The ES 350 offers ample power, surprisingly good handling, and Lexus' hallmark focus on comfort and serenity. Some rival German sedans can be sportier, but the ES remains one of today's best all-around performers.
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.
Pros
Comfortable and mostly upscale interior
Excellent ride quality
Enjoyable handling balance from the F Sport version
Cons
Rear seats don't fold down
All-wheel drive isn't available for the ES 350
What's new
Updated infotainment system that eliminates previous touchpad
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
New F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019
Overview
Alongside the flagship LS sedan, the midsize ES helped launch the Lexus brand more than 30 years ago. The car has changed substantially since then, but seven generations later it continues to be closely related to the Toyota Camry and Avalon. Just like the original, the 2023 Lexus ES prioritizes ride comfort and luxury over sportiness.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
In that role, the ES 350 excels. The sedan's compliant suspension is adept at soaking up bumps in the road and the seats offer effective support for long drives. The cabin is quiet and loaded with features even in base form. As for performance, the ES 350 won't set your pants on fire, but then again it's not trying to. Power delivery from the V6 is smooth, and gear changes are quick and barely perceptible. This is the kind of car you can settle into after a long day and forget about the worries and stress of the outside world.
For 2023, Lexus finally does away with its controversial touchpad interface. The introduction of a touchscreen last year already made the controller vestigial, but now the transition is complete. With the deletion of the touchpad comes a redesigned center console as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Lexus also introduces two new F Sport trims this year. The F Sport Design effectively replaces the previous F Sport model and the F Sport Handling is essentially the old F Sport Dynamic Handling package with a few extra goodies thrown in.
The Lexus ES 350 competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60 and Acura TLX among others. As we've established, the ES can't really hang with them dynamically (that duty falls to the sportier rear-wheel-drive-based Lexus IS). But what it lacks in performance it makes up for in comfort and luxury features. Check out our Expert Rating for all the details.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
8.0/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The ES 350 offers ample power, surprisingly good handling, and Lexus' hallmark focus on comfort and serenity. Some rival German sedans can be sportier, but the ES remains one of today's best all-around performers.
How does the ES 350 drive? Acceleration is powerful and smooth, and the V6 is strong throughout its rev range. The steering is nicely weighted and contributes to the ES 350's composure as you drive around turns. There's not a whole lot of maximum grip from the tires, but overall the ES handles better than you'd expect a luxury-oriented sedan to.
Around town, smooth acceleration and imperceptible gear changes make the ES a pleasure to drive. Even in city traffic, the ES feels as if it's just gliding along thanks to its relaxed powertrain.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the ES 350? Comfort and isolation are ES hallmarks, and neither has been sacrificed for improved handling. The front seats are firm and supportive, without excessive side bolsters that interfere with getting in and out. (Note that the F Sport's sport seats have a more aggressive shape and bolsters.) The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in the back for long stretches without fatigue.
This latest ES 350 hasn't lost its ability to absorb bumps and road rash either. 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 almost imperceptible. More warmth from the seat heaters on cold days would be nice.
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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.
Drivers of most heights and body types should find a comfortable driving position given the ES' power-adjustable seat and mostly clear views all around the car. The volume knob is great and feels like one from an old-school stereo receiver.
Technology
8.0/10
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 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. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included. The ES also comes standard with several standard driver safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, which help minimize lane wandering.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The ES 350's 13.9-cubic-foot trunk has a suitable amount of room for luggage and golf clubs. However, the rear seats don't fold down, so you're not going to be able to load longer items. Interior storage space for small items is adequate. The door pockets are slim but the cupholders work well for holding various sizes of water bottles or drinks.
Have kids? There's plenty of space for installing child safety seats, and the car seat anchors are easy to access.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? With an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined, the ES 350 is one of the more efficient midsize luxury sedans on the market. Of course, you can also pick the hybrid ES 300h for even better fuel economy. We observed a respectable 27.3 mpg on our evaluation route.
Value
8.5/10
Is the ES 350 a good value? For a relatively affordable sum, the ES delivers an appealing luxury experience. The top-shelf interior materials and design make the ES cockpit an attractive place to be. The upholstery feels supple and substantial, and the cabin shows typical Lexus attention to detail: tight panel gaps, damped button action and detailed stitching.
Lexus' pricing is appropriate for the high quality of materials, space and comfort. Some competitors start at a little less but aren't quite as refined. It's on par with rivals in warranty coverage, but most can't match the Lexus dealer experience.
Wildcard
8.0/10
There's nothing overly exciting about the ES 350. The ES is made to appeal to a wide range of drivers and broadcasts a well-made vibe inside and out. Yet with its well-sorted suspension and pleasantly powerful V6, the ES 350 can deliver that luxury and still cut loose on occasion.
Which ES 350 does Edmunds recommend?
You might be tempted by the F Sport variants of the ES, but if you want a sporty Lexus sedan we suggest you look at the IS instead. The ES, in our opinion, is best enjoyed as a luxurious cruiser, which is why we recommend the Luxury trim level. With that model, you get all of the base car's standard features, plus all the goodies from the Premium package and upscale extras like leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a power rear sunshade and more.
Lexus ES 350 models
Lexus offers the 2023 ES 350 in five trim levels. It starts with the well-equipped standard ES 350, followed by the midlevel Luxury trim. The range-topping Ultra Luxury trim is equipped with almost every available feature. There's also the F Sport Design trim, which is made for those who appreciate a sportier look and feel. To enhance that sporty vibe, there's the F Sport Handling trim with an adaptive suspension and other handy features. All ES 350 trims are front-wheel-drive and come equipped with the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 (302 horsepower, 267 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Highlights for each trim level are as follows:
ES 350
The standard version of the ES 350 includes:
17-inch wheels
Sunroof
Keyless entry and start
Simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats
Dual-zone climate control
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
10-speaker Pioneer audio system
Lexus Enform connected services
Every ES 350 also comes with these advanced driver aids:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the ES 350 and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Optional for the base ES 350 is the Premium package, which adds:
Automatic wipers
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Heated steering wheel
Wood interior trim
Wireless smartphone charger
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
Power-folding outside mirrors
ES 350 Luxury
Our recommended version of the sedan adds:
Features from the Premium package
18-inch wheels
Performance-tuned suspension dampers
Leather seats
Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel
Power-adjustable driver's seat with additional adjustments
Ambient interior lighting
Power rear window sunshade
ES 350 F Sport Design
The F Sport Design builds on standard equipment with:
F Sport exterior and interior design enhancements
Contents of the Premium package
19-inch wheels
Sport suspension
Sport steering wheel
Rear spoiler
Sport-bolstered front seats
ES 350 F Sport Handling
The previous F Sport Dynamic Handling package is now the F Sport Handling trim and includes:
Adaptive suspension
Additional sport and custom drive modes
Interior noise cancellation
Aluminum interior trim
Unique instrument cluster with sliding bezel
Leather F Sport shift knob
ES 350 Ultra Luxury
Includes features from the Luxury trim and adds:
12.3-inch center touchscreen display
17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
Navigation system
Surround-view monitor (gives you a top-down view of the ES 350 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Manual rear side window sunshades
Hands-free trunk operation
Pedestrian detection for the rear automatic braking system
The ES 350 had been almost perfect prior to 2022. The two weaknesses had been a touchy infotainment system and front bias of the sound system. Both of these issues are now corrected with an easy to use touch screen and what appears to be an upgraded Pioneer stereo. The braking and suspension have been improved and the ride is simply silky smooth with plenty of power. Headlights have … been improved as well. Once you drive it you won’t want the ride to end.
5/5 stars, New 2021 ES 350 One Month In
Shaboom1965,
4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
This car, when bought right, is an excellent value. Reasonable price can be negotiated for a whole lot of car. Dealers are very flexible in discounting the price of these cars and Lexus tossed in a generous $2,000 rebate to boot.
It finally came down to this car or BMW. Couldn’t tolerate that Automatic Stop Start feature on the Euro-Lux cars. Also don’t care for the harsher … ride of their run flat tires and the inability to repair the run-flats. The Lexus eliminated all those negatives and provided an incredibly smooth ride and iron-clad, trouble-free reliability level absent on so many of the European brands. Very pleased with our new car one month and 450 miles in.
Unhappy with two shortcomings. First, the Apple Car Play is not wireless. To use it, a cable is required right in the middle of the front of cabin. BMW is wireless. Even Buick is wireless! On a car of this level, there should not be cables visible in the cabin.
Second, ventilation of the ventilated front seats is weak and tepid. The air used to ventilate the seats is not actually cooled. It’s simply cabin temperature air recirculated through the seats. I was expecting cooled air as provided in many other luxury cars.
The seat heaters are fine.
No road noise, beautiful upholstery, more than adequate standard sound system. Lexus cargo net is small and overpriced.
Extra bonus: for most drivers, regular gas will do the trick.
SIX MONTHS have passed since delivery of Lexus. Still very pleased. Excellent value.
The car is well made, hopefully perfectly reliable and delivers all it promises. I’m glad I bought it.
