2018 Lexus GS 350 Review
2018 Lexus GS 350 Review





+65
Used GS 350 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Comfortable and spacious interior feels rich and luxurious
- All-wheel drive and high-performance versions cover most driver needs
Cons
- Entertainment and navigation system controller is hard to use
- Trunk not expandable because rear seatbacks do not fold down
What’s new
The Lexus GS 350 rolls into 2018 without significant changes.
Vehicle overview
The 2018 Lexus GS 350 is a multitalented luxury sedan that artfully blends comfort, sophistication and performance. Despite its advancing age — the current generation has been around for five years — the GS still makes a compelling choice with a well-appointed interior, eager powertrain, sure handling and a smooth ride. All-wheel drive is available for those who often drive in wet weather, and there's even an F Sport model that ratchets up the sporting quotient without sacrificing much comfort.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.96 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$219/mo
GS 350 F SPORT
vs
$173/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
The heart of the GS 350 is a 311-horsepower V6 engine. It lacks the dominating thrust found in rival sedans with turbocharged or supercharged six-cylinder engines but nonetheless impresses with a smooth power delivery. Recent tech and safety upgrades, such as a full suite of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane control, make the GS a more compelling choice than ever.
There are no significant changes for the 2018 model, although Lexus now includes its roadside and emergency assistance program free for a full 10 years, which should offer additional peace of mind for the long road trips to which the GS is so well-suited. With its incremental upgrades year over year, today's GS is even more luxurious, smooth, comfortable and engaging than it was at the outset.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds' editorial team purchased and lived with a Lexus GS 350 for a year. In that time, we drove the GS for more than 20,000 miles and came to appreciate its high levels of fit and finish as well as its smooth road manners over long distances. Since our ownership experience, Lexus has added new features, but most of our observations remain relevant. Check out our long-term GS 350 test page for a more detailed look into our ownership experience.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The Lexus GS 350 is a multitalented luxury sedan that artfully blends comfort, sophistication and performance. The F Sport model ratchets up the sporting quotient without sacrificing much comfort, while recent tech and safety upgrades make the 2018 GS 350 more compelling than ever.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test and an extended yearlong test of the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport (3.5-liter V6 | 6-speed automatic | RWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the GS 350 has received some upgrades, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for the rear-wheel-drive models, a more sophisticated fuel-injection system, engine upgrades that added 5 horsepower, LED headlights and more capable entertainment system software. Our initial findings remain broadly applicable to this year's GS 350.
Driving
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport is nimble and moves out nicely, but it's also effortlessly smooth and poised. We have mixed feelings about the rear steering, but at least it's only an option. Our F Sport's summer tires are not meant for cold climates, but an all-wheel-drive version is available.
Acceleration
The 3.5-liter V6 packs considerable punch across a wide range, it's ultra smooth, and it makes great noises when you rev it. Before the recent power and transmission upgrade, we measured a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, which lags slightly behind the performance of class leaders.
Braking
The GS 350's 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 0-60-mph panic-stop distance is about average for premium sedans with three-season summer tires.
Steering
We found the optional four-wheel dynamic rear steering to be quick and precise yet very light, which added up to an overeager feeling that may not be for everyone. That said, our GS still cruised arrow-straight on the open road, and it could make exceptionally tight U-turns.
Handling
In F Sport trim, the GS 350 drives like a much smaller and lighter car. It feels nimble and delivers impressive cornering response, but there's also a good deal of grip and overall stability.
Drivability
The six-speed automatic shifts with incredible smoothness. Sport and Normal driving modes offer drivers a choice of steering effort and throttle response maps. (Note: We have not yet evaluated the 2018 model's eight-speed transmission.)
Comfort
Though the Lexus GS 350 F Sport bills itself as a sport sedan, it doesn't abandon comfort in the pursuit of achieving that title. The F Sport seats are comfy, the ride is smooth, and the cabin is generally quiet and well-ventilated.
Seat comfort
The F Sport leather sport seats proved to be 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 found them a bit flat. And they're heated and ventilated.
Ride comfort
An adaptive variable suspension system helps this GS 350 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 (and 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
Dual-zone climate controls are prominently located, clearly marked and easy to understand. The air vents put out a nice volume 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 GS 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
Most of the GS 350's 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 a lot 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 very easy to get in or out without the need 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 made it easy for a variety of drivers to settle in comfortably at the controls with a clear view out over the hood.
Roominess
The GS 350 is a sizable car, with an interior to match. Up front you'll find lots of shoulder room as well as hip-, head- and legroom. The story is much the same in the backseat, unless you and the person seated directly ahead are both quite tall.
Visibility
The generous glass area gives the GS excellent forward and side visibility, and the rear three-quarter blind spot is minimal because of the carefully sculpted rear roof pillar. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera take care of the rest. It has fantastic high-beam headlights for the open road, too.
