2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

Name: 2023 Lexus ES 250
Brand: Lexus

Price Range: $35,188 - $35,998

2023 Lexus ES 250 F SPORT Design Sedan Exterior

The 2023 Lexus ES 250 finally brings an all-wheel-drive powertrain to the ES lineup. Unfortunately, the 250's lethargic four-cylinder engine is unworthy of being in a luxury car such as this. Unless you absolutely need all-wheel drive, the V6-powered ES 350 is a better buy. The ES 250's endearing qualities are otherwise present in the ES 350 as well.

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Average price: $30,295

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Appraise My 2023 Lexus ES 250

Lexus ES 250 model years

Lexus ES 250 for Sale

2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

Pros

Comfortable and mostly upscale interior
Smooth ride
Standard all-wheel drive on all ES 250 trims
Plenty of space for the price

Cons

Sluggish acceleration
Driving dynamics fall short of German competitors
Rear seats don't fold down

What's new

Updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New F Sport Design trim
Redesigned center console
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Michael Cantu

1/10/2023

The Lexus ES 250 is the entry point for the ES family, which also includes the ES 350 and fuel-efficient ES 300h hybrid. It costs the same as the significantly more powerful ES 350 and a bit less than the 300h, but it provides something the other two don't: all-wheel drive. All three ES models share the same standard and optional features, so unless you need all-wheel drive, you'd likely be happier with either the additional 99 horsepower from the ES 350 or the 44 mpg combined you get from the ES 300h.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

15 listings

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2021 Lexus ES 250
Base Sedan
$23,150
good price
$1,330 below market
- 107,550 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 25 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- Auto Deal Makers (8 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
New Price!Black 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD 8-Speed Automatic I4CLEAN CARFAX!!!, NO ACCIDENTS!!!, 2 PREVIOUS OWNERS!!!, 14 SERVICE RECORDS!!!, ES 250, 4D Se...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 58AD11D11MU004925
Stock: 004925
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2021 Lexus ES 250
Base Sedan
$28,999
good price
$1,993 below market
- 32,519 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 25 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- Hampstead Pre-Owned (52 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Hampstead, MD
Elevate every drive with this *2021 Lexus ES 250*, a luxury sedan that combines refined elegance with confident performance. With its sleek, sculpted ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 58AD11D18MU003397
Stock: LKO003397
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-09-2025

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Lexus added two new sporty trim levels to the ES lineup for 2023, the F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims — but the ES 250 only received the F Sport Design trim. Like last year's F Sport trim, it adds sportier exterior styling but is missing the upgraded front seats and sport-tuned suspension. If the new trim level doesn't interest you, the new Lexus Interface infotainment system likely will because it adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration plus a "Hey Lexus" voice assistant. The new system also removes the hard-to-use touchpad, which freed up space for a new center console design.

The ES 250's high level of comfort, roomy interior and low starting price for a midsize luxury sedan will attract many shoppers, all bolstered by Lexus' reputation for reliability. However, its underpowered and loud four-cylinder engine, paired with dull driving dynamics, might send you elsewhere. The Acura TLX offers more power for a similar price, and if you have the budget, check out the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Genesis G80. Make sure to read the Edmunds Expert Rating below for our test team's thorough review of the Lexus ES 250.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Lexus ES 250 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the ES 250 drive? The ES 250 isn't sporty and fun-to-drive like a 3 Series, but it's competent and stable when going around turns. The steering is a little light and uncommunicative, but it's nonetheless accurate. A smooth-shifting transmission and easy-to-control brakes are among the other highlights.

But these attributes are also generally applicable to the ES 350 as well — a vehicle that doesn't share the ES 250's albatross: the non-turbocharged four-cylinder. Borrowed from the more pedestrian Toyota Camry, it produces nowhere near the power expected of the class. A 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds is embarrassing for a luxury car. Unless you absolutely need all-wheel-drive traction, the V6-driven ES 350 is a better buy.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the ES 250? Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive and are easy to get in and out of. The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.

The ES platform is more comfortable cruiser than sport sedan, and it absorbs bumps and road rash without transmitting harshness to the cabin. There's a bit of intrusive wind noise at highway speeds — more than we'd expect of a Lexus — but maybe it's just more noticeable since the car tames road and tire noise so well. Engine noise is palpable, however. The four-cylinder makes such a racket during acceleration you'll ponder why Lexus greenlit this Toyota engine for use in its luxury sedan.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the ES is no trouble thanks to the low seat cushions and wide door openings. There's also a good-size gap between front passengers and door panels that creates a feeling of space. There's loads of room in the back seat, especially between the seatbacks and knees, even for 6-foot-tall passengers. That said, a standard sunroof and sloping roofline create headroom issues for tall folks.

Drivers of most heights and body types should find a comfortable position given the power-adjustable seat and mostly clear views all around the car. Most controls are within reach. It's odd that Lexus didn't put the seat heating and cooling controls near the climate controls, but at least they are physical buttons and not virtual ones buried in a display screen menu. The ES' volume knob is great and feels like one from an old-school stereo receiver.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Our test car came with the spectacular-looking 12.3-inch infotainment display. The widescreen navigation maps look great thanks to the excellent color contrast and indicators. The display has touchscreen capability and you can also control many nav, phone, audio and even climate control functions through voice commands. The optional Mark Levinson sound system is well worth its modest cost.

