I am a loyal Lexus customer for the last 35 years and am in the market for a LS 500. I have in mind a 2019 500h with the luxury package (about 35k miles) and a 2021 500 (non hybrid and about 18k miles) with the interior upgrade package. Both have similar options otherwise. What are the differences primarily in electronics that I am giving up with the 2019 model, i.e. did Lexus make significant changes between 2019 and 2021 models? What other differences besides less power in the hybrid version?

Does the interior upgrade package include massager for the passenger front seat in addition to the driver? Does the luxury package in 2019 include massagers for all four passengers?

Which one you all prefer based on your experience with the 2019 and 2021 models?

Please help me decide! Thank you!

 

Cut and pasted from brochure below Interior Upgrade vs Luxury PKG.
Also you should look at the other options on both cars like HUD, Panoramic View Camera, adjustable air height etc.
It would be best to do a side by side comparison of the original window stickers.

INTERIOR UPGRADE PACKAGE

Quilted-stitch perforated semi-aniline leather interior trim

28-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with multifunction massage

Ultrasuede headliner and sun visors
Power front seatbelt buckles
Wood- and semi-aniline leather-trimmed center console Semi-aniline leather-trimmed door armrests
Heated rear seats

LUXURY PACKAGE

Includes Interior Upgrade Package, plus:

28-way power-adjustable passenger seat with multifunction massage and cushion extender

Remote adjustment for passenger seat
18-way power-reclining outboard rear seats with memory

Four-zone Climate Concierge with climate-comfort front and outboard rear seats, infrared sensors and air purifier

Power side-window sunshades

Semi-aniline leather-trimmed rear armrest with 7.0-in touchscreen controller

Rear-seat knee airbags

 

2021 has the touch screen which most people prefer.
However, IMHO the dash is less attractive. I have no problem with my touch pad controller on my 2020.

 

If you're an android user, you should get the 2021 as pre-2020 only supports apple carplay. You can get an adapter for android auto but it isn't perfect.

 

Not true. My 18 F Sport have android auto and Apple play.

 

Thank you for the feedback. You guys were of tremendous help!

I test drove the 2021 LS 500 and the 2018 500h, today. Each had same major options - HUD, variable suspension and ML except 2021 had the interior upgrade package while the 2019 had the luxury package. Both felt the same with 20" wheels. 2021 is manganese luster with palomino interior while the 2018 is atomic silver with white parchment interior. I love both exterior and interior colors - my favorite being the atomic silver with black or parchment. I absolutely fell in love with the luxury package with the massage function for the front seats. However, I found the touch pad in 2021 really easy to maneuver! So, the ultimate could be a 2021 or later model with the luxury package!

The 2019 500h (with 35k miles) is $8700 cheaper in out-of-door price to me versus 2021 non-hybrid (with 19k miles)! What should I do? Wait for a 2021 (or later) with the color combo choices and luxury package to show up (with $10k or more price tag) or pull the trigger on the 2019 and learn to overcome the cumbersome touch pad controller? Please help me decide as I have just one day to get the extended warranty on the 2019 before it runs out of the base warranty!

How difficult it is to learn the touch pad controller? How much of a handicap is 60hp or so deficit in the non-hybrid version? Does the 500h feel sluggish versus non-hybrid version?

 

I passed on a chance to buy an LS500h after reading of the rather weird, complicated transmission setup. Other members assured me that it should be typically Toyota reliable. However, I didn’t feel comfortable purchasing a car with TWO transmissions, as I plan to keep my car a long time.
As for power deficit with the hybrid model, 60hp is quite a bit. It all boils down to where and how you drive. The non-hybrid’s 416hp makes for a strong performer.
As for the touchpad. It’s rather dangerous to be fooling with a touchpad or touchscreen while driving. Try adjusting all settings before driving off.
One of these days another Ralph Nader is going to turn up and campaign against touchscreen use while driving.

 

Did you read that the turbo engine is most of the time trouble?

 

LOL, another ES owner that wants to try and bash the exclusive LS500.
The turbo is absolutely a dream on this vehicle.

 

@Options2k We just purchased a 2023 LS500 with the Interior Upgrade package (no Luxury package). I will make a separate post on that. But let me try to answer your questions based on my experience.

I think the 2021 touchscreen is nice and works well. I know they adjusted the ride quality a decent amount for 2021 too. The front design was also changed and I like the look of the 2021+ but both are attractive models. I would avoid the hybrid system. Others noted it is a muchhh more complex system and it has a good amount less HP. The MPG improvements are slight -- not worth getting the hybrid.

The interior upgrade packages does NOT have massage on the front passenger -- only the driver has massage. I am 99% sure the luxury package will have it for all 4 passengers. The massage is awesome (but I can only speak to the driver one). I heard the back seat ones are slightly weaker but if that is important to have in the back for you go for the Luxury package.

Conclusion: I recommend buying the 2021 non-hybrid with the interior upgrade package. BUT you need to make sure you won't be disappointed not having some of the items the Luxury package offers. If that is a dealbreaker don't buy either and wait for the exact right spec you want.

 

Thank you, hillsnow for a very clear recommendation. I really appreciate it. This forum is priceless for getting quick, priceless information!

We fell in love with the massager in both of the front seats which comes with the luxury package when we test drove the 2019 hybrid. I agree with your conclusions on getting a 2021+ with Luxury package as a minimum but could go for the executive package for a decent increase in price. Based on what I have read, the executive package includes massager for all seats - front and rear. Hybrid is not important to me as I will barely drive this car - 5000 miles or less.

 

but I can't have it in mine...it's so silly I can 🤮

 

By the newest and most loaded car you can afford. Never settle. Good luck.

 

I heard that in 2021 models in Japan they added rear wheel steering. Not so sure if this is an option in American market. And its only for RWD versions of the LS.

 

True: