What Car Has a Similar Logo to Lexus? 🔍 Discover 10 Surprising Lookalikes (2026)

Ever caught yourself squinting at a car badge on the highway, wondering if that sleek oval with a stylized letter “L” is really a Lexus—or something else entirely? You’re not alone! The Lexus logo is iconic, but it turns out several other car brands sport emblems that could easily fool even the most seasoned car enthusiasts. From Russian Lada’s surprisingly close cousin to Hyundai’s handshake-inspired “H,” the world of automotive logos is full of fascinating lookalikes.

In this deep dive, we’ll unravel the mystery behind the Lexus emblem’s design, explore 10 car brands with logos that share uncanny similarities, and reveal the psychology behind why so many luxury automakers love that oval shape. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on how to spot the subtle differences that separate Lexus from its doppelgängers. Ready to become the ultimate badge-spotting pro? Let’s hit the road!

Key Takeaways

  • Lexus’s logo is a stylized, slanted “L” inside a perfect oval, designed to convey luxury, elegance, and forward motion.
  • Several brands, including Lada, Hyundai, Acura, and Lincoln, have logos with similar oval shapes or stylized letters that can cause confusion.
  • The oval shape symbolizes unity, trust, and global presence, which is why it’s popular among luxury car brands.
  • Spotting differences requires attention to detail: look for the lean of the letter, the shape of the enclosure, and the finish quality.
  • Understanding these logos helps you appreciate the branding genius behind Lexus and avoid mistaken identity on the road.

Curious about which other brands made our list and how to tell them apart? Keep reading to unlock the secrets behind these logos and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of automotive branding, here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep your car-spotting game strong:

  • The Lexus “L”: It’s a stylized “L” encased in an oval. It was designed to represent “Luxury” and “Elegance” without being too flashy.
  • The Lada Connection: The Russian brand Lada has a logo that is shockingly similar to Lexus, featuring a stylized boat (a “lad’ya”) that forms a shape very close to the Lexus “L”.
  • The Oval Obsession: Many brands use ovals because they symbolize community, global reach, and perfection. Think Ford, Toyota, and Land Rover.
  • Acura vs. Lexus: While Lexus uses an “L”, Acura uses a stylized pair of calipers that form an “A”. At a distance, the metallic sheen and oval-ish shape can confuse the untrained eye.
  • Fun Fact: The Lexus logo was chosen from over 219 potential designs! Talk about being picky. ✅

📜 The Origin Story: How the Lexus “L” Became a Legend

Video: 5 BIG SEDANS THAT FEEL LIKE A $60,000 CAR BUT COST LESS THAN A USED COROLLA.

We’ve all been there—cruising down the highway, seeing a shimmering silver badge in the distance, and wondering, “Is that a Lexus LS, or am I looking at something else entirely?” To understand why so many logos look like the Lexus emblem, we have to look back at how the Japanese car logos landscape changed in the late 80s.

When Toyota decided to launch Lexus in 1989, they didn’t just want a car; they wanted a statement. They needed a luxury brand identity that could compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The design team focused on a mathematical formula for the “L” to ensure it looked perfect from every angle. It’s not just a letter; it’s a precision-engineered piece of art. 🎨

But as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—or in the car world, a great way to get sued! Let’s look at the contenders that share that “L-adjacent” DNA.

🚗 1. Lada: The Russian Twin You Didn’t Know You Had

Video: Here’s Why I Only Buy Toyotas and Lexus.

If you’re in Eastern Europe and you think you see a Lexus from the 90s, look again. It might be a Lada. The VAZ (Lada) logo features a “Lad’ya” (a traditional Russian sailing ship).

Feature Lexus Lada
Primary Shape Stylized “L” Stylized Boat
Enclosure Oval Oval/Shield
Vibe “I have a 401k” “I can fix this with a hammer”

While the meanings are worlds apart, the visual silhouette is remarkably similar. We’ve seen many a tourist do a double-take in Moscow! ❌ Don’t mistake the two at a stoplight.

🚙 2. Hyundai: The Slanted “H” That Almost Fooled Us

Video: Toyota KNEW It: Tundra Engine Flaw Was NEVER About Debris.

Back in the day, Hyundai faced a lot of criticism for their logo looking like a “lazy Honda” or a “curvy Lexus.” The slanted “H” is meant to represent two people shaking hands (the company and the customer), but the oval enclosure and the metallic finish scream luxury car emblems of the 90s.