Quality
Everything you touch in the Lexus GS F Sport looks and feels high-quality and purpose-built. The important pieces such as the steering wheel, 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 you may not like it if you're the sort who folds down the rear seats to carry larger items now and then; the GS can't do that. The interior provides a reasonable but not memorable amount of storage, and it plays well with most child safety seats.
Small-item storage
Has a useful glovebox, two cupholders ahead of the shifter and a medium-size center console that opens wide. Front door pockets are a decent size, but they won't hold a water bottle; rear door pockets are small but will accept a bottle. 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 except for a slender ski pass-through that seems like a consolation prize.
Child safety seat accommodation
Has two pairs of LATCH anchors at the bottom and three tether anchors along the top. Bottom LATCH anchors are tightly recessed between the seat cushions, though. Rear legroom is generous enough for most rear-facing seats to fit, but tall front occupants might have to scoot up some.
Technology
This year the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of driver aids is now standard on all trims. We have not yet tested recent improvements in voice controls and phone-pairing software, but the performance of the original makes us confident. We're still not fans of the audio and navigation controller.
Audio & navigation
The Mark Levinson sound system sounds great, and it has simple volume and tune knobs. Higher audio functions and the navigation system require the use of a quirky interface that's not that easy to use without diverting attention away from driving. The wide screen permits tri-zone image display.
Smartphone integration
New changes to the software are said to improve Bluetooth pairing and hard-wired USB connection speed. We have not yet tried out this latest version, but we expect good performance because the older iteration performed reasonably well.
Driver aids
The previously optional Lexus Safety System Plus is now standard. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent high-beam control, and lane departure warning with mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is standard, too.
Voice control
New voice control software has been introduced, but we have not yet fully tested it. The last version was stilted and left room for improvement. Those with an iPhone still have the option of holding the voice button longer to directly engage Siri on their phone and make calls that way.
Which GS 350 does Edmunds recommend?
With two trim levels and multiple options, it's easy (and costly) to equip the GS 350 nicely. But we recommend keeping it simple with the base rear-wheel-drive GS 350. It comes very well equipped and offers the highest fuel economy of the bunch. Unfortunately, you can't get the base RWD model with leather upholstery or heated and ventilated seats, but the faux leather seats are still really nice. One option we feel strongly about is the head-up display, which is especially useful on long trips. If you live in an area with cold and snowy weather, though, the GS 350 AWD with the added Premium package is the all-weather version of the same car.
2018 Lexus GS 350 models
The 2018 Lexus GS 350 midsize luxury sedan comes in two main versions: base and F Sport. Both are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Standard equipment for the rear-wheel-drive GS 350 includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, ambient LED cabin lighting, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats (heated and ventilated), leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.
Standard tech content includes Bluetooth, the Remote Touch infotainment interface, a navigation system, voice controls, smartphone app integration, a 12.3-inch display screen and a 12-speaker sound system. Various driver safety aids (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of advanced active safety features) are also included.
Note that on the all-wheel-drive GS 350, leather upholstery is optional by way of the Premium package, which also includes the heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshade. A six-speed automatic transmission is used on this model instead of the eight-speed.
The rear-wheel-drive F Sport ups the ante on handling with 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and bigger front brakes. It offers the option of four-wheel steering or a limited-slip rear differential. The F Sport has more aggressive front and rear bumper and grille styling, power sport seats and different interior trim pieces. All-wheel drive is available, but it's not quite as sporty and doesn't have the option for four-wheel steering or the limited-slip rear differential.
On all GS 350s, key stand-alone options include parking sensors, a premium Mark Levinson sound system and a power-operated trunk.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Lexus GS 350.
5 star(88%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Very pleased with our GS
SK, 05/10/2016
2016 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
In addition to a nice look from outside, the interior is really nice. The quality of the build, and quality of the interior finishing are completely "lexus-like" and expected from them...and they deliver. Car's quiet, handles great, has amazing safety and convenience features. Has some real pep and on the highway we just got 32 MPG. We considered an Audi, BMW and MB but think the … ride's at least as good, the quality better and the anticipated reliability over the top of the others. We have a Nebula Gray, tinted, and this car is flat out classy looking. Very pleased.
