Lexus has been the premium arm of Toyota Motor Corporation’s four-wheeled vehicle program since its launch in 1989, offering a range of luxury offerings in the sedan, coupé and SUV spaces. Lexus has run the gamut from opulent and super-comfortable SUVs, like the 2025 Lexus LX700h we reviewed in mid-2025, to affordable luxury endeavors like the 2025 Lexus ES, which made a solid (if unexciting) case when we tested it.
Even Lexus’ more affordable luxury vehicles still don’t come cheap, mind you, with the 2025 ES 350 we tested coming in at a shade over $55,000. So those of you looking to get behind the wheel of a Lexus on a budget have only one solution: the used market. Fortunately, there are plenty of Lexus vehicles to choose from if you’re willing to buy used, with some great options available for under the $20,000 mark.
Based on KBB’s fair purchase price numbers and pre-owned vehicle listings, we’ve identified five great Lexus vehicles you can own for under $20,000. Now, not all of these will be exciting cars to drive, but I’m pretty much guaranteed to give you a much more sophisticated experience than any of the cheapest new cars available for the same amount of money.
Read more: 10 Toyota models with terrible resale value
2016 Lexus CT 200h
Silver Lexus CT 200h parked on blue background – Lexus
The penultimate iteration of Lexus’ luxury hybrid hatchback was KBB’s top pick for luxury hybrids the year it came out, so it’s as good a choice as any if you want an economical hatchback that doesn’t compromise on creature comforts. The CT200h debuted in 2010 for the 2011 model year as the brand’s first attempt at a premium compact vehicle, capitalizing on Toyota’s collaboration with the Prius by reusing its front suspension and powertrain. Toyota combined Prius parts with other internals, resulting in a compelling, luxury version of Toyota’s ultra-successful hybrid.
Don’t mistake the CT200h for anything more than a Prius in fancy dress: the 2011 model had genuine handling and managed to offer drivers comfort with a slightly sporty look. These are all traits that have carried over into 2016, not least because Lexus hasn’t made too many mechanical changes to the CT200h in between. It debuted with 134 hp and still had 134 hp in 2016, which some reviewers felt was a letdown given the CT 200h’s other strengths.
If you go in with the full awareness of the CT200h’s unimpressive engine, though, then there’s a lot to like here. The interior, while dated, should be able to impress for the price, and you’ll get an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined, which is better than many of Lexus’ most fuel-efficient models—important given the dearth of compelling new hybrids around the $20,000 mark. Thus, the CT200h is still a solid choice, especially since they are available for less than $20,000.
2016 Lexus GS
Silver Lexus 200t driving on a mountain road – Lexus
Lexus debuted a facelifted GS at the 2015 Monterey Auto Week, introducing a range of upgrades to existing models and adding a fourth variant, the GS 200t. The 200t was the new entry-level GS, with a 241 hp turbo inline-4 under the hood. It slotted in below the GS 350, which received a slight power boost (311 hp and 280 lb-ft from 306 hp and 277 lb-ft) thanks to the then-new 2GR-FKS V6, one of Toyota’s most powerful engines to date.
The GS 200t received most of the attention from the automotive press that year, which is understandable given that it was an all-new model. Reviews were generally very positive, with journalists praising the sub-$50,000 price, ride quality and finely tuned chassis. Sure, 241 hp wasn’t impressive back then (and it certainly isn’t impressive now), but the GS 200t should still serve you well if you’re looking for a smooth, stable ride. The fact that you should be able to find a lot for around $16,000 makes it an even sweeter deal.
If you want a bit more power, certain variants of the 2016 GS 350 can be had for under $20,000, though they seem to be much less common than the GS 200t. The GS 350 was available with RWD or AWD, and you should be able to find both versions if you look hard enough. F Sport versions probably don’t cost less than $20,000 at the time of writing, though it’s not that much beyond that threshold if you want one – I’ve seen low-mileage examples listed for around $24,000.
2019 Lexus UX
White Lexus UX 250h on display at the Geneva International Motor Show – Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons
The Lexus UX debuted for the 2019 model year as a follow-up to the old CT 200h, at least in its ethos: The CT 200h was the most affordable Lexus when it debuted in 2011, and the UX was much the same, priced between $30,000 and $30,000. The next closest (and previously cheapest) model was its big brother, the NX, with prices closer to $40,000.
Lexus offered two main versions of the UX, the UX 200 and 250h, with several trim levels available (including F Sport variants). The UX 200 had Toyota’s 2.0-liter M20A-FKS under the hood, which produced 169 hp, while the 250h had a hybridized version of the same engine that produced a total of 181 hp. Those power figures mean it wasn’t a particularly fast SUV, but that didn’t stop reviewers of the time from appreciating what it had to offer, especially under the 250H: a great ride, impressive fuel economy and a very comfortable interior in its top-of-the-line luxury trim.
Those interested in an inexpensive small luxury crossover will be pleased to know that both the UX 200 and 250h can be had for less than $20,000 in 2025. You can even find F Sport versions below that mark, albeit with quite a few miles on the clock. Still, given Lexus’ reputation for reliability, you’re probably still pretty safe even if you go for a UX with 100,000 miles or so.
2015 Lexus RC
White Lexus RC 350 parked on a paved lot – HJUdall/Wikimedia Commons
Lexus isn’t the first name that comes to mind for performance vehicles, however the brand has had quite a few sporty offerings in its lineup over the years. One such model is the RC, including the soon-to-be-discontinued V8-powered RC F. But while you won’t get an RC F for less than $20,000, you can get a bit of that sporty DNA by opting for a 2015 Lexus RC.
The 2015 RC was KBB’s third best sports car of the year and was available in two variants: the RC 350 and the RC 350 F Sport (not to be confused with the RC F). Both had the same 306bhp V6 engine under the hood and had distinctive styling that we think still looks pretty cool even after a decade. Lexus has combined the exterior with a typically strong interior, with the seats and overall ride quality earning praise from reviewers.
Lexus has made the 2015 RC available in RWD and AWD, and you’ll be able to find examples of both—albeit with quite a few miles on the odometer—under $20,000. The RWD version may be the better choice, however, as it gets the eight-speed paddle shift transmission from the IS F, while the AWD version makes do with a six-speed box. The F Sport version also introduced more goodies, such as a more advanced suspension and rear-wheel steering, but expect to pay closer to $25,000 if you want one of those. Is it worth the stretch? Maybe…but we’ll let you be the judge.
2018 Left Leph in 2018
Silver Lexus NX 300 on the way to sunset – Lexus
For 2018, Lexus has revamped its NX SUV, renaming the old NX 200t the NX 300, resizing the infotainment system and adding the Lexus Safety System+ as standard. It also kept the NX 300h hybrid, which went on to impress KBB enough to earn it a top three spot in this year’s luxury hybrid SUV rankings.
The renaming didn’t change anything under the hood, though: The NX 300 (which was also available in F Sport trim) used the same 235-hp turbocharged inline-4 as the NX 200t. Mechanical changes for 2018 focused on the basics, with new dampers and the company’s variable suspension technology available as an extra-cost option for 2018. Reviewers praised the revised NX SUV’s excellent ride and attractive suspension, and the interior was also a highlight – although that’s nothing new for a Lexus. It wasn’t fast, but no one buys a Lexus SUV for speed, then or now. Lexus has made even fewer changes to the NX 300h, the most notable to our eyes being the introduction of Lexus’ electronic AWD system as standard.
As for buying used, $20,000 will get you standard and F Sport versions of the NX 300, with the quirky NX 300h also available at the higher end of the price range. Don’t expect to get much change out of your $20,000, as even NX 300s with more than 100,000 miles can still set you back $19,000 or so.
Want the latest tech and automotive trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides and tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a favorite search source on Google.
Read the original article on SlashGear.