38/100
2018Midsize CarsPremium

2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD

EPA ID: 39901
18
City MPG
21
Combined MPG
21MPG· Average
27
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.4L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s10), this midsize cars features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 LS 500 AWD produces approximately 417 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this LS 500 AWD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine3.4L 6-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (S10)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions417 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score4/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
21.2
Impact vs EPA
$-21
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$769/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$22,400
48.5%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$12,500
27.1%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$10,840
23.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$46,140

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #24V275000·2024-06-07
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.

Campaign #19V134000·2019-04-26
critical
Component: TIRES:SIDEWALL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread layer separating from the tire.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Lexus LS 500 AWD configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City18 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined21 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

83.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 103 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.9 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.