2018 Lexus LS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$75,000 to $84,220

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(14 reviews)

Pros

  • Quiet cabin

  • Premium interior materials

  • Great handling

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Unintuitive technology

8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2018 Lexus LS Test Drive Review summaryImage

Japan’s supreme luxury sedan becomes even more so in its fifth generation.

Since its 1989 debut, the Lexus LS has delivered more luxury at less cost than large sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Toyota created the Lexus brand as a bold upstart built on reliability, value, and customer service. Now an established nameplate and one of the best-selling luxury automakers in the country, Lexus wants to disrupt the big 4-door segment again with dramatic exterior styling and performance. The fifth-generation 2018 LS 500 promises a lot. After piling more than 800 miles on this 17-foot-long cruiser, we say it delivers.
8/10

Here’s where Lexus design splits like American politics. The front grille, which Lexus calls a spindle, does not cater to traditional tastes. To some, the wide-mouthed, jagged-edge look resembles a robotic fish or an angry vacuum cleaner. But to others, the deep, textured black hole of triangles surrounded by sharp cuts, creases, and slanted LED headlights is unique and aggressive.

Of course, this style may not prove to be timeless. In fact, it probably won't. But, today, the LS 500 is immediately recognizable (it helps that the entire car is appropriately long and wide, making that enormous front section seem necessary). On our F Sport trim, the gray 20-inch wheels, blacked-out grille, and reshaped air intakes suggest speed, though there’s still plenty of chrome. The arching wheel wells bulge ever so slightly from the body, which employs gentler curves along smooth sides. In the rear, there’s a stout, squared-off trunk lid and a simpler treatment to the taillights and bumper than up front. You could mistake it for the new Toyota Avalon.

You won’t make such a foolish error inside. Our car’s red and black leather interior, combined with microsuede and bright aluminum trim, was decadent at every touch. That’s a given, of course. But the detailing—the layers of trim stacked on top of each other, vertical stitching along the doors, curved thin lines of aluminum, a backlit display of more curved lines above the glovebox, armrests that appear to float—will make your eyes water. In a good way. This trim isn’t the most luxurious, since it’s meant to be a driver’s car. Select a regular LS 500, and you can spec it with laser-cut glass trim, origami fabric hand-woven into the doors, herringbone wood, and other exotic woods and leathers in stunning patterns and colors. There’s no other luxury sedan this wild inside.

Clifford Atiyeh
Published May 31, 2022 by Clifford Atiyeh
Clifford Atiyeh is a contributing editor at CarGurus who writes, hosts, and co-directs video reviews of the latest vehicles. He has reported and photographed for dozens of websites, magazines, and newspapers over a nearly 20-year journalism career, including The Boston Globe, Car and Driver, and Road & Track. He is president of the New England Motor Press Association and runs a creative marketing consultancy.

User reviews for 2018 Lexus LS

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User rating:
by john s
Dec 12, 2024
There are dozens or maybe tons of dozens of adjustment you can make to this car ranging from air conditioning and seating lighting instrumentation safety features like lane keep assist, seemingly endless and it’s very awkward and unintuitive. Every reviewer has mentioned the so let’s skip it.. Two things impress me three things actually the car is a thrill to drive. It’s very confident fast well balanced, and athletic as well as being cushy soft and comfortable. It’s a delight. There’s no spare tire in this car. There’s no room for it so they sell it with run flat tires, which no one wants because they ride hard and they’re very costly.. . My question is when was the last time you had a flat tire? I’m 69 years old and I cannot remember getting a flat tire- ever,, so I don’t care if there’s a spare tire in the car! I have Michelin pilot sport AS fours and the great big car handles like a dream. Mine has 110,000 miles on it already and it’s been well-maintained and cared for but it looks and drives like new. The simply nothing it needs there’s no creaking anywhere there’s no system that needs any care whatever it’s just like a brand new car despite being terribly complicated everything works perfectly.. .. And one of the features I was looking for when buying this used car was the Mark Levinson stereo system, which this one has. It makes me glad I have got good hearing. It’s a beautiful thing you can’t imagine the clarity and the depth and the pure joy you’ll get from the stereo. You don’t even have to turn it up loud because the car is dead, quiet and the sound of the stereo is all around you with 23 speakers it’s insane And I mean that in a good way ! Dec 12, 2024
by Levon P
Feb 21, 2024
I Think Thiis Car Feature is Absolutely ( Fantastic) with ( Great Value) And Not Missing Anything I Personally wouldn’t Compare it To Anything Induditabally The Best Feb 21, 2024
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2024
I absolutely love Lexus. I am on my third Lexus vehicle and second LS. I like the features that the car offers. It may not be as advance as the competition but I feel the LS 500 brings its own flavor and characteristics to the full size car segment that can’t be compared to other flagships. It’s unique in its own way. Pretty much everything that I wanted and needed are in the vehicle. The car is an excellent value. One definitely gets their money’s worth from Lexus products when they take care of it. I was heavily considering the Mercedes Benz S-Class and the Genesis G90 but I couldn’t step away from Lexus after reflecting on my previous ownership, quality and service I’ve experience from the brand. The Lexus standard is one to experience and enjoy!Jan 24, 2024

2018 Lexus LS Pricing

Original MSRP
$75,000 to $84,220
Price range
$38,564 to $40,703
Average price on CG
$38,564
YoY price change
$40,643 to $38,564

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · Slacker internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: covered · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Front Row Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: 28 · Passenger seat power adjustments: 28

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · In-Dash CD: DVD · Slacker internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminated rear seat

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Front Row Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: 28 · Passenger seat power adjustments: 28

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)