Archived model-year dossier

2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus ES adds the ES 250, a 203-horsepower four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive, to a lineup with the 302-horsepower ES 350 V6 and the 215-horsepower ES 350h hybrid, which gets about 43 to 44 mpg. One recall applies, owners have filed 28 NHTSA complaints, and resale value is near $24,500.

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Configurations4

Model/option labels4

Combined efficiency25–44 MPG/MPGe

Electric rangeNot listed

Decision answers7

What changed on the 2021 Lexus ES

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Lexus is adding the ES 250 to the ES lineup this year. It is powered by a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and comes standard with all-wheel drive, and its EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 34 highway. The ES 350 keeps its 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic driving the front wheels, and the ES 350h hybrid produces a net 215 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic with front-wheel drive. Car and Driver measured 45 mpg from the ES 350h and 33 mpg from the ES 250 on its highway test route, and 8.1 and 8.3 seconds to 60 mph for the ES 250 and the hybrid respectively, the more leisurely times.

Recall and complaints

NHTSA lists one recall on the 2021 ES, 23V865, which covers the occupant classification sensor in the air bag system on a group of 2020 to 2021 Toyota and Lexus models. The 28 owner complaints on the model year are almost all about the air bag system, 25 of them, with two about steering, one unclassified and one about service brakes. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) rates a 2021 ES with 72,000 to 84,000 miles as a low risk of major repair. Because the air bag light is the one recurring theme, check that the dashboard air bag indicator behaves normally on a test drive and confirm the recall on the VIN.

What a 2021 ES costs today

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says a 2021 Lexus ES has depreciated $5,419, or 18 percent, in three years, leaving a resale value of $24,500 and a trade-in value of $23,200, in the 25th to 75th percentile for depreciation among 2021 sedans. The EPA's combined ratings for the 2021 ES run 25 to 44 mpg with fuel costs of $1,400 to $2,500 a year on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab), against 21 to 25 mpg and $3,100 to $3,700 for the 2021 Acura TLX.

Trim-by-trim specifications

The 2021 Lexus ES: 11 trims compared.

Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.

2021 Lexus ES powertrain, performance and efficiency by trim
Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	0–60 mph	Top speed	EPA city / hwy / comb	Seats	Basic warranty
ES 250	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	AWD	203	184	8.6 s	131 mph	25 / 34 / 28 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 300h	2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid)	Automatic, ECVT	FWD	215	163	8.1 s	112 mph	43 / 44 / 44 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 250 F SPORT	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	AWD	203	184	8.6 s	131 mph	25 / 34 / 28 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 250 Luxury	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	AWD	203	184	8.6 s	131 mph	25 / 34 / 28 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 350 Luxury	3.5-liter V6	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	FWD	302	267	6.6 s	131 mph	22 / 32 / 26 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 350	3.5-liter V6	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	FWD	302	267	6.6 s	131 mph	22 / 32 / 26 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 350 F SPORT	3.5-liter V6	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	FWD	302	267	6.6 s	131 mph	22 / 31 / 25 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 250 Ultra Luxury	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	AWD	203	184	8.6 s	131 mph	25 / 34 / 28 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 300h Luxury	2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid)	Automatic, ECVT	FWD	215	163	8.1 s	112 mph	43 / 44 / 44 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 300h Ultra Luxury	2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid)	Automatic, ECVT	FWD	215	163	8.1 s	112 mph	43 / 44 / 44 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi
ES 350 Ultra Luxury	3.5-liter V6	Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	FWD	302	267	6.6 s	131 mph	22 / 32 / 26 mpg	5	4 yr / 50,000 mi

2021 Lexus ES dimensions, weights and capacities by trim
Trim	Curb weight	Length	Height	Wheelbase	Turning circle	Fuel tank	Front headroom	Front legroom	Tires
ES 250	3,780 lb	195.9 in	57.1 in	113 in	38 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 300h	3,730 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38 ft	13.2 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 250 F SPORT	3,780 lb	195.9 in	57.1 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/40R19
ES 250 Luxury	3,780 lb	195.9 in	57.1 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 350 Luxury	3,690 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 350	3,690 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 350 F SPORT	3,690 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/40R19
ES 250 Ultra Luxury	3,780 lb	195.9 in	57.1 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 300h Luxury	3,730 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38.8 ft	13.2 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 300h Ultra Luxury	3,730 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38.8 ft	13.2 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18
ES 350 Ultra Luxury	3,690 lb	195.9 in	56.9 in	113 in	38.8 ft	15.9 gal	37.5 in	42.4 in	P235/45R18

Equipment by trim

Which 2021 Lexus ES trim has what.

Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.

2021 Lexus ES standard and optional equipment by trim
Equipment	ES 250	ES 300h	ES 250 F SPORT	ES 250 Luxury	ES 350 Luxury	ES 350	ES 350 F SPORT	ES 250 Ultra Luxury	ES 300h Luxury	ES 300h Ultra Luxury	ES 350 Ultra Luxury
Safety
Blind-spot alert	Opt	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Blind-spot alert with automatic braking	Opt	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Child door locks	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Child-seat anchors	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Pedestrian detection	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Rearview camera	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Electronic stability control	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Traction control	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Technology
Text-message reader	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Bluetooth audio streaming	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Bluetooth	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Hands-free calling	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Built-in internet access	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Navigation system	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Std	Opt	Std	Std
Premium audio system	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Opt	Opt
Real-time traffic information	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Satellite radio	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Apple CarPlay or Android Auto	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Steering-wheel audio controls	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Touchscreen	–	–	–	Opt	Opt	–	–	Std	Opt	Std	Std
Voice recognition	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Comfort
Heated front seats	Opt	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Heated steering wheel	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Std	Opt	Std	Std
Heated windshield	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Std	Opt	Std	Std
Power front seats for driver and passenger	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Power driver's seat	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Leather seats	–	–	–	Std	Std	–	–	Std	Std	Std	Std
Leather-wrapped steering wheel	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Panoramic moonroof	–	–	–	–	Opt	Opt	–	–	–	–	Opt
Tilt steering wheel	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Cup holders	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Exterior and convenience
Alloy wheels	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Rear spoiler	Opt	Std	Std	Opt	Opt	Opt	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Opt
Power-folding mirrors	Opt	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Power liftgate or trunk	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Opt	Std	Opt	Std	Std
Remote liftgate or trunk release	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Power windows	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Remote keyless entry	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Proximity keyless entry	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Push-button start	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Cruise control	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Integrated garage-door opener	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Rear-window defroster	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std
Rain-sensing wipers	Opt	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Opt	Std	Std	Std	Std	Std

Complete certification table

4 configuration records.

EPA ID / label	Engine / technology	Drive / transmission	Fuel	City	Hwy	Combined	Range
43079ES 250 AWD	2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional	All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)	Regular	25	34	28	N/A
43078ES 300h	2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; HybridHybrid	Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S6)	Regular	43	44	44	N/A
43076ES 350	3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional	Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)	Regular	22	32	26	N/A
43077ES 350 F Sport	3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional	Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)	Regular	22	31	25	N/A

Model-specific answer center

7 answers for this exact family-year.

Q01What changed on the 2021 Lexus ES versus the 2020 Lexus ES?

Model year

Against the 2020 Lexus ES: Model/option labels added: ES 250 AWD. Engine descriptions added: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI. Drive designations added: All-Wheel Drive. Certification records went from 3 to 4. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 1 for the 2020 to 1 for the 2021.

Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years

Q02What engine oil does the 2021 Lexus ES take?

Maintenance

The 2021 Lexus ES owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-16 engine oil. Source: 2021 Lexus ES owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual

Q03How quickly does the 2021 Lexus ES accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?

Performance

The 2021 Lexus ES's 0-60 mph time is 6.6 seconds on the ES 350 Luxury, ES 350, ES 350 F SPORT and ES 350 Ultra Luxury, 8.1 seconds on the ES 300h, ES 300h Luxury and ES 300h Ultra Luxury and 8.6 seconds on the ES 250, ES 250 F SPORT, ES 250 Luxury and ES 250 Ultra Luxury. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.