Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Facts & Figures
Exterior DimensionsCargo MeasurementFuelReliability History Reliability History
Trouble
SpotsTrouble
SpotsNEW CAR
PREDICTIONNEW CAR
PREDICTIONEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTSEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTSCR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 133Lexus LS
The fifth-generation LS strays from its historic place as the embodi-
ment of stress-free comfortable motoring by piling on complicated
controls, a less cushy ride, and compromised seating. This rede-
signed f lagship brings lots of tech and less conservative styling.
Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the standard drivetrain is a
416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic
transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car
doesn’t impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low
speeds. A hybrid is available. The wide car is too bulky to feel nim-
ble. The optional air suspension keeps the Lexus steady, but bumps
punch through more often than they should. The cabin is nicely
trimmed and luxurious, but the controls are extremely convoluted
and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.Overall Score 73
Predicted Reliability 40
Owner Satisfaction 40
Road-Test Score 72
Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 05Base Price: $75,450-$84,670
Body Styles: sedan
Trim Lines: 500, 500h, F Sport
Drive Wheels: Rear, AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 hybrid (354 hp);
3.5-liter V6 turbo (416 hp)
Transmissions: 10-speed automatic;
CVTLength (in.).................... 206
Width (in.) ......................75
Height (in.) ......................58
Wheelbase (in.) .................123
Weight (lb.) .................. 5,170
% weight front/rear ...........54/46Max. Load (lb.) ................ 870
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 17
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NRPremium
CR overall mpg ..................2016 17 18(^0505)
05 05
(^0505)
(^0505)
05 05
(^0505)
(^0505)
05 05
(^0505)
(^0504)
(^0404)
(^0505)
05 05
(^0505)
(^0505)
04 04
(^0504)
05 05
Better than average 04
Lexus IS
In our tests, the IS came up short as a sports sedan. Handling is
secure but not engaging enough to run with the best in the class.
Ride comfort is neither tied-down nor plush. Even the punchy IS 350
is underwhelming to drive. A 260-hp V6 powers the IS 300, which
gives it more zip, but its fuel economy of 20 mpg overall is uncompet-
itive in the class. Plus, the interior is extremely cramped, and getting
in and out is an ungraceful chore. The interior is well-finished, but
there is room for improvement, especially the tight driver’s cockpit.
All-wheel-drive versions have a pronounced hump by the driver’s
right leg. The mouselike infotainment controller is distracting to use.
Two adults will fit in the snug rear seat, but there isn’t much head-
room or legroom to spare. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is available,
but only in rear-wheel drive.
Overall Score 60
Predicted Reliability 04
Owner Satisfaction 01
Road-Test Score 56
Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 50
Base Price: $38,560-$44,345
Body Styles: sedan
Trim Lines: 300, 300 F Sport, 350,
350 F Sport
Drive Wheels: Rear, AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (241 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (260 hp); 3.5-liter V6
(311 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic;
8-speed automatic
Length (in.)..................... 184
Width (in.) ......................71
Height (in.) ......................56
Wheelbase (in.) .................110
Weight (lb.) ..................3,850
% weight front/rear ...........55/45
Max. Load (lb.) .................825
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 14
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR
Premium
CR overall mpg ..................20 Better than average
(^5005)
50 05
(^5005)
(^5005)
50 05
(^5004)
(^5004)
50 05
(^5005)
(^5005)
(^1004)
(^5005)
50 05
(^2005)
(^4005)
30 04
(^2005)
40 03
16 17 18
04
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