2022 Lexus ES

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

Cons: No V6 engine with all-wheel drive; back seat does not fold to increase trunk room

CG Says: For 2022, the Lexus ES receives new front fascia, adds additional active safety features and gets a revised infotainment system. The Lexus ES midsize sedan kicked off its seventh generation for 2019. The 2022 Lexus ES 350’s engine is a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Combined horsepower for the front-wheel drive ES 300h hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor is 215. The all-wheel-drive ES 250 is powered by a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. 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. 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.