DecodedCars2016 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 460 AWD 4dr Sedan, 460l AWD 4dr Sedan, 600h L Hybrid 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 200.4–205.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,652–5,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 24% below the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,652 lb (460 AWD 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 24% worse than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 LS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 LS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 LS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 460 AWD 4dr Sedan | 200.4 in | 74 in | 57.9 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,652 lb | 52/48 |
| 460l AWD 4dr Sedan | 205.1 in | 74 in | 57.9 in | 121.7 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,872 lb | 52/48 |
| 600h L Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 205.1 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 121.7 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 5,225 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 600h L Hybrid | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | -24% | $4,100 | 431 |
| LS 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -27% | $4,350 | 460 |
| LS 460 L | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -27% | $4,350 | 460 |
| LS 460 AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -31% | $4,550 | 486 |
| LS 460 L AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -31% | $4,550 | 486 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus LS.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus LS (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Lexus LS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Tires — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 122,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus LS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 LS | 21 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2022 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2020 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2017 LS | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2014 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →