2014 Lexus GS 450h Review
2014 Lexus GS 450h Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- refined ride comfort
- high-quality interior
- cutting-edge safety and entertainment technology.
Cons
- Hefty price premium over GS 350
- electronics interface can be distracting to use.
What’s new
The Lexus GS 450h's continuously variable transmission (CVT) boasts an upgraded Sport mode for 2014. Lexus says it's been optimized to feature eight steps rather than six to make it feel more like the GS 350's eight-speed automatic. Apple iPhone integration is also enhanced with the addition of Siri Eyes Free voice control functionality. Other additions this year include a full color readout for the optional head-up display, rear cross-traffic alerts for the optional blind-spot monitoring system and an optional power trunk opener. The night vision system has been discontinued.
Edmunds says
With a roomy cabin, tons of available features and excellent fuel economy, the 2014 Lexus GS 450h is a compelling choice for midsize luxury sedan shoppers who want a hybrid.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) 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 $4.09 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$164/mo
GS 450h Base
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
While the typical hybrid car is all about maximizing mpg, luxury hybrids have a more complicated mission. They cater to well-heeled buyers who also want brisk acceleration, responsive handling and an elegant interior loaded with amenities. As a result, these high-end green machines are often quite enjoyable to drive, but the fuel-efficiency gains over their conventional, gasoline-only counterparts are often quite modest. The 2014 Lexus GS 450h is unique in that it offers the features and performance expected of a midsize luxury sedan while delivering the big fuel economy numbers that many hybrid shoppers expect.
Powering the 2014 Lexus GS 450h is a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine, two electric motor/generators and a trunk-mounted battery pack to provide a total system output of 338 horsepower. Of course, the real appeal here is the GS 450h's impressive fuel economy. With a combined EPA rating of 31 mpg, this Lexus shines as one of the most fuel-efficient models in the luxury sedan segment.
Evaluated solely as a midsize luxury sedan, the GS 450h also hits the mark. The GS is a pleasure to experience on the open road, with capable handling and a refined and quiet ride quality. The interior is one of the classiest you'll find with its high-quality materials and excellent build quality, and the backseat is sufficiently roomy for a pair of adults. Of course, a comprehensive set of standard and optional high-tech features awaits you as well.
Ultimately, the Lexus GS 450h sedan's main shortcoming is its price. When new, it costs over $10,000 more than a similarly equipped GS 350. That price premium would take decades to recoup in gas savings. Even if you're not one to crunch the numbers, it's worthwhile to check out some of the other options for a fuel-efficient midsize luxury sedan, including the sporty new Acura RLX Sport Hybrid, the capable Audi A6 TDI and BMW 535d diesels and the more affordable Infiniti Q50 Hybrid. There are also the diesel and hybrid versions of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Each car here has its own set of strengths, but if you like the idea of driving a luxury sedan that provides high levels of performance and refinement -- and posts impressive mpg every time you fill up -- the 2014 Lexus GS 450h is a fine choice.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2014 Lexus GS 450h is a hybrid system composed of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine and a pair of electric motor/generators fed by a trunk-mounted nickel-metal hydride battery pack. A total system output of 338 hp is sent to the rear wheels through a CVT.
At our test facility, we clocked the GS 450h from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is actually two tenths of a second slower than the last Lexus GS 350 we tested. The EPA's estimated fuel economy is very good at 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city/34 mpg highway). We validated this estimate by earning exactly 31 mpg on Edmunds' own 116-mile evaluation loop.
Safety
Every 2014 Lexus GS 450h comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Also standard is the Lexus Safety Connect system, which includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button and stolen vehicle location services.
Optional features include blind-spot monitoring (with rear cross-traffic alert) and a lane-departure warning system that can steer you back into place should you fail to act. Adding the optional adaptive cruise control includes a frontal collision warning system that detects an impending collision and responds by pre-tensioning the seatbelts and activating brake assist.
In Edmunds brake tests, we measured a 122-foot stop from 60 mph, which is average for a luxury sedan with all-season tires.
Though the GS 450h has not been tested specifically, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave its gasoline-only equivalent, the GS 350, the best possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests. Seat and head restraint design were also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts. There is no comparable government crash data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Driving
As expected of a hybrid luxury sedan, the 2014 Lexus GS 450h goes about its business silently and efficiently, wrapping its occupants in a cocoon of serenity. Acceleration is quick, though enhanced fuel economy is the 450h's main reason for existence. In our testing the hybrid was actually a bit slower than the regular GS 350.
The hybrid GS sedan's standard adaptive suspension continually adapts to road and driving conditions to provide the best ride and handling possible. A driver-adjustable interface includes Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, and in addition to the suspension, you can tailor the car's steering effort, accelerator response and stability control intervention to your liking, although the latter is still set to very conservative limits. Just want that silent and efficient commute? Stick with Eco or Normal. Feeling feisty or want to show your BMW-owning buddy that hybrids can have some fun, too? Dial up Sport Plus. There's also an EV mode that enables you to drive for short distances at low speeds on battery power alone.
Interior
In the best Lexus tradition, the GS 350h features a finely crafted interior marked by soft leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Befitting this caliber of luxury sport sedan are seats that are firm and cosseting in equal measure, and limited only by the degree of power adjustments you choose. In back, two average-sized adults should be pretty comfortable, though the BMW 5 Series is roomier still.
The GS 350's Remote Touch multimedia controller is more problematic. This small, mouselike device adjacent to the gear selector makes sense conceptually, but cursor control is wobbly and imprecise, and making audio or navigation selections is even harder when you're on the move. Further complicating the process is the system's lack of a physical "back" button and the fact that all the icons are the same color. That said, we do like the impressively large 12-inch display that comes with the optional navigation system as well as the optional Mark Levinson audio system, which sounds fantastic.
Total luggage capacity for the trunk measures 13.2 cubic feet, just a bit less than the regular GS 350. Still, most conventional midsize luxury sedans have bigger trunks with rear seatbacks that fold to expand potential cargo capacity. As in the GS 350, the GS 450h's rear seats don't fold down.
2014 Lexus GS 450h models
The 2014 Lexus GS 450h is the hybrid version of the regular GS 350 sedan, which is reviewed separately. There is only one body style and trim level available.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adjustable drive settings, automatic LED headlights, LED running lights, heated and auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof and keyless ignition/entry. Inside the cabin you get cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a heated power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a power rear sunshade. Electronic features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, the Safety Connect emergency communications service and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The optional navigation system brings with it a larger 12.3-inch central display screen, voice controls and the Enform suite of smartphone app features. The Luxury package adds 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, adaptive headlights, additional front seat adjustments, rear climate and audio controls, manual rear side sunshades, and upgraded leather upholstery and wood trim. The Luxury package can also be had with heated rear seats.
Stand-alone options include different 18-inch wheels, an automated parallel parking system, an active lane-departure prevention system, adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, a power trunk opener and a premium Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Lexus GS 450h.
5 star(71%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
7 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2013 GS450h Update 2Q20
sdgolwn,01/11/2014
2013 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Purchased via Lexus' December to Remember event for $15K off sticker, so made purchase much easier. Price for this car is otherwise high for what it is.
Black with flaxen seats and lux package for $60K--Because of valuation, was considering 2014 ES300h with Ultra, but this price made the GS450h more palatable.
Beautiful car. Good mileage for such a large sedan. Great drive.
Traded … Infiniti FX35 (2009). Liked car, but dealer experience was awful. San Diego Lexus is great and complete opposite.
I recommend this car to anyone--it has surprised even me how much I love it. The power in Sport + is awesome!
Just passed year four, and still in love with the vehicle. What a pleasure to drive. Over summer took it to the mountains and it performed excellently.
January 2019 update: I am tempted to buy a new car, but still love this one and with only 26K, hardly seems necessary. Still very happy with decision.
The only criticism is Lexus needs to update/improve its user interface; there is lots of room for improvement, and is true of my NX, too.
There was but one repair of late; that is, the driver's door actuator went south, but Lexus covered it. This has happened on previous Lexii have owned, so seems to be known failure point. Other that that, all is still like new. Early 2020 passenger door actuator go out and Lexus would not cover it. I emailed my thoughts to them--no reply. The car now has almost 33K miles, and still drives wonderfully. As of now, about 36K. Still no issues, though time for tires. Still love the car.
