Lexus LS
Latest Model
2018 Model Redesign Year
2026 is the final model year for the LS with only a single all-wheel drive Heritage Edition.
The current LS has strayed far from the whisper-quiet, stress-free motoring that this ultraluxury sedan used to be known for, thanks to its complicated controls, less-than-plush ride, and surprisingly tight headroom front and rear.
The standard 416-hp, 3.4-liter turbo V6 engine is coupled to a 10-speed automatic.
But hesitation at low speeds keeps the car from feeling powerful, despite its 6-second 0-to-60-mph acceleration.
It's too bulky to feel nimble through corners, and bumps punch through more often than they should, even with the optional air suspension.
The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious, but the controls are extremely convoluted and frustrating, and it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.
Notable Changes
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Base MSRP Range
$97,830
Destination Charge: $1450
Base MSRP Range
$97,830
Destination Charge: $1450
2026 Lexus LS
CR MPG
Notable Changes
Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
2026 Lexus LS
Base MSRP
$97,830
CR MPG
mpg
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Notable Changes
Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
2018-Present
2018 Model Redesign Year
The fifth-generation LS strays from its historic place as the embodiment of stress-free comfortable motoring by piling on complicated controls, a less cushy ride and compromised seating.
This redesigned flagship brings lots of tech and more dynamic styling.
Available with rear or all-wheel drive, the standard drivetrain is a 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car doesn't impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low speeds.
(A hybrid is available.) The wide car is too bulky to feel nimble.
The optional air suspension keeps the Lexus steady but bumps punch through more often than they should.
The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious but the controls are extremely convoluted and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.
2013-2017
2013 Model Redesign Year
Updates for 2013 freshening included updated styling, a revised dashboard and suspension tweaks for more responsive handling, while preserving the creamily serene ride.
The LS remains a terrific highway cruiser and yet it won't completely disappoint if it's occasionally hurried.
The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin.
Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness.
The biggest change was the move to more complicated controls, including a mouse-like controller that moves around a giant center dashboard screen.
This represents a step backward compared to the relative simplicity of the previous touchscreen system.
2007-2012
2007 Model Redesign Year
The 2007 redesign didn't change the LS formula much.
It remained more of a luxury liner than a driver's car.
With that said, engines grew in displacement and an eight-speed automatic transmission became standard, which was the first ever application to a passenger car.
Hybrid, all-wheel drive, and long-wheelbase versions are available.
Other options include a pre-collision system with radar-based cruise control, a 19-speaker stereo with an eight-gigabyte hard drive, cooled rear storage, a reclining rear seat with massage, leg rests and rear seat heaters.
The end result is a supremely pampering car that isolates its occupants and is fuss-free in every way.
2001-2006
2001 Model Redesign Year
The Lexus flagship is a sedate freeway cruiser, filled with luxury features, and glides comfortably over bumps.
One of the best-scoring luxury sedans we've ever tested, the powertrain is especially refined.
All seating positions are extremely comfortable and options include heated and massaging power-reclining rear seats.
Handling is sound, but don't confuse this with a luxury sports sedan.
Body lean is pronounced, but ride is exceptionally smooth and the car is extremely quiet.
Unlike most of its luxurious competitors, controls are very user-friendly.
1995-2000
Lexus's flagship LS400 is one of the world's finest luxury sedans.
It is super quiet, glides comfortably over bumps, and is filled with luxury features.
The LS emphasizes quietness and road isolation with a long list of comfort and convenience features.
All seating positions are extremely comfortable, and some models offer optional heated, massaging, power-reclining rear seats.
The highway ride is cushy and relaxed.
Handling is sound, but not particularly agile.
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