2017 Lexus GS 450h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.Pros
- Excellent fuel economy for a midsize luxury sedan
- Comfortable and spacious interior is richly appointed
- Still reasonably quick and sporty
Cons
- Infotainment interface can frustrate
- Substantial cost premium over GS 350
- Backseat doesn't fold
What’s new
The 2017 Lexus GS 450h is unchanged aside from the addition of last year's formerly optional collection of driver safety aids (Lexus Safety System+) as standard equipment.
Vehicle overview
There are two major types of hybrids: those that are designed from the ground up exclusively as hybrids and those that are adaptations of conventional cars. Typically, those in the latter group struggle with managing the additional weight of the hybrid components (particularly the large, heavy battery), suffering degradations in ride quality and handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 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 $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$160/mo
GS 450h Base
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
With the GS 450h, Lexus has managed to avoid these common pitfalls. Despite being a hybridized version of a conventional sedan, the GS 450h still rides quite well and handles commendably well. And this isn't some tepid hybrid system either — the GS 450h's elevated fuel economy makes it one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans available, and acceleration is still strong. The main downside to this car is the substantial price premium compared to other GS models.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
3.5 / 5With the 2017 GS 450h, Lexus has enhanced the well-regarded GS sedan's fuel economy without disrupting what makes this luxury sedan appealing in the first place. Buy a GS 450h and you're getting equal helpings of comfort, sophistication and performance.
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 of the 2014 Lexus GS 450h (3.5L V6; hybrid; CVT automatic).
Scorecard
| Overall | 3.5 / 5 |
| Driving | 3.5 |
| Comfort | 4.0 |
| Interior | 4.5 |
| Utility | 3.0 |
Driving
3.5Lexus says the 2017 GS 450h is the quickest GS you can buy, but our tests show it's slightly slower than the standard car. Its handling is intuitive and well balanced, though it lacks the outright grip of F Sport-equipped cars. Still, this is a solid performer with rewarding driving character.
Comfort
4.0A luxury hybrid with sporting intentions isn't a car we'd expect to sacrifice all else in the name of comfort, but the GS 450h does a nice job of splitting the difference. It's amply comfortable when that's what you want.
Interior
4.5A large, highly functional interior with very good materials and high assembly quality is slightly offset by a unique but awkward infotainment control setup.
Utility
3.0The sedan's useful variety of interior storage options is offset by a small trunk and a backseat that doesn't fold down.
Which GS 450h does Edmunds recommend?
Available trim levels for the 2017 Lexus GS 450h number precisely one, greatly simplifying the task of deciding on how to tailor one to your liking. Furthermore, there is only one option package and just a few standalone options available. Go for the Mark Levinson premium audio system if you are discriminating about sound quality.
2017 Lexus GS 450h models
The 2017 Lexus GS 450h is available in one well-equipped trim level. Standard features are plentiful, leaving only a handful of options to decide on, chief among them the Mark Levinson premium audio system. Under the hood of the GS 450h is a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a hybridized continuously variable transmission that delivers power to the rear wheels. Bolstered by the battery-fed electric motor, the GS 450h delivers a total output of 338 horsepower, though it's the boost in low-end torque that is most noticeable when, say, driving away from stoplights.