
Lexus's handbrake is positioned near the driver's left foot. The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake, which uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause plastic deformation of the steel cable. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will also increase. Taking the 2020 ES200 as an example, its body structure is a 4-door, 5-seat sedan with the following dimensions: length 4975mm, width 1866mm, height 1447mm, wheelbase 2870mm, front track 1595mm, rear track 1612mm, fuel tank capacity 60.6 liters, trunk capacity 454 liters, and curb weight 1610kg.

I've been driving a ES for several years, and its handbrake position is quite intuitive. Most newer models feature an electronic parking button, located either below the instrument panel on the left side of the steering wheel or on the left side of the center console, near the gear shift area. Operation is straightforward: when parking, press the brake pedal and simply push the button to lock the wheels; when starting, pressing the accelerator automatically releases it—super convenient. Compared to the old-fashioned lever positioned between the seats, this design is more ergonomic and space-saving, especially during frequent stops in city driving, eliminating any hassle. In daily use, I find the electronic button reduces the risk of mishandling, such as forgetting to release the handbrake and causing wear. Different models like the IS or RX may have slightly varying positions, but the core area remains consistent. If you're new to it, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the layout before driving—safety first.

As a car enthusiast, I've studied various generations of models and observed the evolution of their parking brake from traditional lever-by-seat designs to fully electronic systems. The mainstream position is now a prominent button marked with "P" on the left side of the dashboard or center console. Operation has become much more effortless – simply press the button while braking after starting the vehicle to activate parking mode, which automatically releases when accelerating. This design saves physical space and eliminates any pulling sensation. This innovation enhances driving comfort; in SUVs like the RX or UX with higher seating positions, the button is placed lower but remains easily accessible, ensuring smooth parking. From a technical perspective, the electronic control system manages braking force via circuits, offering greater precision and reliability than mechanical structures, making it worth prioritizing such new designs when purchasing a vehicle.

I often drive my family's old LS, which had a traditional manual handbrake lever located under the center armrest between the seats. You just reached down and pulled it to lock the wheels. The new models have completely changed it to a small electronic button positioned either below the steering wheel or on the center console—just press it and it's done, very convenient. The placement is well-designed and unobtrusive, saving time and effort when parking. If you're used to the old style, it might take some getting used to, but overall, it offers a significant improvement in safety.

I drive a RX as my family car in daily life, and the handbrake is an electronic button located either on the left side of the dashboard or the side of the center console armrest. Operation is super convenient—just extend a finger and press lightly when parking, with no need to turn around strenuously; the low position ensures unobstructed vision, keeping driving focus intact. As a family vehicle, this design is particularly fitting—when busy taking care of kids or shopping, quickly securing the vehicle ensures safety, and the system intelligently prevents damage from forgetting to release it. The new feature makes it a practical highlight, worth experiencing firsthand on a test drive.

As a car enthusiast, I've tested multiple models, and the handbrake position is generally fixed below the steering wheel or as a button on the left side of the center console. For example, the ES sedan's is positioned more forward, while the NX SUV's is slightly rearward but easy to operate. The trend is shifting from lever to electronic control, requiring just a press combined with brake pedal response; the optimized position considers ergonomics to reduce bending risks. Compared to older models like the classic IS with centrally placed levers, newer versions offer smoother operation. Familiarizing yourself with the handbrake during a test drive can prevent initial confusion when purchasing.


