10 Lexus Cars with 250+ HP You Can Get for Under $20K

Lexus isn’t just luxury some of their older models pack serious power without the new-car price tag. These 10 Lexus models deliver 250+ horsepower while staying under $20,000, giving you thrilling performance at a surprisingly affordable price.

Lexus IS 350

So, okay, the Lexus IS 350… this one’s kinda underrated, not gonna lie. You get that 3.5-liter V6 pushing like 306 horsepower, which still feels strong even on older models. And the sound man, it’s surprisingly nice for a “quiet” Lexus. You can find clean early 2010s IS 350s for around $15K to $18K if you look hard enough. Yeah, the infotainment’s kinda ancient, but honestly, the driving feel makes up for it. Plus, reliable as heck.

Lexus GS 350

Oh, the GS 350. Big fan of this one. It’s one of those “grown-up” sedans that can still hustle. Around 311 HP, all-wheel drive available, and a cabin that still feels luxury even ten years later. I saw one on Marketplace for like $17,500 the other day, super clean. I mean, yeah, fuel economy isn’t great, but who cares? It looks sharp and drives smooth.

Lexus IS F

Now, okay, this might be stretching the budget a bit but the IS F… sheesh. A 5.0-liter V8 with 416 HP. It’s wild, like a mini M3 but with Lexus reliability. You might find one around $19K if it’s got some miles, maybe closer to $20K if you’re lucky. It’s loud, fast, and honestly, one of the coolest sleeper sedans ever. Feels like it wants to fight you in a fun way.

Lexus LS 460

So the LS 460 is like, luxury boss mode. 380-ish horsepower, buttery ride, interior that still feels expensive for a car you can get under $20K easy. It’s not about speed, though—it’s about feeling like you own a piece of real comfort. Some folks say the air suspension is pricey to fix, which yeah, fair. But get a good one, and it’s solid. Like rolling your living room around town.

Lexus RC 350

This one’s kinda newer-looking, right? Sporty coupe vibes, 306 HP, and you can sometimes (rarely) find an early one around $20K if it’s got miles or maybe from 2015-ish. It feels younger, more fun, almost like Lexus wanted to loosen its tie a bit. Drives tight, looks sharp, and yeah it’s kinda like a Toyota 86 that grew up and hit the gym.

Lexus RX 350

Okay, I know what you’re thinking SUVs aren’t really “fun.” But the RX 350 is… kind of the exception? It’s got the same V6 as some of the sedans, so around 270 HP, smooth as butter, comfy, and those older 2013 or 2014 ones are like $13–$16K now. It’s not a canyon carver or whatever, but as a daily? Feels bulletproof. You can literally hand this thing down to your kids.

Lexus GS 460

Oh man, another sleeper. The GS 460 came with a V8 about 342 HP and it’s the definition of “understated power.” Nobody expects this mild-looking sedan to move like it does. You can usually score one under $18K if you’re patient. The interior? Timeless. The ride? Cloud-level comfy. It’s basically the car version of a fitted blazer does everything right without shouting about it.

Lexus IS 300 (2nd Gen)

Yeah, yeah, the older IS 300 from the early 2000s was cool, but the later 2016-ish version packs more punch. The newer IS 300 with the 3.5-liter AWD setup puts out around 255 HP, and you can find some high-mile examples just under $20K. Kinda weird that it’s the “entry-level” Lexus but still surprises you when you hit the gas. It’s like “oh, didn’t know you had that in you.”

Lexus ES 350

Alright, so the ES 350 isn’t exactly a sports car, but don’t sleep on it. It’s packing 268 HP, rides like a dream, and you honestly forget you’re in a $14K used luxury car because it’s that smooth. Perfect if you want something comfortable, quiet, and just… nice, you know? It’s not flashy but still feels classy. And they’re everywhere, which means plenty of deals.

Lexus GX 460

This one’s for the people who like to go off-road or at least pretend they do. It’s a full-on SUV with a 4.6-liter V8 making like 301 horsepower. It’s body-on-frame, super capable, but inside it feels like a private jet. You can find early 2010s GXs right around $19K, sometimes less. It’s heavy, yeah, and gas mileage is kinda “eh,” but who cares it’s a tank with leather seats.