IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:

The Lexus ES is one of the most comfortable luxury sedans around, and it delivers upscale trimmings and available features at prices that significantly undercut its rivals.

BUT…

The rear seat backs don’t fold, which compromises cargo-carrying versatility.

WORTH NOTING:

In both fuel efficiency and sticker price, the ES 300h is the most economical hybrid of the few available in the premium midsize-car class.

WHAT IS IT?

The ES is Lexus’s “mainstream” midsize sedan, and it was redesigned on a new, slightly larger platform for 2019. The ES 350 model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 302 horsepower; the ES 250 comes with all-wheel drive and a 203-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Both the ES 250 and ES 350 use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The ES 300h hybrid has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/electric powertrain that makes a total of 215 horsepower and comes exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All of the above models are available in F Sport trim, with sporty interior/exterior styling touches.

The ES’s available equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, hands-free power trunk lid, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear-window sunshade, and a heated steering wheel. Other available features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, Amazon Alexa connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and automatic rear braking (which will sound a warning if an obstacle is detected when backing, and then apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t). Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane centering, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality are standard safety features.

WHAT’S NEW?

The ES receives a number of revisions, including updated infotainment systems with touchscreen functionality, redesigned headlights, new grille-texture and wheel designs, and a new rear suspension member brace. The standard suite of driver-assist features now includes Intersection Turning Assist and Emergency Steering Assist, among other updates. The ES 300h hybrid is now available in F Sport trim, and a new Dynamic Handling Package for ES 350 F Sport models includes Intuitive Parking Assist, Adaptive Variable Suspension, and Sport+ and Custom drive modes.

FUEL ECONOMY

The ES 350 is rated at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway in regular trim, and 22/31 in F Sport form. The all-wheel-drive ES 250 is rated at 25/34, and the ES 300h is rated at 43 city/44 highway. In Consumer Guide® testing, an ES 250 F Sport averaged 25.2 mpg in 65-percent city driving, an ES 350 Ultra Luxury averaged 23.8 mpg in 55-percent city driving, and an ES 300h averaged 36.1 mpg in 70-percent city driving. Lexus recommends regular-grade gas for all ES models.

VALUE IN CLASS

The cushy, comfortable Lexus ES excels at coddling, but it’s also more dynamically engaging than you might expect—particularly in F Sport trim. The ES 350’s V6 delivers smooth, satisfying power, while the ES 300h delivers class-leading fuel economy with little compromise in overall refinement. The ES 250 delivers the all-season capability of all-wheel drive, but you’ll have to settle for a more pedestrian 4-cylinder engine. Still, in any of its forms, the ES is a shoo-in for Best Buy status.

BASE PRICE RANGE $39,900 – $50,810
BODY STYLES 4-Door Sedan
AVAILABLE ENGINES 302-HP, 3.5-Liter V6; 203-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl.; 215-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl./Electric
DRIVE WHEELS Front or All-Wheel Drive
BUILT IN Japan, USA
EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE 22-44 MPG

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