5 out of 5 stars
The unrecognized competitor of the A6 and 5 series
Renee, 06/27/2018
2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The Lexus GS350 is the luxury sport sedan that gives you the best of both worlds if you are looking for comfort and performance. It may lack a few seconds on the 0-60 time at 5.7 seconds compared to some of its German competitors, but makes up for that with the luxury features and overall quality expected from a Lexus. The F-Sport package gives the vehicle a unique styling and sportier … appearance compared to the regular trim level on the GS. Lexus is a brand well known for its reliability, comfort, and quietness and of course all factors are taken into account with the GS350, but the performance singles this vehicle out from the rest of the Lexus lineup. The GS350 is made for those who do not necessarily need to feel the road while driving but still would like great acceleration and handling. Lexus is stereotyped to older clientele, but as a 21 year old the F-sport styling swept me off my feet, but the ride is what sold me on the vehicle. The Triple-beam LED headlights are a must have feature when buying this vehicle and not only look high-end from a mile down the road, but give you unbelievable visibility. I recommend anyone to test drive the GS350 if you are considering any of the other competitors to this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
2014 and now 2016 GS Fsport owner
Steve, 04/25/2016
2016 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Owned 2014 and recently traded in, got $2k equity for 2016 fsport. Excellent power, handling, luxury, infotainment, and all safety features (precollision system, lane departure, pedestrian alert). Love 4 wheel steering, heads up display and drive modes. Gas mileage could be better but for he money, you get lot of car. My 2014, just changed oil, filled gas and enjoyed ride. never … changed tires or brakes and it was Lexus reliable!!
5 out of 5 stars
GS350 KRUAT SLAYER -
Frank Griebenow, 07/12/2016
2016 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I spent weeks researching, driving and comparing my GS with the MB E350 Sport and the BMW 535i xdrive. Both of these competitors were worthy, but neither put all the pieces together as the GS does. The ride and build quality are equal to or better than the Benz, while the performance is on par with the Beamer.. and the tech is far better than either... All three are fabulous … vehicles and I like some aspects of each, however I have no question that I made the right selection in the Lexus GS.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Lexus GS 350, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 350 since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $50,565
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 311 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 192.1 in. / Height: 57.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.4 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,891 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 14.3 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts like the GS 350 models:
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Also known as adaptive cruise control, this standard GS feature works all the way down to a complete stop, which isn't always the case.
- Pre-Collision System w/Ped. Detection
- Warns about an imminent front collision, even with a pedestrian. Can automatically apply the brakes.
- Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist
- Warns the driver when the GS starts to leave its lane unintentionally. Can automatically apply steering to help stay in the lane.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $85,010 |
See Inventory |
4.4 average Rating out of 25 reviews. |
Starting at $37,610 |
See Inventory |
Starting at $46,860 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2018 Lexus GS 350
Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 Overview
The Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 is offered in the following submodels: GS 350 Sedan. Available styles include F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Lexus GS 350 models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 311 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Lexus GS 350?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 F SPORT is priced between $36,590 and$41,975 with odometer readings between 22463 and47700 miles.
- The Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 Base is priced between $33,000 and$38,590 with odometer readings between 26475 and57430 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used 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 used 2018 Lexus GS 350S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Lexus GS 350 for sale near. There are currently 8 used and CPO 2018 GS 350S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,000 and mileage as low as 22463 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Lexus GS 350.
Can't find a used 2018 Lexus GS 350s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Lexus GS 350 for sale.
Find a used Lexus for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Lexus GS 350 for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Lexus for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Lexus GS 350?
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
Check out Lexus GS 350 lease specials
Related Used 2018 Lexus GS 350 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mazda CX 5 2020 Review
- Mazda CX 5 2021 Review
- Mazda CX 9 2020 Review
- Mazda CX 9 2021 Review
- Mazda MX 5 Miata RF 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Cadillac CT5 2023
- Cadillac XTS 2019
- Genesis G80 2023
- Lincoln Continental 2020
- Maserati Quattroporte 2022
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mitsubishi Montero Sport 2000
- Used INFINITI QX70 2015 For Sale
- Used Alfa Romeo 4C 2016
- Used Volkswagen Golf 2010
- Used Toyota Prius c 2016
- Used BMW Z4 1997 For Sale
- Used Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid 2014
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2007
- Used Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2005
- Used Cadillac DTS 1993
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Subaru Solterra
- 2022 Charger
- 2024 BMW X6 M News
- 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee News
- 2023 Hardtop 2 Door
- Audi Q8 2022
- Cadillac CT4 V Blackwing
- 2024 Honda CR-V News
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2022
- 2022 Volkswagen Arteon
Research recent models from same make
- NX350H Lexus
- Lexus Is500
- 2022 Lexus ES 300h
- RX350H
- LX 600
- Lexus Ux 200
- 2022 Lexus IS 500
- Lexus RC 300
- Lexus Es 250 Awd
- Lexus NX 450H+
Research similar vehicles
- Used Genesis G80
- Acura Ilx
- Honda Insight
- 2023 7 Series
- 2022 Accord
- 2023 Ford Mustang
- BMW 7 Series
- 2022 Dodge Challenger
- Eqs
- Audi A6