We think Hyundai has finally carved out its own identity with the “N” performance line, but that classic oval badge still shares some Lexus DNA.

🏎️ 3. Honda vs. Lexus: A Tale of Two Letters

Video: SIMILAR CAR BRANDS – SIMILAR CAR LOGOS.

You’d think an “H” and an “L” would be hard to mix up, right? Well, when you’re doing 80 mph, shapes blur. Honda uses a squared-off “H”, while Lexus uses the fluid “L”. However, both brands prioritize a chrome finish that catches the sun in the exact same way.

Pro Tip: Look at the corners. If it’s sharp, it’s a Honda. If it’s smooth and curvy like a California coastline, it’s a Lexus. 🌊

💎 4. Acura: The Caliper That Looks Like an “A” (or an “L”?)

Video: Identical Cars, Different Brands – Discover Shocking Rebadged Models Today.

Acura is Honda’s luxury division, and their logo is often mistaken for a Lexus badge by those who aren’t “car people.” The logo is actually a pair of calipers (a tool used for precise measurement), forming a stylized “A”.

Because it’s a thin, metallic letter inside a circular/oval shape, it hits the same visual notes as the Lexus emblem. We love the Acura badge for its technical meaning, but we admit, it’s a close cousin in the automotive branding world.

🌟 5. Lincoln: The Star-Studded Rivalry

While Lincoln uses a vertical rectangle with a four-pointed star, the “Lincoln Star” has a certain elegance that rivals the Lexus “L”. When you see the illuminated grilles on modern Lincolns, the glow is very reminiscent of the high-end Lexus electrified models. It’s all about that “prestige” glow! ✨

🌲 6. Land Rover: The Power of the Oval

If you strip away the letters, the Land Rover green oval is the same proportions as the Lexus oval. While one says “I’m going to the opera,” and the other says “I’m going to drive through a river to get to the opera,” the branding geometry is strikingly similar.

⚡ 7. Lucid Motors: Modern Minimalism Meets Luxury

The newcomer on the block, Lucid Motors, uses a very wide, horizontal wordmark, but their minimalist approach to luxury reminds us of the “less is more” philosophy Lexus adopted in the early 2000s. While the logo isn’t a direct lookalike, the brand aura is definitely in the same neighborhood.

🇨🇳 8. Lynk & Co: The New Kid on the Branding Block

Lynk & Co (owned by Geely) has a logo that looks like a modern, abstract interpretation of a luxury badge. It’s geometric, sleek, and—you guessed it—often features an enclosure that mimics the premium feel of a Lexus.

🛠️ 9. Lifan: The Chinese Logo Controversy

We can’t talk about lookalikes without mentioning Lifan. This Chinese manufacturer had a logo featuring three “L” shapes that looked… well, let’s just say they looked very familiar to Lexus fans. It’s a classic case of “can I borrow your homework? Yeah, just change it a little.” ❌

🏎️ 10. Laraki: Exotic Supercars with Familiar Curves

Ever heard of Laraki? This Moroccan supercar brand uses an emblem that is incredibly fluid and organic. While it’s much more complex than the Lexus “L”, the way the lines curve within the badge feels like a distant, more aggressive relative of the Lexus design language.

🎨 The Psychology of the Oval: Why Luxury Brands Love Circles

Why do we see so many ovals in car badge design? We’ve studied this, and it turns out, humans are hardwired to like curves.

  • Trust: Circles and ovals represent unity and protection.
  • Movement: An oval looks like it’s moving even when it’s standing still.
  • Globalism: It looks like a globe, suggesting the brand is a world player.

Lexus nailed this. By putting the “L” in an oval, they told the world they were a global luxury powerhouse before they even sold their first car. ✅

🧐 Spotting the Difference: A Guide to Luxury Car Emblems

If you want to be the expert in your friend group, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Check the Lean: The Lexus “L” leans to the right.
  2. Check the Enclosure: Is it a perfect oval or a “squircle” (square-circle)? Lexus is a classic oval.
  3. The “Chrome” Factor: Lexus uses a specific high-luster chrome. If it looks a bit “plasticky,” it might be a knockoff or a lower-end brand.

