2021 Lexus LS 500h
The LS sedan was the first vehicle to wear the Lexus badge-and the model still sits atop the luxury lineup, in LS500 and LS500h form. Despite new engines, new tech, and more than 30 new model years, the Lexus LS retains all the goodness that made the original model such a standout among full-size luxury sedans. The 2021 LS gets lightly revised headlights and taillights. The old infotainment controls have been tossed in favor of a more intuitive touchscreen.
The LS500 remains the cheaper of the two LS models. It is also the more traditional choice, featuring a twin-turbo V-6 making 416 hp and a 10-speed automatic. That may not sound very traditional, but it's certainly the more conventional choice versus the hybridized LS500h, which gets a V-6 sans turbo paired to an electric motor and a small battery pack. It makes 354 hp.
Of the two, the hybrid is unsurprisingly the fuel-economy champ at 25 mpg city, 33 highway, 28 combined. That beats out the 18/29/22 mpg of the regular LS500. All figures reflect rear-drive cars; optional all-wheel drive reduces those ratings slightly.
Lexus isn't stingy with safety equipment. The LS gets standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. Opting for the Lexus Safety System Plus package allows the LS to merge into an open lane of traffic after the turn signal is tapped and steer itself around pedestrians and cyclists at city speeds if the driver does not.
The LS hasn't been crash-tested by either major testing body, and we don't expect that to change anytime soon.
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The 2021 LS gets lightly revised headlights and taillights. The old infotainment controls have been tossed in favor of a more intuitive touchscreen.
The LS500 remains the cheaper of the two LS models. It is also the more traditional choice, featuring a twin-turbo V-6 making 416 hp and a 10-speed automatic. That may not sound very traditional, but it's certainly the more conventional choice versus the hybridized LS500h, which gets a V-6 sans turbo paired to an electric motor and a small battery pack. It makes 354 hp.
Of the two, the hybrid is unsurprisingly the fuel-economy champ at 25 mpg city, 33 highway, 28 combined. That beats out the 18/29/22 mpg of the regular LS500. All figures reflect rear-drive cars; optional all-wheel drive reduces those ratings slightly.
Lexus isn't stingy with safety equipment. The LS gets standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. Opting for the Lexus Safety System Plus package allows the LS to merge into an open lane of traffic after the turn signal is tapped and steer itself around pedestrians and cyclists at city speeds if the driver does not.
The LS hasn't been crash-tested by either major testing body, and we don't expect that to change anytime soon.
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Retail Price
| Engine | V-6 |
| MPG | Up to 25 city / 33 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 4-spd w/OD |
| Power | 295 @ 6600 rpm |
| Drivetrain | all wheel, rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 4,883 - 5,104 lbs |
