to spend $2,400 on fuel annually. Meanwhile, CarEdge projects that owners of the NX 250 will spend around $2,430 on repair and maintenance within the initial five years of routine driving. A remarkable 88% of 2022 Lexus NX owners recommend the model to others, and KBB reports that it carries a 4.6 out of 5 rating from aggregated consumer reviews. Featuring perfect crash test scores, the 2022 NX is yet another Top Safety Pick+ option, per the IIHS, and comes standard with lane-departure warning and blindspot detection.

The Lexus ES has been described as one of the most reliable cars still worth buying after 100,000 miles, which is great news for shoppers looking to save money by buying on the pre-owned market. Packed with value, the ES series features an economical spin on the luxury sedan design, while still boasting two spacious rows of seating and excellent build quality. As one of the most affordable Lexus cars less than five years old, the 2022 Lexus ES 250 features a fair purchase price of $30,600, with an original MSRP of $43,105, per KBB. That's roughly a 29% price reduction in a matter of years.

Although the 2022 ES 250 comes with standard all-wheel drive, its gas mileage is still competitive with many newer vehicles at a combined 28 miles per gallon, per FuelEconomy.gov. This results in a $2,400 annual fuel cost, based on October 2026 gas prices and assuming 15,000 annual miles. According to CarEdge, the ES 250 tends to require about $1,959 in maintenance and repair across the first half decade of standard use. KBB indicates that three out of every four owners of the 2022 Lexus ES recommend this nameplate to other drivers, and it boasts an aggregate of consumer review score of 4.2 out of 5. The Lexus ES 250 doesn't have a dedicated rating from the IIHS, but its 350 counterpart from the same model year offers many of the same safety features and received a Top Safety Pick+ recognition.

The Lexus UX 200 is a subcompact SUV that still offers a five-person seating capacity. Despite its comparatively reasonable price point, it still delivers the luxury feel, high-quality design, and practical performance expected of the Lexus brand. Better yet, the 2022 Lexus UX is by far the most affordable Lexus car less than five years old, featuring a fair purchase price of $25,400, according to KBB. For reference, this model originally came with an MSRP of $34,525, showing a 26.4% decrease in cost over the years. Given these features, the UX 200 is unsurprisingly heralded as one of Lexus' best cars for retirees.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 Lexus UX 200 also excels in terms of gas mileage, getting a combined 32 miles per gallon. This SUV is projected to require about $2,100 worth of fuel annually. 2022 was the UX 200's final model year, but CarEdge projects the UX 250h trim requires about $2,404 in servicing to keep running smoothly within the initial five years of ownership. KBB reports that the 2022 Lexus UX gets a 4.2 out of 5 rating from owners, with 73% of reviewers recommending the line to others. As for safety, the 2022 UX boasts a perfect crashworthiness report and a Top Safety Pick classification from the IIHS. Additionally, blindspot detection and lane-departure warning remain standard features on this model, despite its exceptional price point.