Now: 1.5 years of ownership. Perfect performance. No problems. Still very pleased. Predict this car to perform flawlessly over the long haul. Ten years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) is taken for granted.
In this day and age of radical change and price escalation in the car market, I consider this car a safe harbor of reliability and safety. Sadly, I expect it and the other few remaining 6 cylinder ICE sedans like it, to vanish forever from the market over the next few years.
5/5 stars, Great vehicle- best value for luxury car
JEB,
4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Great car- my third ES and just as good as MB E350 I owned previously. Plus I don’t have to pay $350 for an oil change. Quiet, smooth and the gas mileage is incredible for a medium size V6. Plus, not paying for premium gas.
5/5 stars, Nice Ride
RJ,
F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I've owned an Audi A6 (3.0L), BMW 440i M sport Grand Coupe and a few others. This car does not perform as well as those, obviously, but that's not why I bought it. The ride is terrific, the interior is nicely appointed, performance is more than adequate and, the F sport functionality is worth the extra few dollars, for the adjustable suspension and more aggressive shifting. It … surprisingly has a nice little growl when punched. I bought it mostly for the smoother ride and reliability compared to the German cars. The later get pretty expensive when the warranties expire.
Like the rest of Acura's lineup, the TLX is pitched as a sportier take on the typical luxury car formula. It might not be on the same level performance-wise as others in its class, but when paired with optional all-wheel drive, it's undeniably fun to drive. The TLX's interior won't feel as premium as the ES 350's and it won't be as comfortable, but it's priced lower and is arguably more exciting to look at.
Like the ES 350, the S60 prides itself on its ride comfort and build quality. A 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder mild hybrid combo serves as the base powertrain and offers ample low-end torque. All-wheel drive is available and endows the S60 with exceptional handling ability when equipped. The S60 is a stylish luxury sedan that matches the ES in many areas, and it does so with more character.
The A4 offers an effective blend of technology and performance wrapped in a sleek package with standard all-wheel drive. Though it's getting up there in age, the current-generation A4 has a lot to offer luxury shoppers. The cabin features a clean, uncluttered design with high-quality materials and a large freestanding touchscreen. The A4's suspension and seats are on the firm side, but it still delivers a comfortable ride. One clear advantage for the ES is its longer drivetrain warranty: six years/70,000 miles compared to four years/50,000 miles for the Audi.
Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing.
Lexus Enform Safety Connect
Provides automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, an emergency button inside the cabin, and enhanced roadside assistance.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
Bundles a variety of standard advanced driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
10.5%
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 350 First Impressions
by the Edmunds Experts
•7/18/2022
What is the ES 350?
The Lexus ES is the luxury automaker's most popular sedan and, depending on the quarter, the second or third best-selling vehicle in the lineup. It's easy to see the appeal of this large four-door — the ES is comfortable and spacious and cabin materials have an appropriately high-quality feel. Its most notable attribute, however, is the incredible value it offers. On one hand, it doesn't cost much more than the Toyota Avalon on which it is based. That means Toyota buyers looking for a little more brand panache don't have to take a second mortgage on the house to upgrade. At the same time, the ES costs a lot less than other similarly sized rivals and it's much roomier than similarly priced luxury sedans. No matter how you consider it, the Lexus ES represents terrific bang for your buck.
After an extensive refresh last year, we believe the 2023 Lexus ES 350 will carry forward relatively unchanged. The future beyond this year also looks a little murky for the current ES 350. Toyota has already announced that 2022 would be the last year for the Avalon, and we do know that a replacement is on its way. Could a redesigned 2024 Lexus ES be based on this new Toyota? This seems the most likely scenario, as we doubt Toyota would produce two different large sedans given the public's preference for SUVs. It's possible that 2023 might be the final year for the current Lexus ES.
Edmunds says
We expect the spacious and value-packed Lexus ES 350 to remain relatively unchanged for 2023. Its future beyond that is less certain given that Toyota has discontinued the Avalon upon which the ES is based.
FAQ
Is the Lexus ES 350 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 ES 350 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 ES 350 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the ES 350 has 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus ES 350. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Lexus ES 350?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus ES 350:
Updated infotainment system that eliminates previous touchpad
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
New F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Lexus ES 350 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the ES 350. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the ES 350's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Lexus ES 350 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus ES 350 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 ES 350 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 ES 350 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 39 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 ES 350 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus ES 350?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus ES 350 is the 2023 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $41,440.
Other versions include:
4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,440
F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $46,025
Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $46,610
F SPORT Handling 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $47,900
Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $50,230
If you're interested in the Lexus ES 350, the next question is, which ES 350 model is right for you? ES 350 variants include 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and F SPORT Handling 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of ES 350 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
