“The 2021 Lexus LS500 is a beautiful car that drives and handles great. It is easy to drive and very comfortable.”
2021 Lexus LS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The headline change for the 2021 Lexus LS is a substantial mid-cycle refresh focused on a smoother, quieter ride and easier touchscreen controls rather than a full redesign.
About the 2021 Lexus LS
5th generation LS (introduced for 2018), mid-cycle refresh year.
Lexus positions the LS as its flagship full-size luxury sedan: a quiet, comfort-first car built around Japanese craftsmanship, thoughtful cabin details, and a serene long-distance driving experience. Compared with German rivals, the LS leans less on aggressive performance and more on smooth power, standout interior materials, and a hospitality-focused cabin. The hybrid version adds efficiency, while the F SPORT version gives the same flagship formula a sharper visual and driving edge.
The LS 500 is the quiet, comfort-focused flagship, with a 416-hp twin-turbo V6 and heated and ventilated front seats. The F SPORT pairs that engine with firmer suspension tuning, larger brakes, and sport seats, while the 354-hp LS 500h emphasizes smooth hybrid power and has a 28-way massaging driver’s seat and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Lexus revised the front bumper, gave the grille a darker finish, introduced vertically stacked Triple-Beam LED headlights, and updated the rear-light detailing.
Structural
Revised springs, dampers, suspension bushings, anti-roll bars, and adaptive suspension tuning make the ride smoother and quieter while improving body control.
Powertrain
Lexus refined the twin-turbo V6 and hybrid systems. Updated hybrid programming provides earlier and stronger electric assistance during acceleration.
Tech
A 12.3-inch touchscreen became standard across the lineup, and Android Auto joined the existing standard Apple CarPlay integration. Premium audio also became standard on the LS 500h.
2021 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, ECVT & 4-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd w/Direct Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 416 hp | 416 hp | |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.9 cu-ft | 16.9 cu-ft | 16.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| 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 | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| 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 | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Lexus LS a full redesign?
No. The 2021 Lexus LS is a mid-cycle refresh of the fifth-generation model introduced for 2018. Its styling, ride, powertrains, and infotainment were revised without replacing the underlying generation.
Does every 2021 Lexus LS have a touchscreen and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2021 Lexus LS has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This replaced the earlier setup’s reliance on the console touchpad for many controls.
What changed on the 2021 Lexus LS 500h hybrid?
The 2021 LS 500h received revised programming for earlier and stronger electric assistance during acceleration. It also gained a richer standard interior with semi-aniline leather, a 28-way massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, premium wood trim, and premium audio.
Was the Lexus LS Inspiration Series offered for 2021?
No. The LS 500 Inspiration Series offered for 2020 did not continue into the 2021 lineup. The 2021 range consisted of the LS 500, LS 500 F SPORT, and LS 500h.
2021 Lexus LS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lexus LS.
4.3
2021 Lexus LS
(65 reviews)
“It is a wonderful vehicle that drives well but is a bit expensive. It makes me feel that I have quite a car.”
“It is a great car and drive easy and it is so smooth. Has all the bells and whistles you'll need. Great car!”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2021 Lexus Ls 500 500H Add Layers Of Flagship Refinement
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus LS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2020 Lexus Ls 500
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus LS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2022 Lexus Ls 500
- lexus.com — Models / 2022 / MY22 Lexus LS Brochure