2021 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 2021 Lexus ES adds a new all-wheel-drive ES 250 powered by a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Previously, all ES models were front-wheel drive and only the 300h hybrid had a 4-cylinder engine. There is also a new Black Line Special Edition model that is limited to 1500 units. The Lexus ES midsize sedan kicked off its seventh generation for 2019. The ES 350’s engine is a 302-hp 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. Tech features include Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi 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.