Best Luxury Cars
Best Luxury Cars
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Pros
- Library-quiet interior
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Highly fuel-efficient hybrid version available
Cons
- Some competitors offer more dynamic handling
- All-wheel drive is available only with the four-cylinder engine
- F Sport trim still lacks performance
Overview
The Lexus ES is one of the best midsize luxury sedans if you want a quiet, comfortable ride in a well-finished cabin. It's not thrilling to drive, and it may not turn heads, but when it comes to offering a serene, trouble-free ownership experience, the ES is hard to beat. The Lexus ES is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 12 trim levels. The most popular style is the ES 300h F SPORT Design FWD, which starts at $48,175 and comes with a Hybrid 2.5L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This ES is estimated to deliver 43 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.
Overall Assessment
While most midsize luxury sedans emphasize performance and handling over comfort, the Lexus ES stands out for its quiet cabin and soothing ride. Its spacious interior is constructed with attention to detail and high-quality materials throughout. And the ES typically scores at or near the top of its class in dependability. It offers a choice of two conventional engines plus a fuel-efficient hybrid model. Most versions are front-wheel drive, but there's an all-wheel-drive model for improved cold-weather traction. A new F Sport Handling package offers an adjustable suspension along with custom drive modes. Also new for 2023 is a revised driver interface that's a big improvement over previous Lexus systems. It uses a touchscreen for most of its controls and has a useful voice-control system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of the upgrade.
The Acura TLX is the Lexus ES' closest competitor. Similar in size, configuration, and price, the TLX has a sportier personality but lacks the ES' opulent luxury. The Genesis G70 and Genesis G80 bracket the ES in size and offer similar levels of luxury. But both are on rear-wheel-drive platforms that provide sharper handling. While several midsize luxury sedans have mild-hybrid tech, the ES is the only full-on hybrid in the segment.
$52,580 as shown
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Lexus ES.All review