Compare the2023 Maserati GhibliVS 2023 Lexus LS

The Ghibli has standard Anti-Whiplash Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Anti-Whiplash Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The LS doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Ghibli and the LS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Ghibli has more powerful engines than the LS:

As tested in Motor Trend the Ghibli Modena 3.0 turbo V6 is faster than the LS 500 3.4 turbo V6:

Regardless of its engine, the Ghibli’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Lexus only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the LS Hybrid, and doesn’t offer a disable button.

The Ghibli has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The LS doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Ghibli Trofeo’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LS doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Ghibli’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the LS:

The Ghibli stops much shorter than the LS:

For better traction and acceleration, the Ghibli has larger standard rear tires than the LS (275/40R19 vs. 245/50R19). The Ghibli’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the LS (285/35R20 vs. 275/40R20).

The Ghibli’s standard 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS’ standard 50 series tires. The Ghibli’s optional 245/35R21 front and 285/30R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the LS 500 F Sport’s 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ghibli offers optional 21-inch wheels. The LS’ largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Ghibli has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the LS; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Ghibli’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The LS doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Ghibli Modena Q4 handles at .91 G’s, while the LS 500h AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Ghibli Modena Q4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the LS 500h AWD (25.5 seconds @ .8 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The Maserati Ghibli may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 750 pounds less than the Lexus LS.

The Ghibli is 10.2 inches shorter than the LS, making the Ghibli easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Ghibli a Large car, while the LS is rated a Mid-size.

The Ghibli has 8.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the LS (108 vs. 99.4).

The Ghibli has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the LS.

The Ghibli has a larger trunk than the LS (17.7 vs. 17 cubic feet).

The Ghibli’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LS doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Ghibli’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The LS does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Ghibli to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The LS doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Maserati Ghibli offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The LS doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.