2020 Lexus LS — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2020 Lexus LS

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $70,435–$92,163
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Lexus LS

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$70,435–$92,163

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Lexus LS

The 2020 Lexus LS is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Safety at 7.5/10 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. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The LS nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Few rivals match it for performance: 8.8/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.5/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.

Priced from $70,435–$92,163, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus LS sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.3/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Lexus LS will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.

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 2020 Lexus LS ranks #201 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 85% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $70,435 starting price is about 155% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which LS Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Lexus LS scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 8.0 — 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$82,441 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$82,441 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$80,040 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$77,638 Read review →
2022 8.0/10$75,237 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$72,836 Read review →
2020 (this review) 8.0/10$70,435
2019 7.8/10$68,034 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$65,632 Read review →
2017 7.7/10$63,231 Read review →
2016 7.6/10$60,830 Read review →
2015 7.6/10$58,429 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Lexus LS

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.

Common Questions — 2020 Lexus LS

Is the 2020 Lexus LS reliable?

We rate the 2020 Lexus LS's reliability 8.8/10 — 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 2020 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 2020 Lexus LS worth buying?

It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #201 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 85% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2020 Lexus LS cost?

The 2020 Lexus LS starts at $70,435 and ranges up to $92,163 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Lexus LS

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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Similar Sedan to Consider

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