The ES also includes several standard driver assist features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, which helps minimize lane wandering.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? You get a big trunk with the ES 250. Cargo space stands at 13.9 cubic feet, slightly more than most competitors offer. Unfortunately, you can't fold the rear seats to increase space, and there's only a pass-through slot for long items.

Storage for small items inside the cabin is abundant. There's also plenty of space for child safety seats, and they're easy to install. Just detach the plastic tabs over the car seat anchors in the seat cushions. Generous rear seat room means most seats will fit without needing to slide up the front seats.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The ES 250 is estimated to achieve 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway). This is a few mpg better than most other four-cylinder-powered midsize luxury sedans with all-wheel drive, such as a BMW 530i xDrive. However, those rival sedans are considerably more powerful.

Value

8.5/10

Is the ES 250 a good value? For a relatively affordable sum, the ES 250 delivers a compelling luxury experience. The upholstery feels supple and substantial, and the cabin shows typical Lexus attention to detail in the tight panel gaps, high-quality controls and detailed stitching. Only the coarse and underpowered engine takes away from the typically excellent Lexus experience. Warranty coverage is on par for the segment.

Wildcard

6.5/10

The Lexus ES 250 does not deliver the driving dynamics afforded by any of its rivals or even the V6-powered ES 350. The four-cylinder/AWD combo makes this ES feel more ponderous than anything else in the class. Even when you look past the powertrain, there's not much else going on here to stir excitement.

The distinctive design affords the ES 250 some personality, and the interior is larger and more lovingly crafted than the price tag suggests. It's a definite step up from the Toyota Avalon, on which it is based, but it's a shame that the four-cylinder is so groany and loud.

2023 Lexus ES 250 trim level differences

The 2023 Lexus ES 250 is available in four trim levels: ES 250, F Sport Design, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. All ES 250s are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the ES 350 and ES 300h, all ES 250s come standard with all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:

Which ES 250 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The new F Sport Design trim might get more looks, but the Luxury trim is the one to get because it has more to offer for the same price. The Luxury trim includes the features found in the Premium package and adds an upgraded suspension, perforated leather seats and interior ambient lighting. The 12.3-inch center touchscreen display is a worthwhile upgrade.Compare 2023 Lexus ES 250 trim levels

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$123/mo

$188/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2023 Lexus ES 250 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TB13/25L
Manufactured from:: 2024-10-31 to 2025-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 1024407
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Recall Number:: 24V124000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24TA01 / 2
Number of vehicles affected:: 18616
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TA01 and 24LA01.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 10,000 miles

Lexus ES 250 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

10 reviews

5(80%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(0%)

See all 10 reviews of the Lexus ES 250

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great luxury car for the money

Brian , 02/20/2021

2021 Lexus ES 250 Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Other poster talked about cheap interior and bad stereo. Luxury version has leather seats. Mark Levinson upgrade provides great stereo. Features are as good or better than what you find on higher priced cars. ES250 isn't powerful but I got 37 mpg on a long trip. I would like to see better ambient lighting.

Love our Lexus

Stephen Bowman, 08/29/2023

2021 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Purchased 2021 ES250, 30,000 miles, Lexus Certified two weeks ago. We absolutely love our car. Quality throughout, very comfortable ride and seats. Roomy. Easy to get in and out of. Love the styling. Top Safety Pick. Loaded with safety features. Getting 34+ MPG highway. Power is adequate. All wheel drive a plus for us. Update - We have owned this car for more than a year- Certified Pre …

Old school reliable daily

VaLexusDriver, 10/08/2022

2021 Lexus ES 250 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Traded my beloved Infiniti QX70 Limited but I really like this car. It’s the 4 cylinder so it’s not as powerful as others in the class but the simplicity and old school demeanor and AWD is what sold me. I’m getting high 30’s low 40’s mpg and the luxury look/feel is top notch. I have the F Sport with red interior with every option except the HUD and rear window shade. ML audio and triple …

Extremely under powered

John, 01/08/2021

2021 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Brought my older es350 in for service and got a 2021 es250 as a loaner. I was thinking on trading my es350 for newer model since in am nearing 150k miles but after driving the new es250 I will be keeping my old one. Biggest first impression is the vehicle is extremely under powered and takes excessive throttle input to get it to move. 4 cylinder engine is loud and feels like I am …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus ES 250, so we've included reviews for other years of the ES 250 since its last redesign.

2023 ES 250 Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,940
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$123/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the ES 250 models:

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front.
Panoramic View Monitor: Gives you a top-down view of the ES 250 and its surroundings for tight parking situations.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5: Bundles a variety of standard driver assist and collision avoidance safety features.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

Price & Payment

2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2021 Lexus ES 250Base Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Lexus ES 250Base Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Lexus ES 250 trim level differences

Which ES 250 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus ES 250 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great luxury car for the money

Love our Lexus

Old school reliable daily

Extremely under powered

2023 ES 250 Highlights

Safety

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2021 Lexus ES 250
Base Sedan

2021 Lexus ES 250
Base Sedan