A head up display (HUD) projects important driving information into the driver’s visual field to increase safe driving—but adding it to your Lexus model could cost thousands.
Modern Lexus models are a masterclass in quality and luxury—and that includes loads of technology features. While some tech adds pure convenience and street cred, features like a head-up display actually aid in safer driving.
Trying to decide whether a head up display is worth it for your Lexus? The dependable car insurance
broker app Jerry
is here to help. We’ll run through all the benefits of having a HUD, how much it’ll cost to add for each model, and how to use your Lexus HUD. We’ll also throw in how to lower your Lexus car insurance costs so adding this tech won’t hurt your budget as much. Lexus head up display: what is it and do you need it?
A head up display (also called a heads-up display or HUD) is a feature that digitally projects important info from the instrument cluster onto the windshield in the driver’s line of vision. As you may have guessed from its name, a head-up display is intended to keep your head up with your eyes on the road, saving you from having to look down to see your speed, entertainment options, or other details.
HUDs use an embedded projector, a series of mirrors, and a screen on the windshield to relay the information to display. Depending on your model, you may be able to customize the information on your Lexus HUD. For the most part, you’ll see the following information displayed:
Lane lines and departure warnings
You can also adjust the placement and brightness of your HUD to a spot on your windshield most comfortable for you. Having a head up display isn’t crucial for safe driving, but they’re a great way to reduce the risk of distracted driving, which causes thousands of deadly crashes each year.
MORE: A complete guide to Lexus safety ratings
Which Lexus models have a head up display (HUD)?
Lexus first released their head-up display in 2010 on the RX 450h, but a full-color display has come as an option on most models since 2018. The availability and price to add a head up display to your current Lexus vary by model, so the table below lays out which HUD comes on what model—and how much you’ll pay to add it.
| | | |
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| ES 250 Ultra Luxury AWD, ES 350 Ultra Luxury | | |
| | | |
| | | $1,220 individual add-on; Also included in Luxury package ($11,935–$12,460) and Executive Package ($16,855–$17,380) |
| Premium, LX F Sport Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury | | |
| 350 F Sport Handling AWD, 450h+ AWD, and 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD | 250, 250 AWD, 350 AWD, and 350h AWD | $1,100 (with Premium Package only) |
| | | |
| | | |
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In the current Lexus lineup, the IS sedan
and the GX SUV
are the only models without any option to add a head up display—but as you can tell from the table above, there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to which models get the option. While the cost to add a HUD to a new Lexus ES is just $500 for any trim, it’ll set you back $1,220 to add it to your new LS. MORE: How to pick a Lexus car seat
Can you add a head-up display to a Lexus?
What if your Lexus model doesn’t have a head-up display, or you’re wanting to buy an older model? Adding a head-up display to your HUD-less Lexus is a possibility, but the ease and cost will vary pretty significantly depending on your model.
Certain models—like the 2020 RX, for instance—can be retrofitted with a genuine Lexus HUD, but it’ll cost you around $1,150….and that’s before taxes, installation, shipping, or dealer charges.
Most models, however, won’t be eligible for this OEM addition, so you’ll have to consider adding a non-Lexus aftermarket HUD. Non-Lexus head-up displays won’t include the windshield component, but it’ll get the job done—and for much cheaper. In fact, many aftermarket HUD kits will cost less than $250, with some as cheap as $50.
MORE: Are Lexus expensive to maintain?
How to use the Lexus head up display
Driving with a head-up display for the first time can feel daunting, but using your Lexus HUD is pretty straightforward. To turn the head-up display on or off, just push the HUD button on your dashboard (usually on the left of the steering wheel). If you want to adjust your HUD settings, follow these steps:
Press the MENU button on your steering wheel and scroll down to Settings.
Go to HUD BRIGHTNESS/POSITION, then push select. Now you can use the arrow buttons to adjust your HUD brightness and position.
To adjust the individual features of your HUD, use the settings menu to navigate to VEHICLE SETTINGS, then HUD DRIVING SUPPORT. From here, you can select and adjust the settings of your tachometer, navigation, driving assist, or HUD rotation.
MORE: Does Lexus have a self-driving car?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Is a Lexus head up display worth it?
A head up display for your Lexus may not be critical to have, which is why it doesn’t come standard. However, it’s a solid investment that can go a long way in boosting your driving experience and safety. A head-up display helps you stay concentrated on driving, leading to fewer instances of distracted driving and quicker reaction times in sticky situations.
In most cases, Lexus also offers a head-up display as a standalone option, meaning you don’t have to pay thousands for an unnecessary package just to add it to your model. This makes tacking on a head-up display a more budget-friendly addition than it would be for other manufacturers.
Whether a Lexus head-up display is worth it for will, of course, depend on your specific priorities and budget. If you’re eyeing an ES or LX model, where adding a HUD is relatively affordable or included as standard, it may be an easier choice to make than if you’re looking at tacking it onto your LS. Keep in mind, however, that choosing a higher trim may also add to your insurance costs!
MORE: Car loans for Lexus 2022
How to save on Lexus insurance
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