5 out of 5 stars
Best New Car I've Ever Owned
Phil W.,05/20/2017
2013 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have a 2013 Lexus GS450h with Luxury Package and Precollision with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and I have to say this is the best car I've ever owned. First of all, I LOVE driving a Hybrid and second, I LOVE the performance on this thing. 340HP and I average just a hair shy of 30MPG. I'm going to take it to Thunder Hill Race Way next month to show off to the Miata and Lotus guys... my … tires are low so I figure I'd wear it out even further before putting on a new set (LOL). Third LOVE for this car is the equipment... The 18 way adjustable seats are TO DIE FOR. I am 5'6" and will never buy another car without leg extenders and adjustable side bolsters and butterfly headrest. Triple LED headlamps are also awesome. Originally, they were too low so it took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to slightly adjust the beams higher and now they are perfect. My daughters, 8 and 4, are so spoiled from rear door and windshield sunshades and pleathra of buttons in the center armrest. I put them into my BASE Tacoma truck and she thought it was FANCY and HIGHTECH because of cloth seats and manual windows. Lastly, Dynamic Radar Cruise is another thing I love. If every car on the road had it, we can all set the cruise control at 75 MPH on the freeway and CRUISE on the freeway substantially reducing congestion and save gas at the same time from drafting each other and reduction in speed up/slow down. If this isn't a thing already, IT SHOULD BE. Thank you for reading!
5 out of 5 stars
39 months later and love the car even more
sdgolwn,10/12/2014
2013 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Update: 04/2020: I still love and recommend the car. That said, it did suffer its first failure of a passenger door actuator. Having owned several TMC/Lexus products, it is sadly not uncommon. The dealer quoted almost $800, but a local shop did it for $535, using OEM parts. 9/2017 -- Just had 20K service and nothing to report, which is why I love Lexus. 03/17: The car had to have … the first repair of any kind since purchase: The door locking mechanism/actuator required replacement. The car is still under warranty until 12/28/17, so no cost. I've had the car almost 48 months now and actually love it more than I did in the beginning. As [twice] previously mentioned, I do not drive much, as I live in downtown San Diego, mostly walking to destinations. I am averaging 29 in town, with 35-36 on the highway when driving to Palm Springs or Los Angeles. I have found driving in ECO mode is usually fine, unless I am in the desert (my car is black, so require full a/c there). Sport + is a totally fun experience, and I like that I can have it when I want it. The service experiences at San Diego Lexus were great--what a treat over the previous Infiniti experience. I recognize that this is a unique car, and most will buy the 350 rather than the 450h; but they are missing out on a true sleeper! This car is surprisingly fun to drive, comfortable and economical. It's not cheap to buy, but if one buys it at the end of the year like I did, one can make it a value close to that of the 350. I highly recommend this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Almost 1 year later & still loving it
sdgolwn,10/19/2014
2013 Lexus GS 450h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
It will be one year 12/28/14, since buying this car, and I love it. In town averaging 28-29; freeway 34-36--that compares to my Infiniti of 17 city, 23 freeway. The Lexus experience is also so much better than the San Diego Infiniti dealer. I have only 3900 miles at month 10, and one service. SD Lexus has been great. I also experienced zero defects thus far; also, much more than I … can say about either of my Inifinitis. I would buy this car again. It drive and handles well, is quiet and a joy to be in. I have the luxury package, which I think helps improve the experience greatly. Trunk lighting is awful. I added an LED light in the trunk. It also needs more charging options.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Lexus GS 450h, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 450h since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $60,430
- MPG & Fuel
- 29 City / 34 Hwy / 31 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 338 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 254 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 190.7 in. / Height: 57.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.4 in.
- Curb Weight: 4,190 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.2 cu.ft.
Safety
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 RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2014 Lexus GS 450h
Used 2014 Lexus GS 450h Overview
The Used 2014 Lexus GS 450h is offered in the following submodels: GS 450h Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). The Used 2014 Lexus GS 450h comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2014 Lexus GS 450h?
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 2014 Lexus GS 450hs are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 2014 Lexus GS 450h?
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
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