2022 Lexus ES 350 Review

The Lexus ES 350 has served for many years as Lexus' offering for a small luxury sedan that prioritizes comfort over performance. It's the more sensible counterpoint to the sportier IS 350 sedan and the more affordable option compared to the larger LS 500.

Lexus has refreshed the 2022 ES 350 with several updates. The former infotainment system had a touchpad controller, and it was often frustrating and distracting to use while driving. Lexus has addressed this issue by moving the display screen 4.3 inches forward and giving it touchscreen functionality. Curiously, Lexus has kept the touchpad, but that might be welcome redundancy in case you don't like touchscreens.

Outside, the 2022 ES 350 gets a new grille design along with redesigned LED headlights. The F Sport trim now extends to the ES 300h (reviewed separately on Edmunds), and a new Dynamic Handling package is now available on the ES 350 F Sport trim. It includes an adaptive suspension system and additional drive modes.

The ES 350 also gets some updated driver assistance features. As part of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package of driver aids, the ES now has Intersection Turning Assist, a feature that's part of the forward collision mitigation system that can recognize oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and potentially avoid a collision. Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 also improves adaptive cruise control by automatically increasing speed before changing lanes to overtake a slower car. It also improves the lane keeping system with enhanced recognition of lane markers and road edges.

The refreshed 2022 Lexus ES offers more value than ever with its updates. But it's also worth shopping alongside other small luxury sedans such as the Acura TLX, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Volvo S60.

Lexus offers the 2022 ES 350 in four 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 trim, which is made for those who appreciate a sportier look and feel. 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: