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.
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
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.
Rated for you by America's best test team.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.
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating belowHow’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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: