2021 Lexus LC 500h
MSRP range: $97,610
Other years
2021 Lexus LC 500h Review
- Extraordinary cabin design and interior materials
- Impressive fuel economy for a sporty grand-touring coupe
- Manages to be both sporty and comfortable
- Generous list of standard features
- Touchpad-based infotainment is frustrating to use
- Limited trunk and interior storage space
- Other high-end sport coupes offer a greater degree of customization
- Suspension adjustments for a smoother ride and quicker turn-in
- Revised transmission tuning
- Active Cornering Assist added
- Android Auto smartphone integration now available
- Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
The LC 500h is one of the most distinctive-looking coupes on the road. But there's more to this alluring coupe than just its looks. The 2021 Lexus LC 500h is also a hybrid — hence the "h." To make it, Lexus removes the 5.0-liter V8 engine in the LC 500 and replaces it with a 3.4-liter V6, two motor-generators and a lithium-ion battery pack.
This powertrain nets the 500h an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's a vast improvement over the V8-powered LC 500 and one of the highest numbers you'll see for a high-end luxury coupe. We're not as impressed with how the LC 500h drives, but the well-appointed interior, supremely smooth ride and generous standard features are enough to make this Lexus pretty compelling.
Our verdict | |
The LC 500h is a gorgeous car with an innovative hybrid V6 engine, a smooth ride, and a quiet, luxurious interior highlighted by advanced, even avant-garde design. It won't click with everyone, but it's tremendous fun to drive, especially on a straight open road. | |
How does the LC 500h drive? | |
Aside from increased fuel economy, the LC 500h's powertrain is less appealing in every way than the V8 engine in the more affordable gas-only LC coupe. The 500h's combination of V6 and dual electric motors doesn't lack power necessarily; it's just 0.1 second slower going 0-60 mph than the V8. Our test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. But the system does add 150 pounds to a car that's already heavy, and it lacks the V8's wonderful sound and sonic delight. Inconsistent brake feel and a complicated transmission system sap some of this car's driving spirit, but superb weight balance and grippy tires mean twisty roads aren't out of the question. Solid steering feel at highway speeds also makes for easy and stable cruising. | |
How comfortable is the LC 500h? | |
Even though the LC's optional sport seats sound like an upgrade (more sport means more fun, right?), we prefer the standard seats. They have less bolstering than the sport seats, but the LC isn't made for fast turns and carving, so it's not a problem. The regular seats cradle average adults quite well, although drivers with larger, wider bodies might be less enthusiastic. The 500h's adjustable suspension excels at absorbing large bumps and smaller road imperfections. There's some noticeable wind noise at freeway speeds and, depending on the road surface, some tire noise too. But around town or on well-kept roads, the LC 500h is pleasantly quiet. | |
How’s the interior? | |
While everything's easy to reach, many controls are frustrating to use. Locating options in the infotainment system with its awkward haptic touchpad interface is one problem. The steering wheel controls take a bit of getting used to because not all are intuitively placed or labeled. Getting in and out is easier than you'd expect of a car seated this low, and the driving position feels snug and commanding. But the cabin is surprisingly small relative to the LC 500h's size. The bulky transmission tunnel and angled-in windows mean you have little room to move around. The rear seat is useless for adults or even taller children. | |
How’s the tech? | |
For a car that looks so clearly from the future, it's unfortunate that it's saddled with Lexus' dated technology inside. The navigation system is clunky and requires some effort simply to input a destination. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard features. You'll want to use your phone too since the LC's voice controls require an involved "voice-training" process before serving up consistent results. The Mark Levinson sound system is outstanding. A full suite of driver aids are included, including adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors (helpful given the long hoodline that's hard to see over). | |
How’s the storage? | |
Given its size, the LC 500h has very little usable space. There's a woeful lack of small-item storage and no good spot to store your phone for easy access. The 4.7-cubic-foot trunk is larger than a Porsche 911's, but the competitive edge ends there. It's still quite small and shallow, with a high liftover height. The car's battery also consumes trunk space and contributes quite a bit of ambient heat even after short drives. The back seat is actually the most useful storage space in the vehicle. | |
How economical is the LC 500h? | |
An EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving is a phenomenal figure for this class of vehicle. We managed 25.8 mpg over two weeks of mixed driving, covering open highways and being stuck in rush-hour traffic. Our best tank was 28.7 mpg. Given these results, it's possible that the EPA numbers are slightly optimistic. | |
Is the LC 500h a good value? | |
Yes, it's expensive, but the LC 500h offers a lot of car for the money. High-quality materials abound, and the overall fit and finish is exceptional. The LC offers a longer powertrain warranty than many rivals, and given the company's track record, you're unlikely to find a sporty grand-touring hybrid that will cost less in the long run. | |
Wildcard | |
Lexus was the first brand in the modern era to champion the performance benefits of hybrids. The LC 500h advances that message, even if it can't match the performance of other sports cars in this price range. Instead, it leads with all-around excellence. The LC oozes exceptional quality, daring interior and exterior design, and world-class luxury. There's just enough power and handling performance to keep it interesting, even if the 500h is more at home on long highway travels than twisting roads. For maximum fun, the V8 version is the one to get. But whether V8 or hybrid, the LC is a halo car that showcases Lexus' core values. | |
Which LC 500h does Edmunds recommend?
For our money, this hybrid grand tourer is best fit with the Touring package. That will net you a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed front seats, a faux suede headliner and a stellar 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. It also throws in Intuitive Park Assist, which uses sensors to detect objects in close proximity while parking.
Lexus LC 500h models
The LC 500h comes in just one trim level, but you do have several packages from which to choose. Each 500h has a 3.5-liter V6 engine connected to two electric motors, which are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack stored under the floor. The total system produces 354 horsepower and is mated to both a continuously variable transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission. Together they simulate the feeling of 10 gear ratios. Highlight features include:
Save as much as $2,552 with Edmunds
2021 Lexus LC 500h pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$102,083
Safety
Our experts’ favorite LC 500h safety features:
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a set distance between the LC 500h and the car in front while using cruise control.
- Pre-Collision System
- Alerts the driver if a front collision with a pedestrian or vehicle is deemed imminent. Can automatically apply the brakes.
- Intuitive Park Assist
- Sounds an alert that increases in frequency as the LC 500h approaches an object in front of or behind the car.
Lexus LC 500h vs. the competition
2021 Lexus LC 500h
2020 Polestar 1
Lexus LC 500h vs. Polestar 1
Like the LC 500h, the Polestar 1 has remarkable styling and runs on a hybrid powertrain. Unlike the Lexus, the Polestar is a plug-in hybrid, helping it boast more power and 52 miles of EV-only range. Its significantly higher price is hard to overlook, but the Polestar 1's performance and exclusivity make it awfully enticing.
Lexus LC 500h vs. BMW i8
The BMW i8 is the original hybrid luxury cruiser, with wild looks and carbon-fiber construction that make it more exotic than the LC 500h. The i8 is quick, fun to drive and has 34 miles of electric range thanks to its plug-in ability. However, clunky operation around town and a high price tag are its limiting factors.
Lexus LC 500h vs. Lexus LC 500
If the hybrid powertrain is more of a curiosity and less of a necessity to you, we recommend checking out the non-hybrid, gasoline-powered V8 model called the LC 500. The LC 500 is lighter, more powerful and more performance-focused than its LC 500h sibling. There's also a new convertible version for 2021 that's only available for the LC 500.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus LC 500h a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 LC 500h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus LC 500h fuel economy, so it's important to know that the LC 500h gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the LC 500h has 4.7 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 LC 500h. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus LC 500h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus LC 500h:
- Suspension adjustments for a smoother ride and quicker turn-in
- Revised transmission tuning
- Active Cornering Assist added
- Android Auto smartphone integration now available
- Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
Is the Lexus LC 500h reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus LC 500h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the LC 500h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the LC 500h's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus LC 500h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus LC 500h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 LC 500h and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 LC 500h is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus LC 500h?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus LC 500h is the 2021 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $97,610.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $97,610
What are the different models of Lexus LC 500h?
If you're interested in the Lexus LC 500h, the next question is, which LC 500h model is right for you? LC 500h variants include 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of LC 500h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more