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Lexus ES
MotorTrend says now offered with a hybrid or all-electric powertrain, the 2026 Lexus ES will compete against other luxury four-doors including the Genesis G80, Audi A6, and BMW 5 Series, launching starting at around $50,000, with the ES remaining a comfort-first luxury sedan while the hybrid and EV versions give buyers two distinct paths to the same easygoing Lexus experience. Car and Driver says this year the ES ditches its nonhybrid powertrain entirely for hybrid and electric ones, offered only in ES350h guise for the hybrid, with front-wheel-drive models powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors combining for 244 hp. Carscoops says after driving the all-new 2026 ES lineup around San Diego, including the ES 350h AWD hybrid, ES 350e, and range-topping ES 500e AWD, there's evidence Lexus wasn't just tossing around marketing jargon, and that the first electric Lexus ES actually costs less than the hybrid.
Hybrid or electric, competing with the G80 and 5 Series
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says now offered with a hybrid or all-electric powertrain, the 2026 Lexus ES will compete against other luxury four-doors including the Genesis G80, Audi A6, and BMW 5 Series, launching starting at around $50,000, with the ES remaining a comfort-first luxury sedan while the hybrid and EV versions give buyers two distinct paths to the same easygoing Lexus experience.
No more gas engine
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says this year the ES ditches its nonhybrid powertrain entirely for hybrid and electric ones, offered only in ES350h guise for the hybrid, with front-wheel-drive models powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors combining for 244 hp.
The EV costs less than the hybrid
Carscoops (opens in a new tab) says after driving the all-new 2026 ES lineup around San Diego, including the ES 350h AWD hybrid, ES 350e, and range-topping ES 500e AWD, there's evidence Lexus wasn't just tossing around marketing jargon, and that the first electric Lexus ES actually costs less than the hybrid.
Questions buyers ask
Does the 2026 Lexus ES still offer a gas-only engine?
No — Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says it ditches the nonhybrid powertrain entirely for hybrid and electric versions.
Is the electric Lexus ES cheaper than the hybrid?
Carscoops (opens in a new tab) says yes.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Lexus ES is built around 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (ES 350h) or electric motor(s) (ES 350e FWD, ES 500e AWD), rated at 244 / 221 / 338 horsepower across its midsize luxury sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 ES seats 5 and is a Midsize luxury sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 ES.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Lexus ES
MY2026 is a full 8th-generation redesign: the ES is now electrified-only, with no gas-only powertrain offered. ES 350h is the hybrid at 244 hp (up from the outgoing ES 300h's 215 hp) with a new-for-2026 AWD option; ES 350e is the FWD-only battery-electric variant at 221 hp (307 mi EPA range); ES 500e is the dual-motor AWD battery-electric flagship at 338 hp (276 mi EPA range).
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
7 indexed Lexus ES model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus ES | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Lexus ES | 2025 record → | |
| 2024 Lexus ES | 2024 record → | |
| 2023 Lexus ES | 2023 record → | |
| 2022 Lexus ES | 2022 record → | |
| 2021 Lexus ES | 2021 record → | |
| 2018 Lexus ES | 2018 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Lexus ES.
The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan marketed since 1989 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, across multiple generations, each offering V6 engines (except for the eighth generation) and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout (all-wheel drive is optional for latter generations). The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon.
- Safety
- The eighth-generation ES was unveiled on 23 April 2025 at the 2025 Auto Shanghai. While most markets will receive ES models built in Japan, Lexus has announced production will also occur at a new plant near Shanghai for the Chinese market. This will be the first Lexus made in China.
Source: Lexus ES (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
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)
Lexus ES generations
The Lexus ES has been redesigned in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2012, 2018, gaps of 2, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6 years, an average of 4.8 years between generations. The current generation (seventh generation, XZ10) began in 2018.
| Generation | Code | Began | 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. |
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.
Year by year
The Lexus ES across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus ES | 44–127 | $600–$1,800 | 6 | |||
| 2025 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 4 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 4 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 4 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 4 | 5 stars | ||
| 2021 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 4 | 1 | 28 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 3 | 1 | 18 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Lexus ES | 25–44 | $1,400–$2,500 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Lexus ES | 24–40 | $1,550–$2,600 | 2 | 5 | 5 stars | |
| 2017 Lexus ES | 24–40 | $1,550–$2,600 | 2 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2016 Lexus ES | 24–40 | $1,550–$2,600 | 2 | 9 | 5 stars | |
| 2015 Lexus ES | 24–40 | $1,550–$2,600 | 2 | 5 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Lexus ES, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 4 to 6 | 34.5 to 85.5 | first listed: 290 | Labels: ES 350e (19 inch Wheels), ES 350e (21 inch Wheels), ES 350h, ES 350h AWD, and 2 more; Engines: Electric motor / not listed; Transmissions: Automatic (A1); Fuels: Electricity, Premium | Labels: ES 250 AWD, ES 300h, ES 350, ES 350 F Sport; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Fuels: Regular |
| 2020 to 2021 | 3 to 4 | Labels: ES 250 AWD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | 2 to 3 | 32.0 to 34.5 | Labels: ES 350 F Sport; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic (S6) |
Buying used
What the Lexus ES recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | back over prevention (display function) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | back over prevention (display function) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | back over prevention (display function) | None |
| 2021 | 1 | air bags (sensor) | None |
| 2020 | 1 | air bags (sensor) | None |
| 2019 | 1 | air bags (knee bolster) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| air bags | 37 | 55% | 2021 (25) |
| unknown or other | 12 | 18% | 2016 (5) |
| service brakes | 6 | 9% | 2020 (3) |
| steering | 4 | 6% | 2021 (2) |
| suspension | 3 | 4% | 2015 (1) |
| engine | 3 | 4% | 2016 (1) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Lexus ES trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350e Premium | FWD | Electric Motor | – | – | 4,608 | – | – | $48,795 |
| ES 350h Premium | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 244 | 175 | 4,035 | – | – | $50,995 |
| ES 500e Premium | AWD | Dual Electric Motors | – | – | 4,828 | – | – | $51,795 |
| ES 350h Premium+ | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 244 | 175 | 4,035 | – | – | $50,995 |
| ES 350e Luxury | FWD | Electric Motor | – | – | 4,663 | – | – | $57,195 |
| ES 500e Luxury | AWD | Dual Electric Motors | – | – | 4,883 | – | – | $60,195 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Lexus ES model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | Electric Motor / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / Dual Electric Motors | 244 | 4,035–4,883 | – | 14.5 |
| 2025 | 14 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 203–302 | 3,690–3,780 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2024 | 14 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 3.5-liter V6 | 203–302 | 3,690–3,780 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2023 | 14 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 3.5-liter V6 | 203–302 | 3,690–3,780 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2022 | 12 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 203–302 | 3,690–3,780 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2021 | 11 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) / 3.5-liter V6 | 203–302 | 3,690–3,780 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2020 | 7 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 215–302 | 3,649–3,704 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2019 | 7 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 176–302 | 3,649–3,704 | – | 13.2–15.9 |
| 2018 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 200–268 | 3,571–3,682 | – | 17.2 |
| 2017 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 200–268 | 3,571–3,682 | – | 17.2 |
| 2016 | 2 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 200–268 | 3,571–3,660 | – | 17.2 |
| 2015 | 3 | 3.5-liter V6 / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | 200–268 | 3,549–3,660 | – | 17.2 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Lexus ES.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-8 (4.5 qt) | – | – | – | – |
| 2025 | 0W-16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 0W-16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 0W-16 | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | 6.4 qt | – | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Lexus ES: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | not available | backup camera |
| 2024 | 2 | not available | backup camera |
| 2023 | 2 | not available | backup camera |
| 2022 | not available | ||
| 2021 | 1 | 28 | airbags |
| 2020 | 1 | 18 | airbags |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | airbags |
| 2018 | 5 | ||
| 2017 | 2 | ||
| 2016 | 9 | ||
| 2015 | 5 |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Lexus ES model years 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Lexus ES?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Lexus ES model year: recall counts across the 6 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 1.3 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Lexus ES by model year?
2025: backup camera. 2024: backup camera. 2023: backup camera. 2021: airbags. 2020: airbags. 2019: airbags.
Q03Why do some Lexus ES model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Lexus ES model years 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Lexus ES is most often compared with.
Nearest Lexus models
Other Lexus models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 ES come in?
The 2026 Lexus ES (midsize luxury sedan) comes in 3 trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury.
Q02What are the 2026 ES trims?
The 2026 Lexus ES trims are Premium, Premium+, Luxury, listed from the entry Premium up to the top Luxury.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 ES use?
The 2026 Lexus ES is built around 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (ES 350h) or electric motor(s) (ES 350e FWD, ES 500e AWD), rated at 244 / 221 / 338 horsepower across its midsize luxury sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 ES have?
The 2026 Lexus ES is rated at 244 / 221 / 338 horsepower (2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (ES 350h) or electric motor(s) (ES 350e FWD, ES 500e AWD)).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 ES?
The 2026 Lexus ES is offered with FWD / AWD.