Archived model-year dossier
2018 Lexus ES
The 2018 Lexus ES is the final year of the sixth generation before the full 2019 redesign, with changes limited to equipment and a 268-horsepower V6 in the ES 350. NHTSA lists 2 recalls, both fuel pump, and 15 complaints. Used ones run $21,500 to $22,100 per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency24–40 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2018 Lexus ES
Carvana (opens in a new tab) lists the 2018 ES as the sixth generation's final year (2013-2018) before the 2019 redesign, with changes limited to equipment: the tilt steering wheel became standard, while the smartphone interface moved from standard to optional. The Lexus newsroom (opens in a new tab) lists a standard 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 on regular-grade gas for the ES 350, an eight-inch Lexus Display Audio screen with HD Radio and Bluetooth audio, and 17-inch alloy wheels, with 18-inch wheels available.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2018 ES prices at $21,500 for the ES 350 and $22,100 for the ES 300h hybrid at a dealer, and lists fuel economy from 21/30 mpg to 40/39 mpg city and highway depending on trim.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 ES, both for the gasoline fuel pump: 20V012000, filed in January 2020, and 20V682000, filed in November 2020, which cover many Toyota and Lexus models.
Owners have filed 15 complaints: unknown or other with 4, and air bags, seat belts, structure, engine and vehicle speed control with 2 each. Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for the year.
2018 ES against the Acura TLX
EPA rates the 2018 ES at 24 to 40 mpg combined and $1,550 to $2,600 a year in fuel, all front-wheel drive, with the hybrid at the top of that range. The Acura TLX lists 23 to 27 mpg combined at $2,850 to $3,350, so the ES is cheaper to fuel in every version.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2018 Lexus ES: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 | 3.5-liter V6 | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft | FWD | 268 | 248 | 7.1 s | 130 mph | 21 / 30 / 24 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| ES 300h | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid) | Automatic, ECVT-i | FWD | 200 | 156 | 8.1 s | 112 mph | 40 / 39 / 40 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 | 3,571 lb | 193.3 in | 57.1 in | 111 in | 17.2 gal | 37.5 in | 41.9 in | 900 lb | P225/45R18 |
| ES 300h | 3,682 lb | 193.3 in | 57.1 in | 111 in | 17.2 gal | 37.5 in | 41.9 in | 900 lb | P215/55R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2018 Lexus ES trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | ES 350 | ES 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Opt | Opt |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Opt | Opt |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Opt | Opt |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt |
| Heated windshield | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Opt | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | – |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39539ES 300h | 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S6) | Regular | 40 | 39 | 40 | N/A |
| 39540ES 350 | 3.5L 6-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 21 | 30 | 24 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01How much is the destination charge on the 2018 Lexus ES?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2018 Lexus ES puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $995. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2018 Lexus ES, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02How much engine oil does the 2018 Lexus ES hold?
Maintenance
The 2018 Lexus ES owner's manual gives an engine-oil capacity of 6.4 US quarts when the oil filter is changed at the same time. Source: 2018 Lexus ES owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03How do the 2018 Lexus ES trims differ from one another?
Trims
The ES 300h has 200 hp against 268 and fog lights, heated mirrors and a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the ES 350.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How quickly does the 2018 Lexus ES accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2018 Lexus ES's 0-60 mph time is 7.1 seconds on the ES 350 and 8.1 seconds on the ES 300h. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What is the 2018 Lexus ES's top speed?
Performance
The 2018 Lexus ES's top speed is 112 mph on the ES 300h and 130 mph on the ES 350. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What size wheels does the 2018 Lexus ES have?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 Lexus ES's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the ES 300h and 18 inches on the ES 350. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2018 Lexus ES.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Lexus ES across model years.
Ownership desk
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