Makita has released a four-speed impact driver, the XDT21, which it says delivers 1,860 in-lb of maximum torque — by its own reckoning the most of any impact driver in its 18V LXT system. It is an incremental release rather than a new platform, aimed at users who have hit the ceiling of what their current driver will pull.

One thing to note before the specs: Makita's own headline files this under XGT, its 40V line. The body of the release, and every specification in it, describes an 18V LXT tool. Read as an LXT release; the batteries are not interchangeable between the two, so the distinction is not cosmetic.

The driver runs a Makita-built brushless motor rated at 3,700 maximum RPM. The four speed settings step through 0–1,100, 0–2,100, 0–3,200 and 0–3,700 RPM, with impact rates of 0–2,000, 0–3,600, 0–4,200 and 0–4,400 IPM. Makita's Quick-Shift Mode uses the motor's electronic control to trade speed against torque for the fastening in hand rather than leaving the choice entirely to the trigger.

The practical details are a one-touch 1/4in hex chuck, a rubberised grip, and LED work lights with preglow and afterglow — the light staying on briefly after the trigger releases, which matters more in a joist bay than it sounds on a spec sheet.

Availability

No price and no on-sale date were given. The announcement was issued on 4 August from La Mirada, California, and addresses the United States market only.

Where it sits

LXT is the older and far larger of Makita's two platforms, and a top-of-range 18V impact driver is aimed at owners with packs already on the shelf rather than at anyone choosing a system. The torque claim is against Makita's own LXT range, not against the market. We have not tested it, and the XDT21 is not yet in our catalogue.

Based on a press release from Makita U.S.A., published 4 August 2026.