2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review

Name: 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Brand: Lexus

Price: $104,799

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible manages to take everything we love about the standard LC coupe and offer open-sky motoring without much sacrifice. It's not the quickest or most powerful car in its class, but a silky-smooth V8 and competent handling make it one of the most entertaining. It's a beauty, too, both inside and out, with some lovely details and flair. Cargo space is extremely limited, and we're still frustrated by some of the controls and menus, but the LC convertible is so charming in other areas that it's easy to overlook its flaws.

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Average price: $108,947

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Appraise My 2021 Lexus

Lexus LC 500 Convertible model years

Lexus LC 500 Convertible for Sale

Pros

Cabin design and interior materials are extraordinary
Effective at being both sporty and comfortable
Generous list of standard features
Convertible top doesn't dampen the LC's quiet refinement

Cons

Touchpad controller is frustrating to use
The trunk won't hold much cargo, and interior storage space is limited
Not as customizable as other high-end sport coupes

What's new

Soft-top convertible model is new for 2021
Part of the first LC 500 generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

7/29/2020

The Lexus LC 500 debuted in 2018 as the Japanese automaker's latest flagship model. It features a striking design that's matched by a comfortable but sporty ride and one of the best sounding V8s on sale today. The LC oozes so much charm and personality that you'll probably be able to overlook the slightly tight interior and the frustrating infotainment system. .

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

43 listings

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Certified 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Base Convertible
$120,797
fair price
$760 above market
- 18,112 miles
- 8cyl automatic
- 46 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Owings Mills, MD
Len Stoler Lexus sits at the center of it all — on Reisterstown Road in Owings Mills, minutes from the Baltimore Beltway and Route 795. Visit us today...
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHKPAAY6MA101685
Stock:
BL1972
Certified Pre-Owned:
Yes
Listed since:
07-15-2026
Price Drop
2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Base Convertible
$117,690
- 23,503 miles
- 8cyl automatic
- 47 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Owings Mills, MD
This 2021 Lexus LC 500 in white represents an exceptional opportunity to own a refined performance coupe crafted for those who appreciate distinctive ...
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHKPAAY7MA103770
Stock:
876359A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-21-2026

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For 2021, Lexus complements the coupe with the new LC 500 convertible. While it's not available with the LC 500h coupe's hybrid powertrain, we won't complain because the V8-powered model has always been the one to own. From behind the wheel, the LC 500 convertible feels just as smooth and refined as the coupe, with just a bit more road noise emanating through the convertible soft top. On rougher roads, it doesn't feel quite as buttoned down as the coupe, but it's still plenty comfortable thanks to well-shaped seats and a compliant but athletic ride.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the LC 500 Convertible drive? The LC 500 convertible is more about feel and experience and less about sheer performance. For the class, raw acceleration and braking figures are somewhat disappointing. But when you're actually behind the wheel those figures are easy to forgive. The 5.0-liter V8 engine is a real standout, with smooth, linear power all the way to redline and one of the best sounding exhaust notes today. It's a real joy to rev out.

The steering lacks feel but is quick, direct and firm without feeling heavy. The suspension is tuned to provide comfort rather than sport, but it's still adequately responsive. Lexus improved on the LC's brake feel, making it easy to modulate and come to a smooth stop. The transmission is mostly issue-free, though we did encounter the occasional hiccup in low-speed traffic.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the LC 500 Convertible? On-road comfort is where the LC 500 convertible really shines. The ride quality is smooth and refined, soaking up bumps without feeling overly soft or bouncy. On particularly rough roads, it doesn't feel quite as buttoned down as the LC coupe, but it's not far off.

The seats in the LC are fantastic, with well-shaped seat backs that are supportive without feeling confining. They're well ventilated, too, and even have a small warm-air vent below the headrests to keep your neck warm when the top is down.

The LC is quiet, too. It's easy to have a conversation with the top up or down. Plus, you get to listen to its wonderful V8. The climate-control system works well, though the vents are somewhat ill placed and require some time to aim just right.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The LC convertible's interior is much the same as the LC coupe's. Despite the low ride height and long doors, getting in and out is fairly easy thanks to a seat that's not overly bolstered and just about the right height. The power-adjustable steering wheel offers a good deal of adjustment and moves out of the way when the car's off. The driving position is excellent, with well-placed controls and a good view of the gauges and the road ahead.

