Lexus ES

Overview: Is the Lexus ES a good luxury sports sedan?

The Lexus ES is a good choice for those searching for a compact luxury sedan that is an all-rounder that combines ample power, good handling, and the signature Lexus comfort. It features a stylish interior that puts more premium in passenger comfort, although the fact that the second-row seat doesn’t fold means no expandable cargo space. But overall, the Lexus ES is a good car, while offering the best value in its class.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Lexus ES for sale.

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Related: Which Years Of Used Lexus ES Vehicles Are Most Reliable?

Key Features

The Lexus ES offers:

• Three powertrain choices: two gasoline engines, and a hybrid
• A choice between efficiency (hybrid) and sportiness (V6)
• A plush cabin centered on providing a comfortable ride
• Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Lexus's Safety System+ 2.5 as standard
• An optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system (standard on Ultra Luxury)

Trims

The 2024 Lexus ES can be available in three models: ES 250, ES 350 and the ES 300h hybrid. Lexus offers each model in five trim levels: base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, F Sport Design and F Sport Handling. Overall, there are 15 versions of the Lexus ES to choose from.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Through the years, the Lexus ES remains a very comfortable ride. Even with the latest versions, the Lexus ES and the Lexus ES hybrid are able to isolate the cabin from the road, absorbing bumps and eliminating exterior and engine with great effectivity.

In terms of technology, the base Lexus ES is already loaded with features such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity), and a 10-speaker audio system. More features are added or updated at higher trim levels, including heated and ventilated sport-bolstered front seats, heads-up display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The Lexus ES offers ample cargo space, but it’s inability to fold the rear seats down could be a turn off. The Lexus ES interior, however, offers adequate storage space for small items.

How It Drives

The Lexus ES is a pleasurable-to-drive vehicle, offering superb handling and smooth acceleration. However, this is where the Lexus IS vs ES debate begins, since acceleration for the four-cylinder (ES 250) and hybrid versions (ES 300h) is quite sluggish. The V6 version of the Lexus ES is powerful, but it is quite lacking in enthusiasm, especially when compared to other luxury compact sedans. However, Lexus ES AWD is not available with the V6 version.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus ES as Top Safety Pick+ from 2019 to 2022. However, the IIHS only listed the luxury sedan as a Top Safety Pick in 2023 and 2024. Nevertheless, the Lexus remains a very safe vehicle, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration assigning the sedan with a 5-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

Lexus ES review from consumers at Edmunds gave the luxury sports car a lofty rating of 4.8/5 stars. Around 83% and 17% of consumer reviews gave the Lexus ES 5-star and 4-star ratings, respectively. They cited the luxury compact sedan’s smooth ride, comfortable interior, easy handling, as well as reliability.

Learn more: How Long Do Lexus ES Vehicles Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Lexus ES FAQs

Which Lexus is better, ES or GS?

It depends. The Lexus ES is well-rounded sedan, leaning on providing a comfortable ride. Meanwhile, the already discontinued GS combines comfort and performance, but leans towards the latter.

What does ES mean on a Lexus?

The Lexus ES stands for Executive Sedan, although some refer to it as the Elegant Sedan.

Is Lexus ES better than the LS?

The Lexus LS is the luxury brand’s flagship, which means it is the peak of what Lexus can offer. However, the Lexus ES is more affordable than the Lexus LS. For instance, the Lexus ES 350 price (base) is around $43,000, while the Lexus LS 500 (base) starts at around $80,000.

Does Lexus ES come in F Sport?

All three Lexus models are available in F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims.

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