2020 Lexus LS 500 Review

Name: 2020 Lexus LS 500
Brand: Lexus

Price Range: $40,250 - $52,227

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 does an admirable job as an executive sedan. It has an exquisite cabin filled with high-end materials and premium features. It's priced competitively too, offering good value for money in this prestigious segment. Its technology, however, falls behind class leaders.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

Select year

6 cars

$46,837 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2020 Lexus LS 500

Lexus LS 500 model years

Lexus LS 500 for Sale

2020 Lexus LS 500 Review

Pros

Library-quiet at all speeds on all roads
Ride quality remains soft, supple and impervious to bad asphalt
The interior features world-class build quality and artful materials

Cons

Touchpad-based infotainment is clever but distracting on the road
In general lack of sportiness, it cedes advantage to some German rivals
Gas pedal doesn't feel very responsive

What's new

New Inspiration Series model, limited to 300 units in the U.S.
Safety System+ A package renamed Advanced Safety package
Part of the fifth LS generation introduced for 2018

Overview

Written by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

10/29/2020

Two years after its comprehensive redesign the Lexus LS is still quite the head turner. But the futuristic look doesn't stop with the sculpted sheet metal. Inside, the LS pushes the luxury car boundaries with intricate wood inlays and even cut glass inserts. But don't let the futuristic look make you think this LS is anything other than a traditional Lexus: smooth, silent and exceedingly comfortable.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

6 listings

Sort by:

Price Drop
2020 Lexus LS 500
Base Sedan
$40,250
good price
$4,511 below market
- 75,179 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 19 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Koons Tysons Toyota (15 mi away)
- Five Star Dealer
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Vienna, VA
VEHICLE PROFESSIONALLY DETAILED, GOOD TIRES, GOOD BRAKES, RECENT TRADE, LS 500 Base, 4D Sedan, 3.5L V6 DOHC 24V, Automatic, RWD, Silver, Black Leather...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (19 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHD51FFXL5011727
Stock: KTTS230340A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-03-2025
Price Drop
2020 Lexus LS 500
F SPORT Sedan
$48,995
- 26,862 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 18 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Mercedes-Benz of Arlington (23 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Experience luxury and performance in this Gray 2020 Lexus LS 500 AWD F SPORT Sedan. Enjoy the confidence of full-time all-wheel drive paired with a po...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHF51GF9L5008454
Stock: B5008454
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-17-2025

See all for sale

In addition to the myriad standard luxury features, the LS can be equipped with extras like a 24-inch head-up display, 28-way power adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof and even rear seats with 22-way adjustability with heating and ventilation. More traditional luxury car amenities, such as an excellent audio system, air suspension and all-wheel drive can also be added.

Lexus isn't the only manufacturer to take the luxury sedan seriously. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the benchmark of the segment while BMW's legendary 7-Series offers a more modern bent and Porsche's Panamera has the performance bases covered. But while the Lexus LS doesn't offer the same power and performance options, it is unique and built to the same high quality standards.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.6

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Lexus LS 500 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience: 0-60, engine & performance

7/10

How does the LS 500 drive? The turbocharged V6 has plenty of grunt. Our test LS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is an average time compared to other large luxury sedans with a six-cylinder engine.

Braking is less impressive, mostly because the pedal lacks the feel we usually associate with stopping confidence. Shifts from the 10-speed automatic are incredibly smooth under full-throttle acceleration, but the transmission can be a bit slow to downshift when asking for passing power on the highway.

The steering is appropriately light for the leisurely nature of the LS, but you can dial in some extra steering weight by switching to one of two Sport drive modes. The LS is stable around turns, but this is primarily a luxury cruiser. The tires have relatively low grip and squeal noisily when you start pressing.

Comfort: seats, ease of use, and getting in & out

8/10

How comfortable is the LS 500? The optional adjustable air suspension produces a cushy ride on almost any road. Speed bumps are hardly noticeable. Road, wind and engine noise is virtually nonexistent.

Seat comfort is excellent, with the front seats offering a wide range of adjustments in addition to heating, ventilation and massage. The middle rear seat is mostly only for short trips, though, because it's pretty stiff and uncomfortable.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? While the LS' interior looks and feels top-notch, the score is dragged down significantly in this category because of the challenging user interface. Many vehicle settings are located in on-screen menus, and the infotainment controller is hard to use.

There's plenty of space for four passengers, with lots of headroom and legroom. The driving position is excellent thanks to a wide range of adjustability from the steering wheel and the driver's seat. The large doors make getting into the cabin easy, but getting out is a little tricky due to the wide doorsills.

In-cabin tech: infotainment & phone integration

7/10

How’s the tech? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the standard Lexus Enform app suite isn't very intuitive. Connecting to your smartphone may take a few attempts. But once you're hooked up, using the native system on your phone is a breeze.

Lots of standard safety features are present. But the adaptive cruise control is slow to react to traffic and overly conservative with its following distances. The voice controls don't understand much in the way of natural language, but there's an easy-to-learn series of prompts. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provides excellent sound quality, though the volume output is a bit lower than we expected.

Storage: cargo space & space for small items

8/10

How’s the storage? At 17 cubic feet, the LS 500's trunk is one of the largest in the class. It accommodates plenty of luggage, though its trapezoid shape (it tapers inward near the rear seats) can be somewhat limiting. With bins under the armrests and cutouts in each door, there are plenty of places for small items inside.

For installing child safety seats, there are two easy-access anchors on each of the outboard seats. But reaching the upper tethers for car seats can be tricky since they're set far back on the rear deck and there's not much clearance between them and the roof.

MPG: gas mileage & fuel economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The rear-wheel-drive LS 500 has an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (19 city/30 highway). With all-wheel drive, that number drops to 21 mpg combined. These figures are about average for an executive sedan with a V6. Our all-wheel-drive tester achieved 21.9 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, indicating that EPA's estimate is realistic.

Value: cost, features & warranty

8/10

Is the LS 500 a good value? The Lexus LS offers many of the same decadent features as its German rivals but at a lower cost. Our test vehicle, loaded up with options, came to a total of $106,555. That's not a small number but you get a lot more for your money. The cabin is full of top-notch materials. Build quality is excellent. Our test car had no perceivable panel gaps or trim inconsistencies.

The LS 500 comes with Lexus' four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with complimentary roadside assistance for four years/unlimited miles.

Wildcard

8/10

Thanks to its giant grille and daring cabin design, the LS easily differentiates itself from the competition. It's also powerful and smooth. But the car's mediocre handling limits your ability to really have any fun when driving.

2020 Lexus LS 500 trim level differences

The 2020 Lexus LS is offered in only one trim but offers a bevy of stand-alone options as well as option packages that allow buyers a fair amount of customization. But only one engine and transmission combo is available with the LS 500, a twin-turbocharged V6 engine (416 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 10-speed automatic. The LS can be had with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Which LS 500 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Lexus LS comes in one fairly well-equipped trim level but various option packages can be added to suit your budget or luxury requirements. We consider the upgraded Mark Levinson audio system to be a must-have as well as the air suspension and the Safety System+ A for its stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and front cross-traffic alert.

Compare 2020 Lexus LS 500 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$197/mo

$188/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V682000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TA02, 20
Number of vehicles affected:: 1525742
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

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 LS 500 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

41 reviews

5(53%)

4(22%)

3(9%)

2(5%)

1(11%)

See all 41 reviews of the Lexus LS 500

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love mt 2018 LS500 AWD

BJOSE, 03/24/2019

2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

Awesome car. I moved from a 2016 GS350. what a difference in interior quality! LS500 is undoubtedly leaps above the GS. Don't get me wrong... GS is a great car in its own class. But the LS is a much better car. I was thinking of BMW 540 and Benz E450. in the end, when I test drove those vs the LS500, I realized that I love the LS better than the other 2. and the peace of mind that comes …

Expected Smoother Ride

Richard Rogers, 02/16/2019

2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

The best part of my car is it’s stunning exterior. It’s beautiful, and the inside is great too. I don’t like the ride, for a Lexus. They come with No Flat tires because there is no spare tire. These tires give it a rougher ride then regular tires and cost about $1500 each. Today, I got so sick of the ride, I changed them out for $275 Michelin tires which makes the ride much more …

Dream Drive and Dependibility

Linda J, 01/01/2020

2020 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

Have had both BMW and Mercedes and both were mechanically horrible, and certainly not comfortable. These are strictly performance cars living on that reputation. If you are looking for true LUXURY then you need to look elsewhere. My definition of luxury is comfort, soft leather, 28 way adjustable seats, easy entrance and exit, beautiful exterior and interior, and knowing I'll be able …

Life ain’t a trial run.. go for it

Pursuit of Excellence , 12/29/2019

2020 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

Ok. The touch pad is a little tricky. The rest of it hits the mark..I just traded the Mercedes S class for the LS and granted they are different machines but Luxury is Luxury..Absolutely no buyers remorse and driving the Lexus still makes me feel like a unadulterated spoiled brat...it all works for me..

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Lexus LS 500, so we've included reviews for other years of the LS 500 since its last redesign.

2020 LS 500 Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$75,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$197/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the LS 500 models:

Lane Trace Assist: Works with adaptive cruise control to detect and follow the path of the car in front for semi-automated driving.
Lexus Safety System+ A: Umbrella name for a features suite that includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
Active Steering Assist: In conjunction with pre-collision warning, the system can take corrective steering action to avoid or minimize a collision.

People who viewed this also viewed

Lexus ES 350
4.5 average Rating out of 17 reviews.
Starting at $41,940

See Lexus ES 350 Inventory

Lexus LS 500h
Starting at $113,485

See Lexus LS 500h Inventory

Lexus LC 500
5.0 average Rating out of 4 reviews.
Starting at $94,450

See Lexus LC 500 Inventory

2020 Lexus LS 500 Review

Price & Payment

2020 Lexus LS 500 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2020 Lexus LS 500Base Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Lexus LS 500F SPORT Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience: 0-60, engine & performance

Comfort: seats, ease of use, and getting in & out

Interior

In-cabin tech: infotainment & phone integration

Storage: cargo space & space for small items

MPG: gas mileage & fuel economy

Value: cost, features & warranty

Wildcard

2020 Lexus LS 500 trim level differences

Which LS 500 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus LS 500 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love mt 2018 LS500 AWD

Expected Smoother Ride

Dream Drive and Dependibility

Life ain’t a trial run.. go for it

2020 LS 500 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Lexus LS 500 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Lexus

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

2020 Lexus LS 500
Base Sedan

2020 Lexus LS 500
F SPORT Sedan