The luxury division of Toyota has done business worldwide for the past three decades, bringing its expertise to bear in a new line of Lexus sedan, coupe, and SUV models. Though these types of cars may be falling out of fashion with the general public, it is still highly appealing to young professionals who want to make a good impression, while the larger executive sedans are prized among high-powered business people and retirees for their unbeatable luxury and comfort.
Lexus 4-door Sedan Models
The current lineup of 2020 and 20201 Lexus sedans for sale in the USA is not extensive. With sizes ranging from compact to full-size, and ample availability of hybrid models or those with AWD, there is bound to be something for everyone.
- IS: The smallest four-door sedan from Lexus, the IS focuses on perfecting the qualities the brand is most known for, such as high build quality and a comfortable, composed riding experience. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to more established luxury rivals from European brands when it comes to opulence and power. There is a fair amount of tech, including a comprehensive safety suite, but, once again, it falls a little behind the pack.
- IS 500: A more sport-oriented version of the standard IS, the 500 is planned for release in 2022. It will be powered by a hefty 5.0-liter V8, pumping out 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. In combination with a more refined eight-speed automatic transmission, it should make the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds, though it will suffer proportionately in fuel economy. Though prices are not available, we suspect it to cost around twice as much as the IS, though it will boast exterior styling and interior quality to match the price.
- ES: In the middle of the range, the ES has shown a lot of improvement in recent years, largely due to its 2020 redesign. Now, it looks more akin to the most elegant of its siblings, the LS, though it won’t take quite the same toll on your bank account. The update included a change under the hood, though performance is only marginally increased. Inside, the cabin is far more refined, though it still sticks with some slightly budget material to manage costs. However, there is plenty of space and more than enough standard features. It is also offered as a hybrid for those who want to save on the fuel bill without sacrificing performance.
- GS: Another V6-powered executive, the GS is a handsome and sophisticated gentleman. Sadly it, and its GS F sibling, ended their run with the 2020 model year. Still, it has the power to get you where you need to go brisky, but what really matters is how comfortable the drive is. In this regard, it never disappoints, and it is surprisingly spacious on top of everything else. This makes it great as a daily commuter and a family hauler. However, the lack of some expected features, such as smartphone integration, hold it back from playing with the big boys on equal footing. The GS F boasts a naturally aspirated V8 that sounds as good as it feels. Limited to rear-wheel-drive, this beauty is all about performance and looks. This extends to the interior, where premium materials abound and style is never lacking.
- LS: The largest Lexus sedan, cars like the LS are all about making the driver feel on top of the world. Whether you choose the standard gas-fed setup or the hybrid option, you are presented with a commodious, well-appointed interior, flush with high-tech features and driver-assist systems. It may not be a hotrod like some of its rivals, think Merc S-Class and BMW 8 Series, but it has more than enough power to get around, and it does so in blissfully smooth comfort.
Lexus Sedan Price List
You have a fair amount of choice when it comes to Lexus sedan models, and price varies across the trims. Here is a breakdown of each nameplate in the US and its starting price to give you an idea of what you’ll be paying in the end.
Model |
Power |
Engine |
Base Price |
Lexus ES |
302 hp |
3.5L V6 Gas |
$40,000 |
Lexus IS |
241 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$39,050 |
Lexus GS |
311 hp |
3.5L V6 Gas |
$51,065 |
Lexus LS |
416 hp |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas |
$76,100 |
Lexus HS 250h |
187 hp |
Inline-4 Hybrid |
$37,030 |
Lexus ES Hybrid |
215 hp |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid |
$42,150 |
Lexus IS 500 |
472 hp |
5.0L V8 Gas |
$56,850 |
Lexus IS F |
416 hp |
5.0L V8 Gas |
$63,600 |
Lexus GS F |
467 hp |
5.0L V8 Gas |
$85,010 |
Lexus GS Hybrid |
338 hp |
3.5L V6 Hybrid |
$63,635 |
Is a Lexus Sedan The Best Choice?
Never make the mistake of thinking 4-door sedans can’t be sporty. While coupes may be the go-to for performance, these cruisers have more than enough oomph to get around in a brisk manner. They are also pleasantly practical, in their larger guises, though they can’t compete with a genuine crossover or SUV. The same is true of their off-roading ability. Here, all-wheel drive is definitely added for grip rather than venturing off the beaten path. You’d be better off looking at a high-rider with 4-wheel-drive instead. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a new Lexus sedan.
Pros
- Handsome exteriors, though some designs may not appeal to everyone
- Competent powertrains, with some boasting real beastly setups
- Extremely high reliability and safety ratings
- Plenty of standard tech, especially on the larger models
- Available hybrid and high-performance options
- Not quite as expensive as some luxury brands
Cons
- Still rather pricey, especially if you want the best on offer
- Middling fuel economy, dropping to terrible on performance-spec variants
- Some models lack some expected features or have hard-to-use infotainment suites
- None of these sedans can really keep up with their European rivals
FAQ
Which model of Lexus is best?
Unsurprisingly, it is the largest and most expensive LS that scores the highest points in our rankings. Thanks to its accommodating cabin, filled to the brim with modern features and plush materials, in combination with a capable powertrain and refined handling, it easily ticks all the boxes when it comes to finding the best Lexus sedan.
What is the cheapest Lexus sedan?
You won’t find a truly cheap 4-door sedan from Lexus, but you need not break the bank either. The IS, as the smallest offering from the brand, is cheapest at around $39k for the base model. You can add AWD for a reasonable $2k, but upping performance with a better engine pushes the price up to the mid-$40k mark. If that’s too rich for your blood, consider a used model, which might shave several thousand dollars off the expected bill.
Why are Lexus cars so expensive?
When you think Toyota, you expect affordable reliability, and while Lexus definitely delivers on the latter, it does so at a much higher cost. This is because the brand focuses much more on high-quality interiors, plusher materials, and more refined riding experiences in an attempt to match European automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. When you consider this, the asking prices aren’t as extravagant as they may seem.
For more information, check out the in-depth reviews for each of the models mentioned here, where you can also find a full list of specs, features, trims, and a direct comparison with each rival.