2022 Lexus LS 500

　　

2022 Lexus LS 500 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　As buyers assert their preferences for luxury SUVs, big, full-size luxury sedans have become a rarer sight. The 2022 Lexus LS remains the automaker's flagship canvas for tech, comfort and safety innovations, but it's getting lonely out there. The LS carries over largely unchanged for 2022, but there's been some tinkering behind the scenes. Revised suspension settings and components aim to improve ride quality and stability, the optional air suspension can adjust to ease cabin entry and exit, and recalibrated shift timing helps further refine driving and acceleration. The driver aids and safety features also receive enhanced radar and camera upgrades.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$206/mo  for LS 500 Base

　　LS 500 Base

　　4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $76,100 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $79,350 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $79,700 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $82,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　There's also obsessive new detail, including optional ultra-fine metal foil trim called "Haku," made by Japanese artisans and meant to evoke moonlight on ocean waves. This joins the existing option of decorative cut-glass inlays (Kiriko glass) and hand-pleated fabric door trim available with the Executive package. This level of refinement sets the LS apart from its few rivals, including the Genesis G90, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class once counted in this group, but its recent six-digit starting price puts it beyond the comparatively humble LS and its peers. Be sure to read our Expert Rating to see how the LS stacks up among the large luxury sleds.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the LS 500 drive? You expect luxury sedans of this ilk to have decent power, and the LS 500's turbocharged V6 delivers. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 5.7 seconds. That's an average time for a six-cylinder large luxury sedan. The 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly under hard acceleration but can be a bit slow to downshift if you suddenly go for a pass on the highway.

　　Braking is smooth and easy during casual cruising but doesn't quite offer the stopping confidence of competitors when slowing from higher speeds. The steering is appropriately light for a luxury sedan. You can dial in some extra heft by switching to a sportier drive mode. The latest LS has decent composure around turns, but it's still primarily a luxury cruiser.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the LS 500? The optional adjustable air suspension produces a cushy ride on almost any road. Speed bumps are hardly noticeable. Only on severely broken pavement can the ride feel a little choppy. Large pavement dips can cause noticeable body movement. Road, wind and engine noise is virtually nonexistent.

　　Seat comfort is excellent, with the front seats offering a wide range of adjustments in addition to heating, ventilation and massage. The middle rear seat is pretty stiff and uncomfortable, though it's suitable for short trips.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below