Generation history
Lexus ES generations and next redesign.
The Lexus ES has been through 7 generations, starting in 1989, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2012 and 2018. The gaps were 2, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6 years, an average of 4.8. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2018. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2022 through 2024, centered on 2023. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The seventh generation ES was unveiled at the April 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Lexus ES model page.
Every generation
The Lexus ES, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|
| First generation | V20 | 1989–1991 | The first generation ES (VZV21) debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as part of the launch of the Lexus division. |
|---|
| Second generation | XV10 | 1991–1996 | In 1987, with creation of the Lexus brand, an entry level front-wheel Lexus model was ordered for development alongside the LS 400 and other offerings. |
|---|
| Third generation | XV20 | 1996–2001 | From 1992 to 1996, chief engineer Kosaku oversaw development of the XV20 Lexus variant alongside the XV20 series Camry programme under project code 416T. |
|---|
| Fourth generation | XV30 | 2001–2006 | As development on the XV30 series Camry began in 1997, development of the XV30 ES commenced under chief engineer Kosaku Yamada, with styling being done through 1998 under design chief Makoto Oshima. |
|---|
| Fifth generation | XV40 | 2006–2012 | Lexus unveiled the fifth generation ES in February 2006 at the Chicago Auto Show for the 2007 model year. |
|---|
| Sixth generation | XV60 | 2012–2018 | The sixth generation ES was revealed on 4 April 2012 at the New York International Auto Show. |
|---|
| Seventh generation | XZ10 | 2018–present | The seventh generation ES was unveiled at the April 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. |
|---|
The Lexus ES spent 4.8 years per generation on average. The current one is 8 years old. Treat 2022 to 2024 as a range, not a date.
Source: Lexus ES (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Lexus ES model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Lexus ES generation changed.
First generation, 1989 to 1991
The first generation ES (VZV21) debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as part of the launch of the Lexus division. In order to avoid introducing the nameplate with only one model, the LS 400, Lexus quickly developed the ES to debut alongside their flagship sedan. The smaller representative of the initial two-sedan Lexus lineup was designated the ES 250, and powered by the Camry's 2.5 L, 116 kW (156 hp) V6, which was aimed directly at the Acura Legend.
Second generation, 1991 to 1996
In 1987, with creation of the Lexus brand, an entry level front-wheel Lexus model was ordered for development alongside the LS 400 and other offerings. In late 1988, a final design was chosen and design patents filed utilizing a clay 1:1 design model on February 3, 1989. In September 1991, for the 1992 model year, Lexus announced the second generation ES almost one year after the introduction of the second generation Acura Legend, but before Infiniti finally decided to add a similarly classed sedan, the J30.
Third generation, 1996 to 2001
From 1992 to 1996, chief engineer Kosaku oversaw development of the XV20 Lexus variant alongside the XV20 series Camry programme under project code 416T. In mid-1993, an exterior design concept by Hiroshi Okamoto was approved and later frozen for production in January 1994, later being patented on 9 November 1994 at the Japanese patent office, under patent No. 0796802. The third generation ES (designated MCV20) premiered in September 1996 for the 1997 model year, featuring a design that was an evolution of the VCV10.
Fourth generation, 2001 to 2006
As development on the XV30 series Camry began in 1997, development of the XV30 ES commenced under chief engineer Kosaku Yamada, with styling being done through 1998 under design chief Makoto Oshima. In December 1998, a concept design by Kengo Matsumoto was approved and frozen for production in June 1999. Design patents were filed on 8 March 2000 at the Japan Patent Office and registered under patent No. 1098805. The larger, fourth generation ES (designated MCV30) debuted in July 2001 for the 2002 model year, one year after the Lexus IS became Lexus' entry-level car.
Fifth generation, 2006 to 2012
Lexus unveiled the fifth generation ES in February 2006 at the Chicago Auto Show for the 2007 model year. The line initially consisted of the ES 350 sedan, which as per previous models, featured front-wheel-drive and a V6 engine—now displacing 3.5 liters. The line was refreshed in 2009, during which more features were added, and a four-cylinder variant, the ES 240, was introduced for Asian markets. The fifth generation ES remained Lexus' top-selling sedan model in the North American and Asian markets, anchoring the marque's entry-level model lineup.
Sixth generation, 2012 to 2018
The sixth generation ES was revealed on 4 April 2012 at the New York International Auto Show. For its sixth generation, the model was introduced in ES 350 and hybrid ES 300h versions. The ES 350 came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid ES 300h models came with an eCVT.
Seventh generation, 2018 to today
The seventh generation ES was unveiled at the April 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. It is built on the same GA-K platform as the XX50 series Avalon and the XV70 series Camry. The F Sport variant also made its debut in this generation. All models come equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0.
Generation notes adapted from Lexus ES (Wikipedia).
Today's Lexus ES
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Lexus ES at a glance
- Production
- June 1989 – present
- Model years
- 1990–present
- Class
- Compact executive car, Entry-level luxury car (D-segment, D) (1989–1991), Executive car, Mid-size luxury car (E-segment, E) (1991–present)
- Body style
- 4-door hardtop Sedan (automobile), sedan (1989–2001), 4-door notchback sedan (2001–present)
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2020–present), Front-motor, front-wheel-drive (2025–present), Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (2025–present)
- Also called
- Toyota Camry (V20), Toyota Camry Prominent/Toyota Vista (V20), Vista (Japan; 1989–1991), Toyota Windom (Japan; 1991–2006)
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- October 2025, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. 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… 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.
- February 2024, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. 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… Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.