2019 Lexus GS 300

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Rating7.8

Ranked #7 in 

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$46,860 - $51,450
Starting Price 

Year

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M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Turbocharged four-cylinder saves a lot of gas

Even with the F Sport package the GS is no sports sedan

Lexus GS 300 carries over with no major changes in 2020

Luxuriously appointed interior

Aggressive styling may be not to everyone's taste

Lexus Enform Remote (smart watch and Amazon Alexa skill integration)

Segment-best reliability

Average rear cargo space

Specs & Features

$46,860

price

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Lexus GS offers the best of both worlds in terms of luxury and performance along with a polarizing design. The 2019 Lexus GS 300 gets no major changes this year apart from the integration of the Lexus Enform Connect smartphone App. It is powered by a 2L turbo-4 engine which produces 241 hp & 258 lb-ft and can do the 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.6 seconds. The GS 300 also manages to return 32 MPG combined in its standard guise and is available for sale in 8 striking paint colors. 

The  2019 Lexus GS 300 price starts at $46,860 and competes against the likes of Jaguar XF, Genesis G80, and Infiniti Q70. The GS 300 F Sport model gets sporty elements but shares its powertrain with the base model. Check out the video below by "Everyman Driver" where you can closer look at the GS 300 and find out all the pros and cons of this midsize luxury sedan. 

Key observations in the video:

  • High reliability and resale value
  • Low maintenance and available AWD drivetrain
  • Potent handling and solid performance
  • Comfortable, spacious, and feature-loaded cabin
  • Infotainment system control knob is unintuitive

Buying Advice

The base GS 300 RWD trim is a good choice if you are shopping for a reasonably priced luxury sedan. The F Sport trim is priced steeply and brings in features that do not complement the GS 300 as a luxury sedan. If you want to take the luxury experience to a higher level then also pick the Navigation package that equips the GS 300 with a 12.3-inch screen and full-screen navigation system. For most buyers, we would suggest buyers choose the base trim for its high-value offering.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The nimble of the 2 cars in the GS series, the GS 300 is powered by a 2L turbocharged engine that churns out 241 horses. The eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission with paddle shifters and rear-wheel drive translates to a very satisfying drive.

The exterior shell is finely curated which is evident in the intricate detailing in the grille and overhang. The interiors only add to the elegance of the GS 300. The cabin space is generous and draped in high-quality materials. The trunk is well equipped to handle all of your daily needs. However, non-folding rear seats restrict the utility of the GS 300.

Features

2019 Lexus GS 300 is available in two trim levels: GS 300 RWD and GS 300 F Sport RWD. These trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. For an additional expense of $4590, you can get the GS 300 F Sport trim which tries to make this luxury sedan a track-focused tool.

The base trim is equipped with a great appointment of luxury features. It all starts with aesthetically designed 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels. Bi-LED headlamps are a standard feature, the dual exhaust outlets add to its appeal. Features like a 12 speaker audio system, dual-zone front climate control, and 10-way adjustable driver seat make it a cabin befitting a luxury sedan.

300 F Sport trim tries to mold this luxury sedan into a sports sedan. It brings a stiffer suspension, bigger wheels, and front brakes. The interior is also treated with perforated leather trim and a sport-focused black headliner.

Trim

GS 300

GS 300 F Sport

MSRP RWD

$46,610

$51,200

Key Features  

Includes all GS 300 standard key features plus:

 

241-hp 2.0L I4

Heated front seats

 

8-speed automatic transmission

Rear spoiler

 

Electronic parking aid - camera

Rear window sunshade

 

12 speakers

Color heads-up display

 

Lexus Safety System+

F sport leather steering wheel

 

Automatic climate control

16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

 

Dual-zone front climate control

19-inch staggered width split five-spoke wheels

 

Voice-activated controls

F SPORT tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ mode

 

Adaptive cruise control

LFA-inspired instrumentation

 

Interior air filter

 
 

Integrated dual exhaust outlets with lateral fins

 
 

10-way power driver and front passenger seats

 
 

8-inch high resolution central control screen

 

We Recommend

The recommend the base GS 300 RWD trim as it is a good choice if you are shopping for a reasonably priced luxury sedan. The F Sport trim is priced steeply and brings in features that do not complement the GS 300 as a luxury sedan. 

Fuel Economy
6.9/10

The base GS 300 trim does a good job of running efficiently. 2019 GS sedan scores 26 mpg of combined mileage. The credit goes to the use of direct injection and turbocharging with a small 2.0-liter engine. Additional benefits include lower emission and more usable torque.

Model

Lexus GS 300 sedan

Jaguar XF 25t Premium Sedan

Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

Infiniti Q70 3.7 LUXE sedan

MPG (city)

22

25

19

18

MPG (highway)

32

34

27

25

MPG (combined)

26

28

22

21

Tank Capacity (gal)

17.4

19.5

20.3

20.0

Range (miles) (city/highway)

383/557

488/663

386/548

360/500

2019 Jaguar XF leads the pack with a combined mpg of 28. It is followed by the Lexus GS. The aging V6 engines from Infiniti and Genesis score 21 and 22 respectively.

