DecodedCars2016 Lexus GS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 350 AWD 4dr Sedan, 450h 4dr Sedan Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 241–467 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,891–4,112 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 467 hp, versus about 333 hp for similar 2016 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus GS is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb (350 AWD 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 34 highway), 18% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,650 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2016
- Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 GS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 GS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 AWD 4dr Sedan | 192.1 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 3,891 lb | 52/48 |
| 450h 4dr Sedan Hybrid | 192.1 in | 72.4 in | 57.5 in | 112.2 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 4,112 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS 450h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 29 / 34 / 31 | +18% | $2,650 | 283 |
| GS 200t | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 345 |
| GS 200t F Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -8% | $3,400 | 368 |
| GS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -12% | $3,550 | 388 |
| GS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -16% | $3,750 | 408 |
| GS 350 F Sport | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -16% | $3,750 | 405 |
| GS F | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -29% | $4,350 | 472 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus GS.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus GS (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 8, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V222000 · 9,139 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Feb 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V107000 · 9,905 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lexus GS F, 2018 LC500, and 2015-2018 Lexus RC F vehicles, equipped with 5.0L V8 2UR-GSE engines with two high pressure fuel pumps. Specific operating conditions may result in damage to the pulsation damper in one of the high pressure fuel pumps, possibly causing a fatigue crack in the fuel pump cover.
- Risk
- A cracked cover may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 2, 2018. Owners may contact Lexus customer service 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J2B and JLB.
Not every 2016 Lexus GS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus GS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus GS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 GS | 23 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 GS | 26 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 1 |
| 2018 GS | 31 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2017 GS | 31 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2015 GS | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2014 GS | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2013 GS | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 37 |
| 2011 GS | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2010 GS | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2009 GS | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2008 GS | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 34 |
| 2007 GS | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 55 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →