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2016 Lexus GS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Lexus GS gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by redesigned front and rear styling. The range also expands with the new turbocharged GS 200t and V8-powered GS F.
About the 2016 Lexus GS
4th generation GS (2013-2020), mid-cycle refresh year; first year for GS 200t and GS F.
Lexus positioned the GS as its midsize luxury sport sedan that mixes a quiet, high-quality cabin with sharper handling than the softer ES. In 2016, the range was sold as the meeting point of style, refinement, and driver involvement, with multiple personalities: efficient turbo, strong V6, hybrid power, or V8 performance. For most shoppers, the GS’s appeal was rear-drive balance, Lexus craftsmanship, everyday comfort, and a more understated alternative to German sport sedans.
The GS 200t serves as the new entry model, while the stronger GS 350 remains the core luxury-and-performance version and the 338-hp GS 450h blends hybrid efficiency with quick acceleration. At the top, the new 467-hp GS F adds a V8, a torque-vectoring rear differential, larger performance brakes, and a driver-focused digital instrument display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new rear-wheel-drive GS 200t uses a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic. The GS 350 V6 rises from 306 to 311 hp, while the new GS F brings a 467-hp 5.0-liter V8. The GS 450h hybrid system carries over.
Styling
The GS receives a bolder spindle-grille front end, revised bumpers, updated taillights and rear trim, and new wheel designs. The 2015 GS 350 Crafted Line special edition does not return.
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ joins the gas and hybrid GS models as optional equipment and is standard on the GS F. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert becomes standard on the GS 450h.
Tech
A larger 4.2-inch driver information display and revised Remote Touch controls with side shortcut buttons are introduced. Navigation becomes standard on the GS 350 and GS 450h.
Structural
There is no platform redesign, but the new GS F adds performance-specific chassis hardware, including a torque-vectoring rear differential and Brembo front brakes.
2016 Lexus GS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shft | Auto 8-Spd SeqShft MltiMd | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 467 hp | 311 hp | 241 hp | 338 hp |
| Torque | 389 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 257 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14 cu-ft | 16.2 cu-ft | 16.2 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
How is the 2016 Lexus GS different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Lexus GS has refreshed front and rear styling, an updated cabin interface, a stronger 311-hp GS 350 V6, and two new models: the turbocharged GS 200t and V8-powered GS F. The 2015 GS 350 Crafted Line special edition does not return.
Was the Lexus GS 200t new for 2016?
Yes. The GS 200t joined the lineup for 2016 as its new entry model, using a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive.
Was the Lexus GS F new for 2016?
Yes. The 2016 GS F was a new high-performance model with a 467-hp 5.0-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and Brembo front brakes.
Does the 2016 Lexus GS 350 have standard navigation?
Yes. Navigation became standard on the 2016 GS 350 and uses a 12.3-inch display with a full-screen map. It also became standard on the GS 450h.
Is Lexus Safety System+ standard on every 2016 Lexus GS?
No. Lexus Safety System+ is optional on the regular gas and hybrid GS models but standard on the GS F. The GS 450h separately gains standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert for 2016.
2016 Lexus GS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lexus GS.
4.3
2016 Lexus GS
(137 reviews)
“The GS-F is luxury when you need it to be and yet it's fun when you want it to be.”
“Our Lexus GS 350 F is a great car. Rides nice has lots of power. Only dislike is the remote app which does not always work.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2016 Gs 200T 350 450H Product News
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Gs F Debut
- lexus.com — Models / 2016 / MY16 Lexus GS and Lexus GS Hybrid Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2016 / MY16 Lexus GSF Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Gs350 Gs200T Gs450H
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2015 Lexus Gs 350 Design Rewards Luxury
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2015 Lexus Gs 450H Product News
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Gs F Pure Lexus Luxury