Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Lexus LS
Our scoring places the 2019 Lexus LS at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.2/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $68,034–$87,033, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus LS sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Lexus LS is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance and value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2019 Lexus LS ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $68,034 starting price is about 146% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which LS Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Lexus LS scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.8 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Lexus LS (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 17/04/2024 · 24V275000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Lexus LS that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Lexus LS
Is the 2019 Lexus LS reliable?
We rate the 2019 Lexus LS's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus LS have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Lexus LS worth buying?
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #347 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 74% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2019 Lexus LS cost?
The 2019 Lexus LS starts at $68,034 and ranges up to $87,033 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which LS years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest LS years we've rated are 2016 (7.6/10), 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2019 Lexus LS have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Lexus LS are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Lexus LS
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