Cabin design and interior materials are extraordinary
Impressive fuel economy for a sporty grand touring coupe
Manages to be both sporty and comfortable
Generous list of standard features makes it a relative bargain
Touchpad-based infotainment is frustrating to use
Trunk and interior storage space are limited
Complex transmission often seems off in its shift timing
Other high-end sport coupes offer a greater degree of customization
Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
The 2020 Lexus LC 500h, as the "h" suggests, is simply a hybrid-equipped version of the LC 500, a boldly designed luxury coupe. Instead of having a V8 engine like the regular LC does, however, the LC 500h uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine combined with two motor-generators. The resulting 354 horsepower won't blow you away, but the 500h is still sufficiently quick. Plus, it gets around 30 mpg, which is excellent for a big luxury coupe.
Just like the regular LC, the LC 500h has a luxurious and futuristic interior that's appointed in high-quality leather and simulated suede. Combine this with an adjustable suspension that strikes an impressive balance between a sporty and comfortable ride and you've got a luxury car that neatly fits the traditional role of the grand touring coupe.
For 2020, the LC 500h sees only minor changes. Alas, that means it's still stuck with the same infotainment system, which has a touchpad interface that can be frustrating to use while driving. There's also the issue of the rear seat; despite having one, the LC is really a two-person car. Overall, though, the Lexus LC 500h is an impressive and compelling package that belongs in the company of other world-class grand-touring cars, with the added benefit of hybrid fuel efficiency.
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?
6.5
Aside from increased fuel economy, the LC 500h's powertrain is less appealing in every way than the more affordable gas-only LC coupe with its V8 engine. 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. 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?
8.0
Even though the LC's optional sport seats sound like an upgrade (more sport means more fun, right?), we preferred 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 adult frames quite well, although larger, wider bodies might be less enthusiastic.
The 500h's adjustable suspension excels at absorbing large bumps and smaller road imperfections, even with our test car's big 20-inch wheels. 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?
7.5
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, and 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?
7.0
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 Amazon Alexa functions weren't available on our test car, but they're now standard features (starting with the 2019 model year). 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 front and rear parking sensors (helpful given the long hoodline that's hard to see over) and adaptive cruise control.
How’s the storage?
6.0
The LC 500 has very little usable space given its size. 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?
8.0
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?
8.0
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
8.5
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?
There's only one LC 500 trim level available, but a few choice packages can tailor the coupe to your specific needs. We like the Sport package for its 20-inch wheels and limited-slip differential, although we have reservations about the included sport seats. Best to keep it simple with the Touring package, which adds upgraded leather and the exquisite Mark Levinson surround-sound system.
Lexus LC 500h models
The 2020 Lexus LC 500h is a luxury hybrid sport coupe that seats four and is available in a single trim. The V8-powered LC 500 is reviewed separately.
The heart of the LC 500h is a 3.5-liter V6 assisted by a pair of electric motor-generators. In total, the setup produces 354 horsepower. Two transmissions — a continuously variable automatic and a four-speed conventional automatic — work in conjunction to drive the rear wheels. The transmissions simulate a total of 10 gears, which can be manually selected using steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
As befitting a luxury coupe, there's a generous list of standard features, starting with an adjustable suspension, ambient interior lighting, leather-upholstered heated and ventilated front seats, and heated auto-dimming side mirrors.
Technology includes a 10.3-inch central display, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality comes standard, as does in-car Wi-Fi. Notable safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
A handful of packages allow you to tailor the LC to your taste even further, highlighted by features including a carbon-fiber roof, a limited-slip rear differential, 20- and 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a premium 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Drivers seeking maximum performance can also get variable ratio steering, active rear steering and a speed-activated rear wing.
MSRP excludes delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,025, which may be subject to change at any time. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary.
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
2020 Lexus LC 500h
2019 BMW i8
Lexus LC 500h vs. BMW i8
You'd think it would be difficult to find a more futuristic and striking vehicle than the LC 500h, but the BMW i8 could be it. Just as technologically compelling, the i8 puts a little bit more of a performance bend on the luxury hybrid coupe concept. But when compared to the Lexus, the BMW is considerably less luxurious and practical, not to mention substantially more expensive.
What the GT-R lacks in striking styling it more than makes up for with outstanding performance. Still one of the quickest cars over any road, the GT-R remains a technological marvel. But even after improvements over the years, this Nissan requires commitment to operate on a daily basis. It's not nearly as luxurious as the Lexus either.
If the shape of Lexus' new coupe has caught your eye but you'd like the performance to back it up, the V8-powered LC 500 (no lowercase "h" here) should satiate your needs. Powered by a sonorous 5.0-liter V8, the car goes as good as it looks. Equipment is the same across the two cars, so the pros and cons of each are the same, with the exception of fuel economy of course.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 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 30 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 2020 Lexus LC 500h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lexus LC 500h:
Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
Part of the first LC 500h generation introduced for 2018
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 2020 Lexus LC 500h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Lexus LC 500h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 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 2020 LC 500h is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Lexus LC 500h?
The least-expensive 2020 Lexus LC 500h is the 2020 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 $97,510.
Other versions include:
2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $97,510
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
More about the 2020 Lexus LC 500h
2020 Lexus LC 500h Overview
The 2020 Lexus LC 500h is offered in the following submodels: LC 500h Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).
What do people think of the 2020 Lexus LC 500h?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2020 Lexus LC 500h and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 LC 500h.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Lexus LC 500h and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 LC 500h featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
The 2020 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $107,155. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $9,604 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,604 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $97,551.
The average savings for the 2020 Lexus LC 500h 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 9% below the MSRP.
Which 2020 Lexus LC 500hs are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Lexus LC 500h?
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,
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