Hyundai I40 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Hyundai I40

$10,250 - $17,990

2018 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Hyundai I40

2023 Lexus LS

By Laura Berry

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 1.7L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.1L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Impressive ride and handling
Diesel engine provides plenty of oomph
Roomy

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

Tiny display screen
No AEB
Tyre noise

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2018 Hyundai I40 Summary

A wagon and not an SUV, eh? Respect. You see, when most people now think of a new car they think of an SUV, especially when they want something with a bit of cargo space. But not you.

And for thinking outside the box you’ll be rewarded with something that’s better to drive than most SUVs – like the Hyundai i40 Tourer in the Active grade and a diesel engine we’ve road tested here.

So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this Korean wagon, and should you wait or buy it now? Read on to find out.

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Hyundai I40 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

The i40 Tourer in the Active grade is great to drive, it’s practical, and should be low-cost to run. But you can bet the new version, due to arrive soon, will be, too. If you can wait, it's a safe bet the new i40 Tourer will have an updated look, improved safety equipment and retain all the good points of the previous model.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Hyundai I40 vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai I40 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?