Best Car Reviews - 2014 Lexus GS 350

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Introduction

The 2014 Lexus GS 350 is a midsize luxury sedan aimed at drivers who want a refined daily car with rear-wheel-drive balance, a smooth V6, and the long-haul comfort Lexus is known for. For 2014, the GS 350 stands out by pairing a 3.5-liter V6 with dual injection (direct and port) and an 8-speed automatic transmission on rear-wheel-drive models, blending responsive performance with premium-grade efficiency and a distinctly upscale feel.

Design and Exterior Features

The GS wears a low, wide stance with a coupe-like roofline, short overhangs, and Lexus’ signature spindle grille that gives it a bold face compared with more conservative rivals. The body is sized like a true midsize luxury sedan, but the detailing leans sporty: crisp character lines, a tight greenhouse, and a planted look from the rear. Compared with earlier GS generations, the 2013 redesign carried into 2014 with cleaner proportions and a more modern, aggressive front-end identity.

Signature spindle grille and sculpted front fascia
LED lighting elements available depending on equipment
Dual exhaust outlets and athletic rear styling
Available sport-oriented appearance and chassis features with F SPORT

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 2014 GS 350 focuses on a driver-centered cockpit with a high-quality, layered dashboard design and a calm, premium ambiance. Materials are generally upscale with soft-touch surfaces and careful trim fitment, and the seating is designed for long-distance comfort rather than just showroom appeal. Rear-seat space is competitive for the class, and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, reinforcing the GS’ reputation as a refined daily luxury sedan.

Supportive front seats designed for comfort on long trips
Quiet cabin tuning for relaxed cruising
Available leather upgrades and luxury-focused package content
Practical trunk space for midsize-sedan duties

Performance and Handling

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 (6 cylinders) making 306 horsepower, using a dual-injection setup (SIDI and PFI) to support strong pull across the rev range. This 2014 rear-wheel-drive GS 350 pairs that engine with an 8-speed automatic (S8), giving it a smooth, responsive character around town and a more relaxed feel at highway speeds. Handling is confident for a luxury sedan: stable in fast sweepers, easy to place in city traffic, and composed over imperfect pavement, with available sport-tuned equipment adding sharper responses. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel-drive GS 350 is commonly listed at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (about 12.4 and 8.1 L/100 km), with about 23 mpg combined (about 10.2 L/100 km); real-world consumption varies widely, and a city-heavy figure around 12.9 L/100 km is plausible depending on driving style and conditions.

3.5-liter V6 with dual injection (direct and port) for strong response
Rear-wheel drive balance with an 8-speed automatic on RWD models
Confident ride/handling blend suited to daily commuting and highway travel
F SPORT equipment can add a firmer, more agile feel (equipment varies)

Technology and Connectivity

The 2014 GS 350 emphasizes premium tech with an infotainment system that can include navigation and advanced audio, plus hands-free connectivity features expected in the segment. A headline update for 2014 is the availability of Siri Eyes Free integration on compatible iPhones, aimed at safer voice control for calls, messages, and basic tasks. Driver-assistance and parking features were offered in packages, allowing buyers to tailor the GS from classic luxury to more tech-forward.

Siri Eyes Free integration available for compatible iPhone models
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (equipment dependent)
Available navigation and premium audio options
Available parking assistance features depending on configuration

Safety Features

Safety engineering is a strong point for the GS line. In IIHS testing that applies to this generation, the Lexus GS earned Good ratings in key crashworthiness categories, and an optional pre-collision system achieved an Advanced rating for front crash prevention when equipped. Not all model-year/trim combinations have public NHTSA star ratings available, so shoppers should verify any specific listing with a VIN-based lookup when comparing vehicles.

Strong IIHS crashworthiness performance for the generation (Good ratings in major tests)
Optional pre-collision system with an Advanced IIHS front crash prevention rating when equipped
Available blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure features depending on options
Comprehensive airbag coverage typical of the class (configuration dependent)

Pricing and Variants

When new, the 2014 Lexus GS 350’s starting MSRP is commonly listed around $52,960 in the U.S., with pricing varying significantly based on drivetrain (RWD vs. available AWD), option packages, and features. Variants typically revolve around equipment packages and sporty upgrades, including F SPORT availability and additional luxury/technology packages. Competitors in the midsize luxury category include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and Infiniti Q70, with the GS often appealing most to buyers who prioritize comfort, refinement, and long-term ownership satisfaction over the sharpest performance edge.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Refined V6 power with smooth, premium driving character
Rear-wheel-drive balance and confident highway stability
High-quality cabin with strong long-distance comfort
Available advanced safety tech and strong IIHS results for the generation
Reputation for durability and satisfying long-term ownership

Cons

Real-world fuel use can climb quickly in stop-and-go driving
Infotainment controls can take time to learn and may feel dated by modern standards
Option packaging can make it hard to find the exact feature set on the used market
Sportier rivals can feel more eager and communicative at the limit
Luxury-brand parts and tires can raise running costs versus mainstream sedans

Maintenance and Common Issues

Estimated annual maintenance and repair cost averages around $612, though real expenses depend on mileage, service history, and local labor rates. For the 2014 GS 350 and its generation, commonly discussed owner-reported trouble spots include cooling-system leaks (including water pump or related components), sunroof rattles or clunking noises, alarm systems triggering unexpectedly, suspension wear items such as control arms or related bushings, and recall-related concerns like fuel pump issues that can cause stalling if affected.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.4 out of 10. Design: 8.5/10. Comfort: 8.7/10. Performance: 8.3/10. Technology: 8.0/10. Safety: 8.6/10.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly highlights the GS 350 as a satisfying, stress-free luxury sedan that feels special every day without demanding constant attention. Many drivers praise the quiet ride and strong V6 response, while noting that tech interfaces and fuel consumption can be the main compromises. On the used market, shoppers often focus on finding a well-optioned example with documented maintenance and the safety/tech packages they value most.

Frequent praise for cabin quietness and highway comfort
Strong satisfaction with V6 smoothness and passing power
Positive comments about interior quality and long-term durability
Mixed opinions on infotainment usability and interface speed
City fuel economy often cited as the main day-to-day drawback

Best Cars in This Category

2014 BMW 535i
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350
2014 Audi A6 3.0T
2014 Infiniti Q70 3.7
2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6

Summary

The 2014 Lexus GS 350 is best suited for buyers who want a premium midsize sedan that prioritizes comfort, refinement, and confident rear-wheel-drive road manners while still delivering real V6 performance. It offers a distinctive design, a well-built interior, and safety and technology features that can be quite competitive when properly equipped. As a value play today, it shines most as a well-maintained used luxury sedan for drivers who want a smooth, upscale daily experience and are willing to budget for premium gasoline and luxury-grade upkeep.