2018 Lexus GS: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2018 Lexus GS is mostly a carryover, with the turbocharged GS 200t renamed GS 300 as the headline change. The GS F also receives updated driver-assistance features, while the core engines and styling continue unchanged.

Shop 2 in stock at Carvana

About the 2018 Lexus GS

4th generation GS (2012-2020), after the 2016 refresh, late-cycle year.

Lexus positions the GS as a midsize luxury sport sedan with fewer compromises than softer luxury sedans or harsher German sport sedans. The core pitch is rear-drive balance, a quiet and well-finished cabin, strong reliability, and multiple personalities: efficient turbo four-cylinder, stronger V6, quick hybrid, or full GS F performance. For most buyers, the GS is the Lexus sedan for drivers who want sharper handling than an ES without giving up comfort and daily usability.

The GS 300 serves as the entry model, pairing a 241-hp turbocharged engine with rear-wheel drive, a 12.3-inch navigation display, and a standard safety suite. The GS 350 brings a stronger 311-hp V6 and either rear- or all-wheel drive, while the GS 450h combines its gas engine and electric motors for 338 hp. At the top, the GS F is the dedicated performance model with a 467-hp V8, upgraded brakes, and handling hardware designed to make it feel sharper in corners.

What changed, by category

Trim lineup

The turbocharged GS 200t badge changes to GS 300, and the GS 200t F SPORT becomes the GS 300 F SPORT. The underlying 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain carries over.

Safety

The GS F receives all-speed adaptive cruise control and updated lane-keeping assistance as part of its standard safety suite.

Interior equipment

Heated and ventilated front seats change from standard to optional on the GS 350.

2018 Lexus GS specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Lexus GSGS F0 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 3000 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 3502 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 450h0 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 300 F SPORT0 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 350 F SPORT0 in stock	2018 Lexus GSGS 450h F SPORT0 in stock
Engine	V8, 5.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Automatic, ECVT	Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Auto 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Automatic, ECVT
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Gas	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	16 mpg	22 mpg	20 mpg	29 mpg	21 mpg	19 mpg	29 mpg
MPG Highway	24 mpg	32 mpg	28 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	27 mpg	34 mpg
Horsepower	467 hp	241 hp	311 hp	338 hp	241 hp	311 hp	338 hp
Torque	389 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	257 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	257 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14 cu-ft	18.4 cu-ft	18.4 cu-ft	15.9 cu-ft	18.4 cu-ft	18.4 cu-ft	15.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	32.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
LED Headlights
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Aluminum Interior Trim
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2019 Lexus GS compares

The biggest change for the 2019 Lexus GS is the departure of the GS 450h hybrid models. The GS 350 also gains standard heated and ventilated front seats, while the rest of the lineup largely carries over from 2018.

See the full 2019 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the 2017 and 2018 Lexus GS?

The biggest difference is the turbo model’s name: the GS 200t badge changes to GS 300 for 2018. The GS F also gets updated driver-assistance features, and heated and ventilated front seats become optional rather than standard on the GS 350.

Did the engine change when the GS 200t became the 2018 GS 300?

No, the name changed but the basic powertrain did not. The 2018 GS 300 retains a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive.

What changed on the 2018 Lexus GS F?

The 2018 GS F gains all-speed adaptive cruise control and updated lane-keeping assistance in its standard safety suite. Its 467-hp 5.0-liter V8 and core performance hardware carry over.

Does the 2018 Lexus GS offer all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2018 GS 350 is offered with all-wheel drive as well as rear-wheel drive. The turbocharged GS 300 uses rear-wheel drive.

Is there a hybrid version of the 2018 Lexus GS?

Yes, the 2018 GS 450h and GS 450h F SPORT use a hybrid system producing 338 hp. The F SPORT version adds sportier suspension tuning, rear-wheel steering, and more aggressive exterior and cabin details.

2018 Lexus GS Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Lexus GS.

4.4

2018 Lexus GS

(84 reviews)

5 stars (43)

4 stars (33)

3 stars (8)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

“It has a smooth ride and handles like a dream. Even though initial cost is high, it's luxurious and has low maintenance costs. Fuel economy is average.”

VNVickie N.
2018 Lexus GS 350 AWD

“Very different feel from my BMW, harder ride, less gas mileage however very good safety features”

EPEugene P.
2018 Lexus GS 350 AWD

No rating

“It is a reliable vehicle, smooth ride, and it performance is excellent. Very sporty. I love the vehicle. This is my second GS 350. I first had a ES350.”

RMRita M.
2018 Lexus GS 350 RWD