2018 Lexus LS 500h Review

Price Estimate: $25,192 - $35,681

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Appraise My 2018 Lexus LS 500h

Lexus LS 500h model years

Lexus LS 500h for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio

Pros

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

Cons

General lack of sportiness cedes some advantage to some German rivals
Accelerates quick for its size, but pedal response feels slow, numb
Touchpad-based infotainment is clever but distracting on the road
Lacks plug-in charging capacity, unlike several rivals

What’s new

The 2018 Lexus LS 500h is redesigned and all-new.

Vehicle overview

The sharp edges and bold style of the 2018 Lexus LS 500h hybrid obscure the quintessential Lexus qualities throughout: a pillowy and cushioned ride, a whisper-quiet interior and world-class build quality. A comprehensive redesign inside, outside and underneath once again places the LS in the same rare air as recently updated large luxury sedan designs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Today's LS 500h goes a step further with cutting-edge tech and driver safety, and it reminds you that Europe doesn't have a lock on world-class luxury.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2018 Lexus LS 500h
Base Sedan
$44,500
- 75,446 miles
- 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 183 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Mount Pocono, PA
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHCY1FF5J5000697
Stock:
000697
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2018 Lexus LS 500h
Base Sedan
$39,995
- 80,345 miles
- 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 575 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Columbia, TN
Visit TN Auto Trade Inc online at TNAUTOTRADE.COM to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 931-982-6222 today to schedule your test drive. A...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHCYLFF8J5001368
Stock:
001368
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
04-03-2026

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The new Lexus LS 500h is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, the LS 600h L, with a new coupelike profile that makes it look slimmer and more lithe — no small feat for a car that weighs more than 5,000 pounds. A new suspension design yields sportier handling, but we use that term loosely. This is, first, a luxury sedan better suited to arcing through turns than attacking them.

An all-new turbocharged V6 engine replaces the outgoing model's V8, and it pairs with dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. A two-stage continuously variable automatic transmission adds a four-speed gear set to effectively mimic a 10-speed automatic transmission. The net effect is less power than the last LS hybrid but improved fuel economy. It's now up to 28 mpg combined compared to the LS 600h L's 20 mpg combined rating.

Its combined rating is also 5 mpg better than the non-hybrid LS 500's. But at an additional cost of around $4,500, you'll need to consider whether the LS 500h's fuel savings will pay off in the long run. Regardless, the new LS hybrid achieves fuel economy similar to its competitors, even those that use plug-in hybrid charging. (The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550e, for example, returns 26 mpg combined after depleting its 12 miles of electric range.)

One thing you won't need to consider is the LS 500h's long-term comfort. The new sedan's longer wheelbase, longer even than that of the previous extended model, ensures a cabin roomy enough to cosset weary leaders of industry or even just visiting in-laws, especially when you spring for the seats with up to 28 separate adjustments.

Even a base level LS 500h comes with enough appointments to satisfy most buyers, but those with a more discerning eye can opt for enhancements such as a lowering suspension to ease entry and exit, advanced driver safety aids, and an audiophile-grade sound system.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The sharp edges and bold style of the 2018 Lexus LS 500h hybrid obscure the quintessential Lexus qualities throughout: a pillowy and cushioned ride, a whisper-quiet interior and world-class build quality. Today's LS 500h goes a step further with cutting-edge tech and driver safety, and it reminds you that Europe doesn't have a lock on world-class luxury.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2018 Lexus LS 500 (turbo 3.5L V6 | 10-speed automatic | AWD). While the hybrid's performance character will vary from the non-hybrid LS 500, our impressions on comfort, interior and technology should carry over to the hybrid.

Driving

We found the non-hybrid V6 engine was slow to respond to pedal pressure, but the hybrid's electrical assist at low speeds may alleviate that condition. Handling is stable — neither sporty nor floppy.

Comfort

The LS traditionally prioritizes comfort over performance, and the 2018 model is no different. The seats offer a dizzying array of adjustments, with heating and cooling and massage functions. The suspension shrugs off rough roads, and the cabin is as quiet as a tomb.

Interior

The low roofline gives the illusion of a smaller car, but there's ample room for four passengers. But taller rear passengers will find the headroom tight, though reclining seats help reclaim some sense of space. The rear middle seat is too narrow for an adult; this is really a four-passenger sedan.

Utility

It offers a large trunk (15.2 cubic feet), with a wide opening for easy cargo loading, although the shape narrows near the rear seatbacks. The ample small-item storage inside makes it ideal for longer journeys.

Technology

Offers comprehensive set of driver aids, but adaptive cruise is not as smooth as rival systems. Enform smartphone integration software pales compared to Apple/Android interfaces (not offered). Large central display screen is beautiful; optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is worth the cost.

Which LS 500h does Edmunds recommend?

Choosing an LS 500h is simple: There's one well-appointed trim level with a handful of options and option packages. Although 28-way adjustable seats and adjustable air suspension sound nice, forgo those options and instead splurge on the spectacular audio system upgrade ($1,940) and the Safety System+ A package ($3,000), which adds a host of useful driver assistance features.

Compare 2018 Lexus LS 500h trim levels

2018 Lexus LS 500h models

The 2018 Lexus LS 500h is a full-size luxury sedan with seating for five passengers. It comes in a single, well-appointed trim level with a handful of stand-alone options and option packages. Even without a single option, the LS 500h comes loaded with the safety and comfort features you'd expect of this class.

Standard equipment on the LS 500h is extensive and begins with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower) connected to a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Total system horsepower is 354 hp, with power distributed through a continuously automatic variable transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard; all-wheel drive is optional.

Highlights include 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, a sunroof, a hands-free trunk, power-closing doors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating, magnesium paddle shifters, 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade.

Technology features include a 12.3-inch color display, a navigation system, a trackpad-style interface, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Lexus Enform smartphone app integration, Enform emergency and convenience services, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker audio system. Finally, standard driver aids include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and rain-sensing wipers.

The LS 500h can be further tailored to your taste with a comprehensive options list. The Interior Upgrade package adds leather upholstery with quilted stitching, 28-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated rear seats, among other items. The Luxury package adds a 28-way adjustable seat for the passenger, 18-way adjustable and reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, power rear side sunshades, an armrest-mounted touchscreen controller for climate and seat functions, and rear-seat knee airbags.

The Executive package truly transforms the LS 500h into a luxury shuttle, adding butterfly rear headrests, individual climate control settings, heated and ventilated rear seats with massaging function, and an extendable ottoman footrest for the right-side rear passenger. The cabin is further touched with hand-pleated trim and stylized glass materials.

Additional safety aids come with the Safety System+ A package, which adds adaptive cruise and automatic steering that can detect and "trace" the path of the vehicle in front for a semi-automated driving experience. Other features include forward cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition, an enhanced head-up display, and a panoramic rearview monitor.

Notable individual options include an adaptive air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, upgraded wood trim, and a premium 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$207/mo

$257/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2018 Lexus LS 500h has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls 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:: 24V275000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24LA03
Number of vehicles affected:: 509
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.

Recall Number:: 20V012000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TB02/20T
Number of vehicles affected:: 1830752
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 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 notified owners of the safety risk with an interim notification between February 17, 2020 and May 4, 2020. Toyota will send a second notice to owners to have the fuel pump replaced once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 10,000 miles

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2018 LS 500h Features & Specs

Est. Market Value	$32,744
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$207/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the LS 500h 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+: Umbrella name for 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 a potential collision or lessen one.