Interior
6.9/10

“The GS boasts top-notch materials and first-class styling, and Lexus' attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin. You can boost the opulence with upgrades such as perforated leather trim, Naguri aluminum accents, and open-pore walnut inlays.”- Cars.USnews

Seating and Comfort

Space is good for passengers in front and rear. It is undeniable fact that GS looks like an expensive Toyota but for the beautiful fit and finish, you wouldn’t be complaining a lot. As you enter the cabin you will be greeted by high-quality materials. Everything is purposefully built, important touchpoints are finished in quality leather. Even the base GS trim gets a 10-way adjustable seat for the driver. The Lexus Memory System would gladly remember your seating position. So, finding and keeping your favorite driving position wouldn’t be a hassle at all.

Model

Lexus GS 300 sedan

Jaguar XF 25t Premium Sedan

Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

Infiniti Q70 3.7 LUXE sedan

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.0/57.3/42.3

37.5/NA/NA

41.1/58.3/45.7

39.1/58.4/44.4

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/55.7/36.8

38.2/NA/NA

38.2/57.1/35.0

37.7/56.7/36.2

Infotainment System

Lexus GS is offered with an 8.0-inch color display screen. The standard system comes with a 12-speaker system. If you want a more immersive audio experience then pick the optional Mark Levinson audio system. You can upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch screen by opting for the Navigation package. Some important features available with the GS 300 sedan are:

  • 1 surround sound
  • Advanced voice recognition
  • AM/FM/DVD with HD radio and WMA/MP3 capability
  • Aux and iPhone®/USB input plugs
  • Bluetooth streaming
  • Digital signal processing with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL)

Cargo volume

The trunk opening is well designed, it is broad and offers easy access for luggage. The only major downside – rear seats don’t fold down. The interior has decent space for small items. The glovebox is useful, the center console opens wide. The rear armrest also offers two cup holders and a storage bin for miscellaneous items. Still, the 14.3 cu-ft. of cargo space is one of the lowest offerings in this segment.

Model

Lexus GS 300 sedan

Jaguar XF 25t Premium Sedan

Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

Infiniti Q70 3.7 LUXE sedan

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

14.3

17.8

15.3

14.9

Interior Features

The GS sedan offers a well-appointed interior trim. Some of these features are mentioned below:

  • Contrast stitching on soft vinyl wrapped upper I/P, seats, door panels and shift boot
  • Aluminum alloy “Lexus” stamped scuff plates on all door sills
  • LED ambient lighting integrated into door ornamentation and RTI surround the area
  • Lexus Analog clock with GPS time zone functionality
  • Optitron analog instrument cluster with color 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display
  • Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with enter and back buttons
  • Steering wheel multimedia, cruise control, and multi-information display controls
  • Rear A/C vents on the back of the center console

Exterior
6.9/10

“Not for the shy, the Lexus GS luxury-performance sedan is a boldly styled piece of road-going art. It leads with an aggressive front-end treatment with an oversized grille, deep chin spoiler, and intense expression. Distinctive headlights and LED taillights to fit its sporting image, as do its muscular lines, highly defined shapes and low stance.”-KelleyBlueBook

Design and Dimension

Lexus GS 300 doesn’t stand out, at least dimensionally. It measures 192.1-inches from one bumper to another. It has a moderate ground clearance at 5.1-inches. At 112.2-inches, it is equipped with the shortest wheelbase in this comparison. The GS sedan commands attention with its spindle grille. It looks really angry and breaks off from the conservative design tone set by the German competitors.

Model

Lexus GS 300 sedan

Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan

Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan

Curb weight (lbs.)

3805

3590

4195

3876

Length(in)

192.1

195.0

196.5

196.1

Width(in)

72.4

78.2

74.4

72.6

Height(in)

57.3

57.4

58.3

59.1

Ground clearance (in)

5.1

4.1

5.3

6.0

Wheelbase (in)

112.2

116.5

118.5

114.2

Track width (in) F/R

62/62.6

61.4/61.8

64.1/65.3

62/61.6

The Genesis G80 is the heaviest of the lot and it tips the scales at 4195 lbs. The G80 sedan also steals the crown for the longest sedan in this comparison. It also offers good interior room due to an 118.5-inch wheelbase. The Infiniti sedan follows the G80 sedan closely. The Lexus GS doesn’t fare well in the proportions game.

GS stands out from its German rivals, thanks to a neat work on the spindle grille. Due to the design, the GS sedan looks fast even when standing still. It’s for sure, the GS isn’t meant for the shy. Unlike the ubiquitous white, black and silver, the GS is available in the bright palette of colors. The aggressive headlights enhance the front fascia. The rear lights also add some visual depth to the design. If you want to stand out then take a good look at the F Sport trim. With its pronounced bumpers and exquisite nine-spoke alloy wheels is nothing short of a piece of automotive art.

