2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

Name: 2021 Lexus LS 500h Review
Brand: Lexus

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Used LS 500h for sale

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2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Library quiet at all speeds and on all roads
Ride quality is supple and not upset by poor road surfaces
Excellent interior design and construction

Cons

Touchpad infotainment controller is an ergonomic fumble
General lack of sportiness gives advantage to some German rivals

What's new

New 12.3-inch touchscreen
Revised hybrid system programming for improved acceleration
Retuned suspension for a smoother ride and better body control
Some previously optional features are now standard equipment
Part of the fifth LS generation introduced for 2018

Overview

The stalwart LS sedan debuted three decades ago and remains the pinnacle of all Lexus has become known for: comfort, refinement, elegance. The hybrid version, the LS 500h, has the added benefit of increased fuel efficiency. Sturdy build quality and high-quality materials also continue to make the LS a notable alternative to traditional European luxury sedan rivals.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus LS 500h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$194/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The 2021 LS 500h gets minor style and suspension updates, the latter intended to reduce body roll and tighten up turns and cornering. Lexus also retuned the hybrid power system to deliver more electric power during acceleration and give the LS a quicker kick. There are new trim elements around the cabin and more cushioned touchpoints (softer armrests, for example).

Among the more significant updates is the availability of Android Auto, allowing Android users to finally control their smartphone apps, music and messaging through the LS infotainment system. But among the LS 500h's few flaws — it's not terribly exciting to drive and not significantly more fuel-efficient than the regular LS — is that same infotainment system. It uses a clumsy mouse/trackpad-style interface and remains an exercise in patience and frustration.

The Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (a full redesign of the latter arrives for 2022) are among today's best large luxury sedans, and nearly all of them offer a hybrid powertrain. Overall, we don't think the LS 500h stands out enough in this group to make it a fully compelling pick unless you're particularly smitten with Lexus' traditional virtues of quality and comfort.

Which LS 500h does Edmunds recommend?

Really, this flagship luxury sedan comes with every standard feature you could want. But if by chance the 16-way power-adjustable front seats aren't comfortable enough, you can upgrade to seats with 28-way adjustment and massage function. For enhanced safety, make sure to get the Safety System+ A package for its enhanced adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems.

2021 Lexus LS 500h models

The 2021 Lexus LS 500h is available in a single trim level. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine augmented with two electric motors. Combined system output is 354 horsepower. A unique transmission combines a traditional four-speed automatic and a continuously variable automatic into a single unit. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The standard feature list is long and comprehensive and includes:

LED headlights
Adaptive air suspension system (adjusts to enhance ride comfort and handling as well as the LS' ride height)
Automatic soft-closing doors
Sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power-adjustable headrests
Dual-zone climate control
Power rear sunshade

Technology and driver assistance features include:

12.3-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection
23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (steers the LS 500h back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

While the standard LS 500h comes remarkably well equipped, a half-dozen option packages make it possible to boost the luxury factor by multiples. Whether you plan to chauffer VIPs or simply earn the highest ride-share ratings around, the LS 500h can be enhanced with packages such as:

Luxury package

Power-adjustable passenger seat with massage
Power-reclining rear seats with memory function
Four-zone climate control
Power side window shades
Leather-wrapped rear armrest

Lexus Safety System+ A package

Adaptive cruise control with Lane Change Assist (can automatically change lanes during cruise control when the driver activates the turn signal)
Active steering assist (applies corrective steering action to avoid or minimize an imminent forward collision if the driver doesn't react in time)
Front cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle is about to cross the vehicle's forward path)

Consumer reviews

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2021 LS 500h Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$90,500
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$194/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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 2.0: Groups together a suite of features that includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
Active Steering Assist: Applies corrective steering action to avoid or minimize an imminent forward collision if the driver doesn't react in time.

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2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus LS 500h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Which LS 500h does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Lexus LS 500h models

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the Used 2021 Lexus LS 500h.

2021 LS 500h Highlights

Safety

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2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

2021 Lexus LS 500h Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus LS 500h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Which LS 500h does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Lexus LS 500h models

2021 LS 500h Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Lexus LS 500h 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

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus LS 500h 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}