2020 Lexus ES

Pros: Roomy back seat; strong V6 engine; available hybrid model; comfortable ride

Cons: Finicky touchpad infotainment interface, back seat does not fold to increase trunk room

CG Says: The Lexus ES is expected to gain Android Auto compatibility later in the model year, otherwise there are few changes. The Lexus ES midsize sedan kicked off its seventh generation for 2019. The ES 350’s engine is a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic. Combined horsepower for the ES 300h hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor is 215. All ESs are front-wheel drive only; all-wheel drive is not offered. Tech features include Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Lane Tracing Assist is a driver aid that can help keep the ES in its lane by monitoring the road’s lane markings or the path of the preceding vehicle. Automatic rear braking is a safety feature that works in conjunction with the rear-obstacle detection system. Other safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control. The Lexus ES has long been one of the cushiest, most serene luxury sedans on the market, but it was never a particularly athletic vehicle. The current generation ES adds a welcome dose of dynamic capability—particularly in the sporty new F Sport trim level—while maintaining a comfortable, pleasant overall demeanor. We’re still not big fans of Lexus’s Remote Touch infotainment control system and the lack of folding rear seatbacks is an unfortunate quirk, but this quiet, roomy sedan is still one of the best vehicles in its class—and it’s a great value as well.