The rear window is narrow, but no worse than other convertibles in this class. Some drivers may find the interior to be tight, but the doors are shaped in a way that provides plenty of elbow room.

The LC's awkward controls and onscreen menu layout are the most significant liabilities. It's just generally unintuitive; the controls for the heated seats, for example, are inconveniently hidden in a submenu. The touchpad interface is cumbersome at best.

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? Lexus has improved the infotainment system slightly with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But it still uses the cumbersome touchpad interface and menus that hide some often-used controls. The system itself looks dated, too, especially compared to the latest ones found in the LC's rivals. Voice commands work fine. While not as robust as some of the competition, the LC can understand natural language and can interface with the media, radio, navigation and climate-control system.

Lexus includes a decent suite of standard driver aids such as traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist with lane departure warning. We'd like a surround-view camera system, but the combo of parking sensors with a standard backup camera works decently.

Storage

6/10

How’s the storage? We don't expect stylish convertibles like this to offer much in the way of storage. Even with that lowered expectation, the LC convertible is quite disappointing. The cargo space is barely large enough for a few bags, and it's shallow — you really have to be careful to keep groceries from being smashed.

The cabin isn't any better. Other than the small center console, the LC lacks any real place to put small items such as sunglasses or your phone. The door pockets are tight, as are the cupholders. The only real saving grace is the rear seat. Given its small size, it is better used for cargo than for people anyway.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the LC convertible's fuel economy at 18 mpg combined (15 city, 25 highway), one mpg lower than the coupe. That's just about average for V8-powered competitors. Our car managed a hugely impressive 25.8 mpg on our 115-mile standardized test route, though conditions with weather and traffic were highly favorable during that drive. In general, we think you'll have little trouble matching the EPA's numbers.

Value

8/10

Is the LC 500 Convertible a good value? The LC 500 convertible commands a premium over the coupe, but that's generally true for any convertible with a coupe variant. The list of standard features is generous. You also get excellent build quality. Just about every surface is covered with leather, and most of the switchgear is metal or feels like metal. Lexus really focused on making sure the convertible is just as solid as the coupe. Sure, you can find more performance for the price elsewhere, but as pure luxury goes, it's hard to find a better deal in this class.

The LC's 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty are above average for the class. Lexus includes four years of roadside assistance and a year of free maintenance.

Wildcard

10/10

Looks are subjective, but we think the LC 500 convertible is one of the best looking cars on the road today. It packs flair without being loud or flashy, and has tons of little touches like the checkered pattern on the door or the mirrored taillights that show that Lexus really cares about the details.

It's fun to drive, too, despite being somewhat slow for the class. The V8 is a real sweetheart, with an exhaust note that sings like a chorus in perfect harmony. You just want to keep revving it out to redline. It's engaging enough to be fun on a winding road, yet comfortable cruising on the highway or rolling around town. Few automakers manage to put together such a charming and entertaining package.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible trim level differences

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible comes in a single trim level. As with the LC Coupe, the convertible has a small back seat. Power comes from a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 (471 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic that drives the rear wheels. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible trim levels in-depth.

Which LC 500 Convertible trim does Edmunds recommend?

The LC 500 convertible only comes in a single well-equipped trim. It commands a premium over the LC 500 Coupe but offers the same features and refinement as its hardtop sibling.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$307/mo

$211/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 10,000 miles

Lexus LC 500 Convertible Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

13 reviews

5(77%)

4(15%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 LC 500 Convertible Features & Specs

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$101,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$307/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	3.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the LC 500 Convertible models:

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance between the LC 500 and the car in front, automatically adjusting speed. Can bring the LC 500 to a full stop.
Pre-collision System: Sounds an alert if a front collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is deemed imminent. Can also automatically apply the brakes.
Intuitive Park Assist: Sounds an alert as the LC 500 approaches an object in front of or behind the car.