Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear factors and play important roles in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in the body. LXRs regulate cholesterol metabolism in different tissues through regulating their target genes. LXR agonists can promote the reverse cholesterol transport in order to inhibit atherosclerosis, and have potential therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the new LXR agonists in recent years are reviewed for their anti-atherosclerotic effects from different sources, characteristics and mechanisms.