“I was surprised how small the glove compartment is and how small the trunk is compared to the LS460.”
2020 Lexus LS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Lexus LS is mostly a carryover, with the new limited-run LS 500 Inspiration Series as the headline change. The LS 500 F SPORT also gains a standard heated steering wheel.
About the 2020 Lexus LS
5th generation LS (introduced for 2018), third model year and last pre-refresh year before the larger 2021 update.
For 2020, Lexus positions the LS as its flagship luxury sedan: a full-size four-door that mixes quiet comfort, detailed Japanese-inspired craftsmanship, and a more expressive shape than traditional large luxury sedans. The model’s core appeal is a serene cabin, rich materials, strong standard safety tech, and a choice between twin-turbo power or hybrid efficiency. Compared with rivals, the LS leans less on a conservative executive look and more on distinctive design, hand-finished details, and a comfort-first driving character.
The LS 500 remains the main luxury sedan, with a 416-hp twin-turbo V6, a quiet cabin, a 12.3-inch navigation screen, and Apple CarPlay. The LS 500h pairs the flagship experience with a 354-hp hybrid system, while the F SPORT adds sharper responses, larger brakes, and sportier styling. The Inspiration Series emphasizes cabin design with white semi-aniline leather, Kiriko glass trim, blue accent lighting, and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
What changed, by category
Styling
The limited-run LS 500 Inspiration Series joins the lineup with a white semi-aniline leather interior, Kiriko glass trim, blue interior lighting, and other design-focused details.
Tech and comfort
The Inspiration Series adds a 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson audio system, while the LS 500 F SPORT's heated steering wheel becomes standard.
2020 Lexus LS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Direct Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 416 hp | 416 hp | 416 hp | |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 257 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.9 cu-ft | 15.2 cu-ft | 16.9 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2020 Lexus LS compared with the 2019 model?
The main change for 2020 is the addition of the limited-run LS 500 Inspiration Series. A heated steering wheel also becomes standard on the LS 500 F SPORT, while the core powertrains, safety hardware, and infotainment system largely carry over.
What is the 2020 Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series?
The 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Series is a limited-run, design-focused special edition. It features white semi-aniline leather, Kiriko glass trim, blue cabin lighting, and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but it uses the same 416-hp twin-turbo V6 as the regular LS 500.
Did the 2020 Lexus LS get new engines?
No, the 2020 LS carries over its main powertrains. The LS 500 and F SPORT use a 416-hp twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic, while the LS 500h uses a 354-hp multistage hybrid system.
Was the 2020 Lexus LS redesigned?
No, the 2020 LS was not redesigned. It is the third model year of the fifth-generation LS introduced for 2018, and its basic body, platform, and cabin layout carry over.
What changed on the 2020 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT?
The heated steering wheel becomes standard on the 2020 LS 500 F SPORT. Its main performance and design features otherwise carry over, including the sport-tuned adaptive suspension, larger brakes, bolstered front seats, and mesh grille.
2020 Lexus LS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Lexus LS.
4.0
2020 Lexus LS
(61 reviews)
“This is truly a luxury vehicle and the thoughtfulness that went into its design becomes more apparent the longer you drive it. It is one of the most visually appealing that Lexus offers, and is more practical than the other visually appealing [Name] (like the convertible, which is appealing but not practical as a primary vehicle in Michigan).”
“Sleek, stylish, smooth. Sexy car that looks classy and sophisticated. This is a grown ups car!”
Sources
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus LS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2020 Lexus Ls 500
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Introduces First Inspiration Series Sedan
- pressroom.lexus.com — Ls 500 Inspiration Series Added To Lineup For 2020
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2019 Lexus Ls
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2021 Lexus Ls 500 500H Add Layers Of Flagship Refinement
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Reimagines Global Flagship Sedan 2018 Ls
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2020 Lexus Ls Hybrid