🛠️ Case Study: When Branding Goes Wrong (or Right)

Remember when Mazda changed their logo in the 90s? They went through a few designs that people said looked too much like Renault. They eventually landed on the “M” wings we see today. Lexus, however, has stayed remarkably consistent. This consistency is why the “L” is so valuable today. It’s a symbol of reliability. We’ve seen Lexus owners who refuse to drive anything else simply because that badge represents a “headache-free” life.

🏁 Conclusion

silver Toyota emblem

So, what car has a similar logo to Lexus? While Lada takes the trophy for the most accidental twin, brands like Acura, Hyundai, and Lifan all play in the same visual sandbox.

The Lexus logo is a masterclass in luxury brand identity. It’s simple, it’s elegant, and it’s recognizable from a mile away—even if a few other brands are trying to catch some of that reflected glory. Whether you’re driving an RX 350 or just admiring one from afar, that “L” stands for a lot more than just a name; it stands for a legacy of Japanese engineering.

Did we miss any? Or have you ever waved at a Lada driver thinking they were in a Lexus? Let us know! 🚗💨

❓ FAQ

A close up of the emblem on a car

Q: Did Lexus sue Lada for their logo? A: No. While the logos are similar, they operate in very different markets and have distinct historical origins. Plus, the “ship” vs. “L” distinction is legally enough to keep the lawyers at bay.

Q: What is the Lexus logo called? A: It doesn’t have a fancy name like the “Spirit of Ecstasy,” but it is officially referred to as the “L-Finesse” design language emblem.

Q: Why is the Lexus logo slanted? A: The slant represents speed, forward motion, and a dynamic approach to luxury.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of automotive branding, here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep your car-spotting game strong:

  • The Lexus “L”: It’s a stylized “L” encased in an oval. It was designed to represent “Luxury” and “Elegance” without being too flashy.
  • The Lada Connection: The Russian brand Lada has a logo that is shockingly similar to Lexus, featuring a stylized boat (a “lad’ya”) that forms a shape very close to the Lexus “L”.
  • The Oval Obsession: Many brands use ovals because they symbolize community, global reach, and perfection. Think Ford, Toyota, and Land Rover.
  • Acura vs. Lexus: While Lexus uses an “L”, Acura uses a stylized pair of calipers that form an “A”. At a distance, the metallic sheen and oval-ish shape can confuse the untrained eye.
  • Fun Fact: The Lexus logo was chosen from over 219 potential designs! Talk about being picky. ✅

📜 The Origin Story: How the Lexus “L” Became a Legend

We’ve all been there—cruising down the highway, seeing a shimmering silver badge in the distance, and wondering, “Is that a Lexus LS, or am I looking at something else entirely?” To understand why so many logos look like the Lexus emblem, we have to look back at how the Japanese car logos landscape changed in the late 80s.

When Toyota decided to launch Lexus in 1989, they didn’t just want a car; they wanted a statement. They needed a luxury brand identity that could compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The design team focused on a mathematical formula for the “L” to ensure it looked perfect from every angle. It’s not just a letter; it’s a precision-engineered piece of art. 🎨

But as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—or in the car world, a great way to get sued! Let’s look at the contenders that share that “L-adjacent” DNA.

🚗 1. Lada: The Russian Twin You Didn’t Know You Had

If you’re in Eastern Europe and you think you see a Lexus from the 90s, look again. It might be a Lada. The VAZ (Lada) logo features a “Lad’ya” (a traditional Russian sailing ship).

Feature Lexus Lada
Primary Shape Stylized “L” Stylized Boat
Enclosure Oval Oval/Shield
Vibe “I have a 401k” “I can fix this with a hammer”

While the meanings are worlds apart, the visual silhouette is remarkably similar. We’ve seen many a tourist do a double-take in Moscow! ❌ Don’t mistake the two at a stoplight.

🚙 2. Hyundai: The Slanted “H” That Almost Fooled Us

Back in the day, Hyundai faced a lot of criticism for their logo looking like a “lazy Honda” or a “curvy Lexus.” The slanted “H” is meant to represent two people shaking hands (the company and the customer), but the oval enclosure and the metallic finish scream luxury car emblems of the 90s.

We think Hyundai has finally carved out its own identity with the “N” performance line, but that classic oval badge still shares some Lexus DNA.

🏎️ 3. Honda vs. Lexus: A Tale of Two Letters

You’d think an “H” and an “L” would be hard to mix up, right? Well, when you’re doing 80 mph, shapes blur. Honda uses a squared-off “H”, while Lexus uses the fluid “L”. However, both brands prioritize a chrome finish that catches the sun in the exact same way.

Pro Tip: Look at the corners. If it’s sharp, it’s a Honda. If it’s smooth and curvy like a California coastline, it’s a Lexus. 🌊

💎 4. Acura: The Caliper That Looks Like an “A” (or an “L”?)

Acura is Honda’s luxury division, and their logo is often mistaken for a Lexus badge by those who aren’t “car people.” The logo is actually a pair of calipers (a tool used for precise measurement), forming a stylized “A”.

Because it’s a thin, metallic letter inside a circular/oval shape, it hits the same visual notes as the Lexus emblem. We love the Acura badge for its technical meaning, but we admit, it’s a close cousin in the automotive branding world.

🌟 5. Lincoln: The Star-Studded Rivalry

While Lincoln uses a vertical rectangle with a four-pointed star, the “Lincoln Star” has a certain elegance that rivals the Lexus “L”. When you see the illuminated grilles on modern Lincolns, the glow is very reminiscent of the high-end Lexus electrified models. It’s all about that “prestige” glow! ✨

🌲 6. Land Rover: The Power of the Oval

If you strip away the letters, the Land Rover green oval is the same proportions as the Lexus oval. While one says “I’m going to the opera,” and the other says “I’m going to drive through a river to get to the opera,” the branding geometry is strikingly similar.

⚡ 7. Lucid Motors: Modern Minimalism Meets Luxury

The newcomer on the block, Lucid Motors, uses a very wide, horizontal wordmark, but their minimalist approach to luxury reminds us of the “less is more” philosophy Lexus adopted in the early 2000s. While the logo isn’t a direct lookalike, the brand aura is definitely in the same neighborhood.

🇨🇳 8. Lynk & Co: The New Kid on the Branding Block

Lynk & Co (owned by Geely) has a logo that looks like a modern, abstract interpretation of a luxury badge. It’s geometric, sleek, and—you guessed it—often features an enclosure that mimics the premium feel of a Lexus.

🛠️ 9. Lifan: The Chinese Logo Controversy

We can’t talk about lookalikes without mentioning Lifan. This Chinese manufacturer had a logo featuring three “L” shapes that looked… well, let’s just say they looked very familiar to Lexus fans. It’s a classic case of “can I borrow your homework? Yeah, just change it a little.” ❌

🏎️ 10. Laraki: Exotic Supercars with Familiar Curves

Ever heard of Laraki? This Moroccan supercar brand uses an emblem that is incredibly fluid and organic. While it’s much more complex than the Lexus “L”, the way the lines curve within the badge feels like a distant, more aggressive relative of the Lexus design language.

🎨 The Psychology of the Oval: Why Luxury Brands Love Circles

Why do we see so many ovals in car badge design? We’ve studied this, and it turns out, humans are hardwired to like curves.

  • Trust: Circles and ovals represent unity and protection.
  • Movement: An oval looks like it’s moving even when it’s standing still.
  • Globalism: It looks like a globe, suggesting the brand is a world player.

Lexus nailed this. By putting the “L” in an oval, they told the world they were a global luxury powerhouse before they even sold their first car. ✅

🧐 Spotting the Difference: A Guide to Luxury Car Emblems

If you want to be the expert in your friend group, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Check the Lean: The Lexus “L” leans to the right.
  2. Check the Enclosure: Is it a perfect oval or a “squircle” (square-circle)? Lexus is a classic oval.
  3. The “Chrome” Factor: Lexus uses a specific high-luster chrome. If it looks a bit “plasticky,” it might be a knockoff or a lower-end brand.

🛠️ Case Study: When Branding Goes Wrong (or Right)

Remember when Mazda changed their logo in the 90s? They went through a few designs that people said looked too much like Renault. They eventually landed on the “M” wings we see today. Lexus, however, has stayed remarkably consistent. This consistency is why the “L” is so valuable today. It’s a symbol of reliability. We’ve seen Lexus owners who refuse to drive anything else simply because that badge represents a “headache-free” life.

🏁 Conclusion

black toyota car steering wheel

After cruising through the fascinating world of logos that resemble the iconic Lexus emblem, it’s clear that while Lexus’s stylized “L” inside an oval is uniquely crafted, several brands share visual DNA with it. From Lada’s surprisingly similar oval shape to Hyundai’s slanted “H” within an oval, and Acura’s caliper-inspired “A,” the automotive world loves a sleek, minimalist emblem that conveys luxury and trust.

Positives of the Lexus Logo:

  • Timeless, elegant design that communicates luxury and precision.
  • Highly recognizable worldwide, reinforcing brand identity.
  • Symbolizes forward motion and sophistication with its slanted “L.”

Negatives:

  • Its simplicity sometimes leads to confusion with other oval-based logos.
  • The similarity to other brands occasionally causes mistaken identity, especially among casual observers.

Our expert team at Car Brands™ confidently recommends Lexus not only for its vehicles but also for its masterful branding. The logo is more than just a badge—it’s a symbol of reliability, innovation, and luxury that has stood the test of time. So next time you see that oval “L,” you’ll know exactly what makes it special—and how to spot its lookalikes!

Remember that even though some logos might look alike at a glance, the story, heritage, and engineering behind each brand are vastly different. Have you ever mistaken a Lada for a Lexus? Or been fooled by a Hyundai badge? Share your stories with us—we love hearing from fellow car enthusiasts! 🚗💨

❓ FAQ

Chevrolet corvette crossed flags emblem.

The four-point star logo is famously associated with Subaru. The emblem represents the Pleiades star cluster, symbolizing unity and the coming together of companies that formed Subaru’s parent company. It’s distinct and unrelated to Lexus’s oval “L,” but both logos convey strong brand identities.
Learn more about Subaru’s logo

What is the symbol for a Lexus car?

The Lexus symbol is a stylized, slanted “L” enclosed within a smooth oval. This design was created to evoke luxury, elegance, and forward motion. The oval represents global reach and perfection, while the “L” stands for Lexus itself.
Official Lexus Brand Info

Why do people put Lexus badge on Kia?

Some car owners swap badges to personalize or “upgrade” the perceived status of their vehicles. Since Kia and Lexus are both Korean and Japanese brands respectively, some mistakenly or playfully put Lexus badges on Kia cars to mimic luxury. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t reflect the vehicle’s actual brand or quality.
More on Kia branding

What car logo looks like Lexus?

The Hyundai logo is often cited as the closest in appearance to Lexus’s emblem. Both feature stylized letters inside an oval shape, with Hyundai’s “H” symbolizing a handshake. Additionally, Lada’s logo, with its oval and stylized boat, can be visually similar from a distance.
Hyundai Official Site

Which car brand logo looks like the Lexus emblem?

Besides Hyundai and Lada, Acura’s logo can sometimes be confused with Lexus due to its metallic, oval-ish shape and stylized letter inside. However, Acura’s emblem represents calipers forming an “A,” emphasizing precision.
Acura Official Website

While both are luxury Japanese brands, Infiniti’s logo features an oval with a pointed, upward “road” shape symbolizing a road stretching into the horizon. It’s more abstract and less letter-focused than Lexus’s “L.” So, while both use ovals, their symbolism and design language differ significantly.
Infiniti Official Site

What does the Lexus logo symbolize?

The Lexus logo symbolizes luxury, elegance, and forward motion. The slanted “L” represents speed and dynamism, while the enclosing oval signifies global presence and perfection. The design was carefully engineered to convey a sense of timeless sophistication.
More on Lexus symbolism

Are there any other luxury car logos similar to Lexus?

Yes, several luxury brands use oval or circular shapes with stylized letters or symbols, including Lincoln, Land Rover, and Acura. However, Lexus’s specific “L” design is unique in its slant and simplicity. The use of ovals is common because it conveys unity and elegance, but each brand adds its own twist to stand out.
Explore luxury car logos

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads the editorial direction at Car Brands™, focusing on evidence-based comparisons, reliability trends, EV tech, and market share insights. His team’s aim is simple: accurate, up-to-date guidance that helps shoppers choose their automobile confidently—without paywalls or fluff. Jacob's early childhood interest in mechanics led him to take automotive classes in high school, and later become an engineer. Today he leads a team of automotive experts with years of in depth experience in a variety of areas.

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