DecodedCars2020 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 500 4dr Sedan, 500h 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.4L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 206.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,938–5,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.4L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 206 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb (500 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 1% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 LS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 LS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 4dr Sedan | 206.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 123.2 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,938 lb | 53/47 |
| 500h 4dr Sedan | 206.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 123.2 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 5,225 lb | 51/49 |
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 500h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +1% | $2,950 | 318 |
| LS 500h AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 345 |
| LS 500 | 3.4L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 30 / 23 | -17% | $3,550 | 389 |
| LS 500 AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -24% | $3,900 | 420 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus LS.
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lexus LS (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Porsche Panamera | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Audi A8 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2020 Maserati Quattroporte | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Apr 17, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V275000 · 509 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Not every 2020 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2020 Lexus LS in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2020 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 2016 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 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 →