Item: 2020 Lexus GS
Rating: 2.8
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

What's New

The mid-size 2020 Lexus GS sedan soldiers on, but the GS 300 and GS 300 F Sport models have been dropped. Rumors persist that the GS lineup will come to an end, as it hasn’t been updated since 2013.

Choosing Your Lexus GS

Lexus now offers the GS in three trims: GS 350, GS 350 F Sport, and GS F. Pricing starts at $52,420 including destination for the GS 350 and climb all the way up to $86,035 for the high-performance GS F.

Engine Choices

The GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport models have a 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the GS F gets a 5.0-liter V8.

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Fuel Economy (Combined)
3.5L V6	311 hp	280 lb-ft	23 mpg
5.0L V8	467 hp	389 lb-ft	19 mpg

Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the range, but all-wheel drive is available on the GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport. Surprisingly, moving to AWD lowers the cost of the base model by $330, but it's a $1,745 premium on GS 350 F Sport models.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Lexus GS seats five passengers, but the drivetrain tunnel intrudes on the rear seat’s middle position, which makes it more suited for four. In any case, the seats are plush and very comfortable, front and back. Choose the GS F, and the front sport bucket seats are firmer and offer better bolstering.

Trunk storage is one of this model’s strong suits, measuring 18.4 cubic feet, which is one of the largest in its class. The rear seats don't fold down, but there's a center pass-through for holding longer objects. The GS F's trunk only offers 14.0 cubic feet.

Safety Features

Lexus equips all GS trims with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Front and rear parking sensors are a $500 standalone option. On GS 350 F Sport and GS F models, a head-up display is available for $900.

Connectivity

Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch color display, a 12-speaker audio system with a DVD player, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, a USB port, and navigation. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is a $1,380 option.

GS 350 - From $52,420

The GS 350 comes with LED headlights, power-folding side mirrors, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a moonroof. Inside, the seats are covered in imitation leather and heated up front. A power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, dual-zone climate control, and 10-way power front seats are standard.

A heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel is a $150 standalone option, while a power open/close trunk costs $400.

GS 350 F Sport - From $53,785

The GS 350 F Sport builds on the standard model and adds 19-inch alloy wheels and a specially tuned adaptable suspension system. Inside, F Sport front seats, 16-way power front seats, digital instrumentation, expanded drive mode select, and variable gear-ratio steering are included.

A Torsen limited-slip rear differential is a $500 option, as are orange brake calipers for $300.

GS F - From $86,035

In keeping with its performance attributes, the GS F has the V8 engine. This model comes with special trim, including a black grille with chrome surround, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, performance tires, and a rear spoiler. Performance enhancements include cooling ducts, a variable suspension, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and a quad-tip exhaust system.

Inside, the high-back sport seats are covered in perforated leather with F embossing on the front headrests. Black carbon fiber trim, performance-inspired instrumentation, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and aluminum pedals are other features of note.

Compare GS Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The 2020 Lexus GS 350 F Sport supplies a sporty look along with enhanced suspension tuning and steering for an improved driving experience. The slight bump in price covers these enhancements and more.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - November 18, 2019

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Expert Review

Pros

Low starting price
Rowdy GS F
Still looks good

Cons

Frustrating infotainment
Way overdue for a redesign
Lacking smartphone connectivity

Expert Rating

2.8

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - February 12, 2020

Old-timer with a little bite left. The 2020 Lexus GS is an elder statesman at this point, as it rolls into its eighth model year without a redesign. Luckily for Lexus, its looks were well ahead of the curve back in 2013, but it’s fallen behind in many other areas.

The powertrain is one area where the GS owes buyers an upgrade, but its old-school roots make it a great option for those seeking that classic V8 feel in a luxury midsize sedan.

Great looks at a tremendous value. There's no doubting the Lexus GS is still quite the looker. Its design may be a bit old-school compared to German metal, but there's just something attractive about its smooth body, bold spindle grille, checkmark LED signature lighting, and large bumper-integrated exhaust tips.

Inside, while a bit more dated than the body, the setup remains clean and luxurious with a big focus on horizontal lines to make the cabin feel airy. Plus, the large, crisp infotainment screen makes it feel a bit more modern.

With a starting price of just $52,420 including destination, the GS starts $3,475 less than the Audi A6, $2,625 less than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and $2,475 less than the BMW 5-Series.

Unfortunately, this sedan doesn’t just look dated – it is dated. It went through its last redesign way back in 2013. In a fast-moving segment, this is a relative fossil, and anyone who cross-shops a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi may find it difficult to go back to the GS.

Lexus GS

The V6 leaves us yearning for more, and the GS F satisfies it. The base GS 350 shares its 3.5-liter V6 with several Toyota models, and its 311 horsepower, while not terrible, leaves us craving more. Yes, this trumps the turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the 5-Series and E-Class, but it cannot touch the torquey turbo V6 engines in the A6, 540i, and E 450.

That lack of power is quickly negated with a quick bump into the GS F. Its beastly 467-hp V8 offers five liters of naturally-aspirated heaven.

Despite its extra power, don’t twist the GS F up into being a competitor to the 600-hp M5 or the 603-hp AMG E 63 S. It cannot hang with these German monsters, but it’s also not priced to compete at $86,035. For reference, the M5 starts at $104,695 and the AMG E 63 S bases from $108,345.

That beautiful-looking infotainment system is a tease. The GS boasts a gorgeous 12.3-inch standard infotainment screen and a pair of USB ports. This is a great start, but it falls apart quickly.

That fancy 12.3-inch screen is no touchscreen. Instead, Lexus forces you to hunt and peck using a touchpad-controlled cursor that enjoys the occasional spaz-out session. As if that’s not bad enough, those USB ports are for charging and playing songs from your phone or MP3 player only – there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

While some luxury brands resisted the smartphone movement for a while, most have succumbed to buyer demand. Today, the E-Class offers standard Apple CarPlay and the Audi A6 and Jaguar XF offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even BMW offers one free year of Apple CarPlay, though you do have to pay an annual fee after that.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Lexus GS is still a looker, despite its aging design, and it offers an incredible value against its European rivals. While its dated looks may be OK in many buyers’ eyes, its crummy infotainment system may be a big concern for younger shoppers.

If you’re looking for top-notch connectivity, you’re better off with the A6. The XF also offers Android and Apple connectivity, plus its base price is in line with the GS’.

Buyers who want a performance rig can get this in the GS F, but if you have an extra $20,000 in your budget and want serious power, the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S are worth a look-see.

Check prices for the 2020 Lexus GS »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.5L V-6 / 311 HP / 280 ft.lbs.

Transmission

6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Full-time All Wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

19 / 26 / 22 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.5L V-6 / 311 HP / 280 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	19 / 26 / 22 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	17.4 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$66

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	18.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	99 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	192.1 "
Exterior Width	72.4 "
Exterior Height	57.9 "
Front Headroom	38.0 "
Rear Headroom	37.8 "
Front Legroom	42.3 "
Rear Legroom	36.8 "
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,891 Lbs.
Wheel Base	112 "
Turning Radius	17.7 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Machined Aluminum / 19.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust	Dual Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Nuluxe Leatherette / Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats	Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Lexus/pioneer Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan / Mark Levinson Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	12 Lexus/pioneer / 17 Green Edge
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag	Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Lexus Safety System+ Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor	Blind Spot Monitor Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Departure Alert (lda) With Steering Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection	Pre-collision System (pcs) Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Vehicle Sway Warning Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Intuitive Parking Assist Front And Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2020 Lexus GS for Sale