Lexus ES 350

Lexus redesigned the ES 350 for 2019, giving it a sleeker shape and an effective use of the brand’s large spindle grille. As with previous versions of the ES, the newest shares many of its underlying structural components with the Toyota Camry. 

Under the hood, the ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers smooth power through a new eight-speed automatic transmission, making more power for this generation. Four-cylinder and hybridized four-cylinder engines are also available in the ES 250 and ES 300h, and the 300h will continue for the eighth generation. An F Sport package gives the ES 350 a more aggressive look and a firmer suspension.

Inside, Lexus launched the seventh-gen ES with a frustrating infotainment system controlled by a touchpad and run through either an eight-inch or 12.3-inch display screen. It was the first Lexus to introduce Apple CarPlay®. For 2023, the screens thankfully changed to touchscreens and the touchpad was mercifully retired.

Lexus outfits the ES 350 with plenty of driver-assist technology that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance. Also available are a surround-view camera system and parking sensors.

Lexus gave the ES a slightly more extroverted look for its sixth generation while extending its overall length and wheelbase. For the first time, that made it bigger than the Toyota Camry, with which it shared a platform. The extra length especially paid off in more rear-seat legroom. 

The ES 350 returned with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Power flowed exclusively to the front wheels. Lexus introduced a hybrid with this generation in the form of the ES 300h (covered separately).

Lexus also tweaked the chassis, suspension, and steering this time around to add a little more control to what had been a traditionally cosseting ride quality. Inside, the base infotainment system had a smaller seven-inch touchscreen, while the available navigation system came with the Remote Touch interface that used a touchpad controller.

New driver-assist features included forward collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Buyers could also get blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.