LEXUS LS (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 48 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3456cc Hybrid
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 5 years old, 92% of LEXUS LSs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 45,443 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
45,443
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 LEXUS LS has 45,443 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
LEXUS LS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 LEXUS LS
The 2021 LEXUS LS is a premium performance with a 3456cc hybrid engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 45,443 miles at 5 years old, LEXUS LS owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 LEXUS LS Fuel Costs
The 3456cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 LEXUS LS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LEXUS LS Reliability Trend
Newer LEXUS LSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 LEXUS LS
At 5 years old, the LEXUS LS offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 LEXUS LS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 LEXUS LS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS LS(2021) | 92% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO(2021) | 88% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2187+£145 |
| BMW M340I XDRIVE MHEV AUTO(2021) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| LEXUS RX(2019) | 96% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW M440I XDRIVE MHEV AUTO(2021) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO
2021 · 2998cc Hybrid
BMW M340I XDRIVE MHEV AUTO
2021 · 2998cc Hybrid
LEXUS RX
2019 · 3456cc Hybrid
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