Many luxury automakers highlight their sedans' performance capabilities to attract attention. But what if you simply want a comfortable upscale sedan without the theatrics or sticker shock? Enter the 2019 Lexus GS 300.

Though the 300 is the entry-level model of the GS series of sedans, its turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides a nice mix of fuel efficiency and responsive acceleration. Similarly, the GS 300's suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling composure. Competitive pricing of the GS is another potential draw.

On the downside, this GS generation has been around a while. Style-wise, it won't land you at the front of a valet line. Also, Lexus' distracting-to-use infotainment system is one of the least appealing in the luxury segment. Overall, though, the GS 300 is a sedan worth considering.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus GS as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize Luxury Sedans for this year.

2019 Lexus GS 300 models

The 2019 Lexus GS 300 comes in two trims: base and the GS 300 F Sport. They share the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (241 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

The base GS 300 includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition and entry, simulated leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated and power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings and an automatic climate control system.

Technology features include Lexus' Remote Touch infotainment interface, a navigation system, voice controls, smartphone app integration, a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-speaker sound system. A broad range of driver safety aids — blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and the Lexus Safety System+ suite of advanced active safety features — are also included.

Heated and ventilated front seats, automatic wipers and a power rear sunshade are optional by way of the Premium package, and the available 18-inch wheel upgrade offers a same-cost choice between all-season and stickier three-season summer performance tires. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is also optional.

The F Sport version ups the ante on the handling front by adding 19-inch wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, bigger front brakes, more aggressive front and rear styling, and a rear trunklid spoiler. Inside you'll find leather upholstery, power sport seats, all of the Premium Package content and different interior trim pieces.

Scorecard

Overall	undefined / 5

Driving

The Lexus GS 300 is nimble and moves out nicely, but it's also effortlessly smooth and poised. Acceleration is adequate but far from exhilarating.

Acceleration

We've only tested the 3.5-liter V6 in the GS. For that engine, we measured a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. We have not tested a 300, but Lexus estimates a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds, which should translate to adequate but far from exhilarating performance.

Braking

The GS' firm and sure brake pedal tends toward jumpy, but you'll readily get used to it. The car tends to exhibit some nosedive during harder stops, and our measured panic-stop distance from 60 mph is about average for premium sedans with summer-rated tires.

Steering

The GS cruises arrow-straight on the open road, and it feels nimble when taking turns.

Handling

In F Sport trim, the GS drives like a much smaller and lighter car. It feels nimble and delivers impressive cornering response, but it also provides a good deal of grip and overall stability.

Drivability

We have not yet evaluated the 300's turbo engine and eight-speed transmission. In our test of the related IS 300 sedan, which has the same engine and transmission, we noted that the eight-speed automatic transmission's shifting can feel languid at times.

Comfort

Though the GS is a sport-oriented sedan, it doesn't abandon luxury. The optional F Sport seats are comfy, the ride is smooth, and the cabin is generally quiet and well-ventilated.

Seat comfort

The optional F Sport seats are a highlight: sufficiently bolstered for sporty driving but still comfortable and easy to get out of. The seat bottoms deliver excellent thigh support, though some drivers did find them a bit flat. The seats are also heated and ventilated.

Ride comfort

An adaptive variable suspension system helps the F Sport split the difference between sport sedan and proper Lexus. The ride is generally smooth and controlled with little harshness on rough roads.

Noise & vibration

A bit of road noise emanates from the large (optional) summer performance tires, but it stops short of being bothersome. And there's precious little wind noise, even at elevated highway speeds.

Climate control

The dual-zone climate controls are prominently located, clearly marked and easy to understand. The vents put out a nice amount of air, and rear passengers have a pair of their own. The F Sport package adds heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel is optional.

Interior

The 2017 GS 300 is blessed with a fairly roomy and comfortable interior that oozes quality and refinement. There's very little to complain about apart from one thing: the unique but awkward mouse-style interface that controls the entertainment and navigation system.

Ease of use

The majority of the GS' switches, buttons and knobs are easy to use and understand without cracking open the owner's manual. But there is one prominent sore spot that takes points off: the mouse-style infotainment system controller. It's novel but demands too much attention.

Getting in/getting out

There's much to like in this category. The doors open wide, the sills are narrow and, as sedans go, the seats are comfortably high. It's generally easy to get in or out without having to stoop or do deep knee bends.

Driving position

Numerous seat adjustments and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with a fairly generous adjustment range will make it easy for a wide variety of drivers to settle in comfortably at the controls and have a clear view out over the hood.

Roominess

The GS 300 is a sizable car, with an interior to match. Up front you'll find lots of hip-, head- and legroom as well as shoulder room. The story is much the same in the back seat, unless front and backseat occupants are both quite tall.

Visibility

A generous glass area gives the GS excellent forward and side visibility, and the rear three-quarter blind spot is minimal due to the carefully sculpted rear roof pillar. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera take care of the rest. High-beam headlights are fantastic on the open road, too.

Quality

Everything you touch in the Lexus GS 300 looks and feels high-quality and purpose-built. The important pieces — such as the steering wheel, the shifter and even the knee side of the center console — offer extra padding and quality leather.

Utility

The GS' trunk is usefully shaped and quite big, but those who occasionally haul larger items will be disappointed by rear seats that do not fold down. The interior provides a reasonable but not memorable amount of storage, and it plays well with most child safety seats.

Small-item storage

It has a useful glovebox, two cupholders ahead of the shifter, and a medium-size center console that opens wide. The front door pockets are a decent size but won't hold a water bottle; the rear door pockets are just large enough to do so. The rear center armrest has a storage bin and cupholders.

Cargo space

The trunk is quite spacious because it is wide near the mouth, deep along the floor and accessible through a broad opening. Hidden hinges won't crush bags. The thing is, the rear seatbacks do not fold down to expand the space. A slender ski pass-through seems like a consolation prize.

Child safety seat accommodation

It has two pairs of LATCH anchors at the bottom and three top-tether anchors along the top. But the bottom LATCH anchors are tightly recessed between the seat cushions. Rear legroom is generous enough for most rear-facing seats to fit, but tall front occupants might still have to scoot up some.

Technology

This cabin is behind the times when it comes to infotainment. The control interface is awkward and the native voice controls are subpar. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality and the screen graphics look old. A nice suite of driver aids is standard, however.

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Lexus GS 300.

Features & Specs

4dr Sedan features & specs
4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
MSRP	$46,860
MPG	22 city / 32 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5800 rpm

See all for sale

F SPORT 4dr Sedan features & specs
F SPORT 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
MSRP	$51,450
MPG	21 city / 30 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5800 rpm

See all for sale

See all 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite GS 300 safety features:

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Keeps you at a constant distance from the vehicle ahead of you. It works all the way down to a complete stop, which isn't always the case.
Pre-Collision System: Detects and attempts to avoid front collisions by applying the brakes to assist the driver and reduce the speed of impact.
Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist: Automatically applies corrections to help prevent the car from leaving its lane.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

Lexus GS 300 vs. the competition

Lexus GS 300 vs. Lexus GS 350

The GS 350 and the GS 300 are the same car, so they come with the same features and options; the only difference lies in the powertrain. The GS 350 features a more powerful V6 engine and is available with all-wheel drive. The GS 300, on the other hand, is more efficient and only available in rear-wheel drive.

Compare Lexus GS 300 & Lexus GS 350 features

Lexus GS 300 vs. Honda Accord

Although the GS 300 is pricier, its rear-wheel-drive chassis, suspension setup and interior show a clear luxury advantage over the more practical Accord. Still, you could load up an Accord with its available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and you'd have a sedan to equal the GS in many respects.

Compare Lexus GS 300 & Honda Accord features

Lexus GS 300 vs. Lexus IS 300

The IS 300 and the GS 300 are both sporty four-door sedans and share identical powertrains. So which is the right one for you? The IS 300 is less expensive but has a smaller rear seat and less cargo space. Ultimately, it'll be about practicality and interior size. Either way, both are meant for the sporty — but not too sporty — sedan audience.

Compare Lexus GS 300 & Lexus IS 300 features

People who viewed this also viewed

Lexus GS 350
5 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $51,065

Lexus ES 350
4.6666665 average Rating out of 6 reviews.
Starting at $39,900

Honda Accord
4.45 average Rating out of 20 reviews.
Starting at $23,870

FAQ

Is the Lexus GS 300 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 GS 300 both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Lexus GS 300 fuel economy, so it's important to know that the GS 300 gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg to 26 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GS 300 has 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus GS 300. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Lexus GS 300?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Lexus GS 300:

Integration with Lexus Enform Connect smartphone app
Part of the fourth GS generation introduced for 2013

Learn more

Is the Lexus GS 300 reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus GS 300 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GS 300. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GS 300's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2019 Lexus GS 300 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Lexus GS 300 is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 GS 300 is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2019 Lexus GS 300?

The least-expensive 2019 Lexus GS 300 is the 2019 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,860.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,860
F SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $51,450

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus GS 300?

If you're interested in the Lexus GS 300, the next question is, which GS 300 model is right for you? GS 300 variants include 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and F SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of GS 300 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2019 Lexus GS 300

2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan Overview

The 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan is offered in the following styles: 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and F SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A).

What do people think of the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 GS 300 Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 GS 300 Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, F SPORT, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan here.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedans are available in my area?

2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 [object Object] GS 300 Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan GS 300 Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Lexus GS 300 Sedan for sale - 11 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $12,327.

Find a new Lexus for sale - 1 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $13,890.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan and all available trim types: Base, F SPORT. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Lexus lease specials

2019 Lexus GS 300 Sedan