Lexus LS 500: Specs, Final Year and LS History

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Lexus LS 500 is Lexus's full-size flagship sedan, powered by a 416-hp, 442 lb-ft 3.4L twin-turbo V6. For 2026, its final year, it is sold only as the 250-unit LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition at $97,830 before a $1,550 delivery fee. The line began with the 1990 LS 400.

Type
Full-size luxury flagship sedan
Price (MSRP)
from $97,830 (2026 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,550 delivery, processing and handling; single mono-spec Heritage Edition (Lexus lists $99,380 including DPH)[1]
Powertrains
LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition · 416 hp
Current generation
Fifth generation (LS 500, LS 500h), 2018–2026

2026 Lexus LS price and trims

Lexus's 2026 LS release lists one model, the mono-spec LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition, limited to 250 units. It is finished in new Ninety Noir paint with an LS-first Rioja Red interior, and it comes with a panorama glass roof, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference audio system and Advanced Park. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard.[15]

Lexus LS trims with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2026)Powertrain
LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition$97,830excl. $1,550 DPH (2026 MY); $99,380 with DPH3.4L twin-turbo V6 (416 hp, 442 lb-ft), AWD, 10-speed automatic[15]

Every LS trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Lexus LS engines, horsepower and mpg

Lexus quotes 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The AWD system uses a Torsen limited-slip center differential. The LS 500h hybrid (354 hp system) and RWD LS 500 were last offered for 2025.

Lexus LS powertrains with Lexus-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
LS 500 AWD Heritage EditionHeritage Edition3.4L twin-turbo V6[1]41644210-speed automaticAWD17/27/212026 MY[2]

Output is as rated by Lexus; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

LS 500 vs LS 500h (2025)

2025 was the last year both LS powertrains were offered.[4][13][14]

LS 500 vs LS 500h (2025)
LS 500LS 500h AWD
Powertrain3.4L twin-turbo V63.5L V6 Multistage Hybrid
Output416 hp / 442 lb-ft354 hp (system)
DriveRWD or AWDAWD
EPA combined22 mpg (RWD)25 mpg
2025 MSRP before DPHfrom $80,335$115,210
  • The twin-turbo LS 500 is quicker and cost $34,875 less than the hybrid in 2025.
  • Lexus Teammate (Advanced Drive and Advanced Park) was offered on the LS 500h AWD.

2026: the LS 500's final year

Lexus offers the 2026 LS only as the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition and describes it as a final-year tribute to the car that launched the brand. Production is limited to 250 units for the US. It is mono-spec, with a Lexus-first Ninety Noir exterior, an LS-first Rioja Red interior, 20-inch Dark Gray Metallic wheels, a panorama glass roof and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson system.

For 2025, the last regular LS lineup, the LS 500 started at $80,335 and the LS 500h at $115,210, both before a $1,350 delivery fee.[1][4]

The original Lexus LS 400

The LS name comes from the F1 project, designated LS400 in November 1988: LS for Luxury Sedan and 400 for its 4.0-liter V8. The car was shown at the 1989 Detroit motor show. Lexus launched in the US in 1989 with the LS 400 and ES 250.

The LS 400 ran two generations, 1990–1994 and 1995–2000, before the LS 430 replaced it for 2001.[6][3][11][5]

Lexus LS generations by year

Every US Lexus LS generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Fifth generation (LS 500, LS 500h)2018–20263.4L twin-turbo V6 LS 500 (416 hp, 442 lb-ft); 3.5L V6 Multistage Hybrid LS 500h (354 hp system, 2018–2025)Premiered at the 2017 Detroit auto show on the GA-L platform. Lexus calls the 2026 Heritage Edition a final-year tribute.[3][4][1][5]
Fourth generation (LS 460, LS 600h L)2007–20174.6L V8 (LS 460, LS 460 L); 5.0L V8 hybrid LS 600h L (438 hp combined, 2008–2016)The LS 460 went on sale in 2006. The LS 600h L, which Lexus calls the world's first full V8 hybrid, followed in 2007. AWD LS 460 arrived for 2009, and the line was redesigned with a first-ever F SPORT in 2012.[3][6][7][5][8][9]
Third generation (LS 430)2001–20064.3L 32-valve V8, 5-speed automaticLexus introduced the all-new LS 430 in November 2000 with a new 4.3-liter V8.[6][5][10]
Second generation (LS 400)1995–20004.0L V8, 4-speed automatic (later 5-speed)The completely redesigned LS 400 went on sale in 1994. A 1997 update added VVT-i.[3][5]
First generation (LS 400)1990–19944.0L V8, 4-speed automaticRevealed at the January 1989 Detroit show. The first production LS 400 came off the line at Tahara in May 1989, and it launched the Lexus brand alongside the ES 250.[11][6][3][12]

