Another manufacturer falls: Lexus adds an electronic latch

The electronic latch needs to go

A review of Lexus back up entry and start processes finds another electronic latch. New electrified NX, RX, RZ and TX models all feature the new latch, which requires a back up exit option in the event of a power failure.

And this has been the case since 2023. We missed it.

The e-latches are all associated with a new entry door handle and the resulting back up entry option, which we did find in 2023. The handle features a rectangular pry off cover (right) at the back of the driver’s door handle. Slip a credit card or some equivalent into a gap at the front of the cover and pry the cover outward. When the cover clears the handle, push it from the rear to remove it fully. The key hole is then be exposed.

To open the door from the inside on these models, Lexus provides a button to push. To the company’s credit, if pushing the button fails to open the door, the push button is actually built into the back up door handle (right). It simply needs to be pulled from the front, although it must be pulled twice.

Our recent Fiat update and the update of our Get Out page has made us more acutely aware of the increased use of electronic latches, and the danger these system pose for drivers. Lexus gets a slight nod of approval for at least building the back up into the same piece of the car. This in and of itself does not guarantee that a driver will recognize the door opening option, but its better than most manufacturers have done.

We again give kudos to Audi for getting it right. The electronic latch releases on a simple pull to the first position. The handle then responds to a very, very natural human instinct when something doesn’t work as expected: pull, push, or twist harder! Extra pull effort in e-tron models engages the mechanical release.

But we will ask again, and continue to ask over and over: if a mechanical opening option is needed, what is the point of the electronic latch in the first place?

Each and every manufacturer, and frankly the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), should take a long hard look at Audi‘s innovation and flat out copy it. And in NHTSA’s case, require it as a standard.

Or flat out ban electronic latches.

Our Get Out page is here and the Lexus back up page is here, now both updated.

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