Safety
9.9/10

2019 GS sedan is factory fitted with Lexus Safety System+ that shows the manufacturer’s commitment to offering best in class safety features. GS sedan offers the following safety features:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
  • All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
  • Electronic traction control
  • Stability control
  • 4 wheel abs brakes
  • Front airbags
  • Front side airbag
  • Side head curtain airbag
  • Side impact door beams
  • Day time running lights

Competition
6.0/10

Lexus GS 300 vs Jaguar XF

The 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is a good offering in the mid-level luxury sedan segment. Even in the base trim, the XF packs a decent punch with this engine. But in matters of raw power, the Q70 is ponied ahead of the Jag. The XF blends practicality and when pushed hard doesn’t fail to show its fun to drive nature. The XF has been designed and built well and it provides a tough time for the Japanese and German competitors.

Lexus GS 300 vs Genesis G80

Genesis G80 offers a luxurious interior with a generous list of safety features, and the latest smartphone integration technology. It has a very powerful engine lineup, like the Infiniti Q70 its average fuel economy isn’t what we call efficient. But it also has a below-class-average starting price, which makes the G80 a good value and deserving of a high spot on your list.

Lexus GS 300 vs Infiniti Q70

Infiniti Q70 takes an old school approach here – there are 2 mills on offer. A 330 hp V6 and 416 hp V8. The bare-bones 3.7 Luxe trim will cost you $50,300. If you need the extra legroom in the back, the price will jump to $51,800. Lack of features restricts you from having a premier luxury sedan experience But if we talk about value per dollar, then Infiniti Q70 sedan shines in a different light. It can easily pass off for a $75,000 car. If you are going to be behind the wheel a lot, the V8 engine will make you grin ear to ear.

Final Verdict

Lexus GS 300 sedan starts at a price of $46,610. It is offered with a 241 hp inline-four engine. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed transmission. The GS 300 sits between the Lexus ES and GS F sedans. This mid-size sedan has a well-appointed interior trim and it is reasonably priced for the luxury it offers.

The GS sedan doesn’t score high on utility. The rear cargo space is below average. The infotainment system can be tricky to use in the beginning. The available 2.0-liter engine is best suited for A to B driving. It doesn’t take well to enthusiastic input from the driver.

If you don’t mind the attention, the GS is styled to announce its presence with bold design, a massive grille and an array of bright paint schemes. Lexus being one of the most reputed luxury brands around will mean lesser breakdowns and repair bills. If you are in for the long haul and wish to drive your car for a very long time, then GS 300 sedan is a good choice.

Trims

    Base
    $46,860 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 241 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 143 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg
    F Sport
    $51,450 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 241 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 143 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$84,600

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.3

Horsepower

467 hp @ 7100 rpm

Torque

389 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$42,050- $59,500

Gasoline

7.53

311 hp @ 6000 rpm

293 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$46,995- $71,795

Gasoline

7.42

265 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,100- $67,100

Gasoline

7.33

248 hp @ 4300 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$49,965- $71,215

Gasoline

7.59

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1200 rpm

5

Read Review

$53,400- $62,750

Gasoline

8.26

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$53,500- $69,800

Gasoline

8.18

241 hp @ 5550 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$50,915- $54,355

Gasoline

9.2

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,750- $44,285

Gasoline

8.04

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$81,500- $96,100

Gasoline

6.54

315 hp @ 5800 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.8 sec14.7 sec143 mph
    4.4 sec14.7 sec143 mph
    2019 Audi A7

    Ranked #2

    5.2 sec13.7 sec130 mph
    5.4 sec13.9 sec130 mph
    5.5 sec--
    5.6 sec14.1 sec-

    2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg17.4 gal.382.8/556.8 mi.
      25 mpg34 mpg28 mpg19.5 gal.487.5/663 mi.
      23 mpg35 mpg27 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/507.5 mi.
      24 mpg34 mpg27 mpg18 gal.432/612 mi.
      2019 Audi A6

      Ranked #2

      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg19.3 gal.463.2/617.6 mi.
      22 mpg33 mpg26 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/524.7 mi.

      2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.1 in.72.4 in.57.3 in.5.1 in.112.2 in.
        200.1 in.74.4 in.57.1 in.6 in.120.5 in.
        197.2 in.74.6 in.54.8 in.5 in.116.9 in.
        196.5 in.74.4 in.58.3 in.5.3 in.118.5 in.
        196.1 in.72.6 in.59.1 in.6 in.114.2 in.
        195.9 in.73.4 in.56.9 in.5 in.113 in.

        2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          14.3 cu.ft.99 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.
          2019 Audi A6

          Ranked #1

          13.7 cu.ft.101.5 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.
          14.3 cu.ft.99 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.
          2019 Audi A7

          Ranked #3

          24.9 cu.ft.127.3 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.96.5 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          16.7 cu.ft.99.9 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.

          2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            14.3 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.
            2019 Audi A6

            Ranked #2

            323.1 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.
            70.9 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.
            6.9 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.
            14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.
            15.7 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.

            2019 Lexus GS 300 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -825 lbs.3805 lbs.
              2000 lbs.950 lbs.3870 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3739 lbs.
              1000 lbs.905 lbs.3649 lbs.
              1000 lbs.1153 lbs.3652 lbs.
              --3590 lbs.

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