Lexus LS problems and recalls

Lexus LS problems on record are mostly recalls. The 2007–2017 LS 460 had fuel-leak recalls 09V020 and 14V647, a VGRS steering ECU recall (10V218) and fuel pump recall 20V012. The 2018–2026 LS 500 adds fuel pump recall 20V682, run-flat tire recall 19V134 and an Executive Package seat sensor recall (24V275).

Documented Lexus LS issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Aluminum fuel rails can corrode and leak (recall 09V020)[16]XF40 (2007–2017)2007–2008Recall 09V020
Fuel leak at the fuel pressure sensor (recall 14V647)[17]XF40 (2007–2017)2007–2010Recall 14V647
Variable Gear Ratio Steering can leave the wheel off-center (recall 10V218)[18]XF40 (2007–2017)2009–2010Recall 10V218
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recall 20V012)[19]XF40 (2007–2017)2013–2015Recall 20V012
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V012, 20V682)[20][19]XF50 (2018–2026)2018–2020Recall 20V682
Run-flat tire reinforcement layer can crack (recall 19V134)[21]XF50 (2018–2026)2018Recall 19V134
Brake booster pump can fail (recall 19V544)[22]XF50 (2018–2026)2019Recall 19V544
Executive Package passenger seat can confuse the occupant sensor (recall 24V275)[23]XF50 (2018–2026)2018–2021Recall 24V275

All 11 documented LS issues and 11 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Lexus LS.

More LS research

See how an LS was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lexus LS being discontinued?

Lexus calls the 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition a final-year tribute to the car that launched the brand. It is the only 2026 LS and is limited to 250 units in the US.

How much is the 2026 Lexus LS 500?

The 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition is $97,830 before a $1,550 delivery, processing and handling fee, or $99,380 including it.

How much horsepower does the LS 500 have?

The LS 500's 3.4L twin-turbo V6 makes 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. Lexus quotes 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

What years was the Lexus LS 400 made?

The LS 400 was sold for the 1990–2000 model years over two generations (1990–1994 and 1995–2000). It used a 4.0L V8 and was replaced by the LS 430 for 2001.

What is the difference between the LS 500 and LS 500h?

The LS 500 uses a 416-hp twin-turbo V6. The LS 500h uses a 3.5L V6 Multistage Hybrid rated at 354 hp combined, and EPA rated the 2025 model at 25 mpg combined versus 22 mpg for the RWD LS 500. The LS 500h was not offered for 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2026 LS 500 get?

EPA rates the 2026 LS 500 AWD at 17 city, 27 highway and 21 combined mpg.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Lexus for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2026 Lexus LS: A Homage to the Original — Lexus USA Newsroom
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Lexus LS 500 AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. The History of Lexus — Lexus USA Newsroom
  4. 2025 Lexus LS: Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence — Lexus USA Newsroom
  5. EPA fuel economy model listings by year, Lexus (1990–2026) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. Lexus LS Timeline — Lexus UK Media
  7. 2012 Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid Flagship Sedan: Refined Ride — Lexus USA Newsroom
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2007 Lexus LS 460 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2001 Lexus LS 430 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. Historic Vehicles: 1990–1994 Lexus LS 400 [First (1st) Generation] — Lexus USA Newsroom
  12. EPA fuel economy: 1990 Lexus LS 400 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2025 Lexus LS 500 (RWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2025 Lexus LS 500h AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. 2026 Lexus LS: A Homage to the Original (Sep 26, 2025; updated May 1, 2026) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  16. NHTSA recall 09V020: FUEL DELIVERY PIPE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. NHTSA recall 14V647: Fuel Leak at Fuel Pressure Sensor/Fuel Pipe — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. NHTSA recall 10V218: STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. NHTSA recall 20V012: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. NHTSA recall 19V134: Tire Sidewall Reinforcement Layer May Crack — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. NHTSA recall 19V544: Loss of Stability Control, Brake Assist/FMVSS 126 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. NHTSA recall 24V275: Front Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lexus or Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus, F SPORT and the model names are trademarks of their owners.