The 2021 Lexus ES is rarely the most expensive vehicle in its family, but it’s arguably the most talented. It’s a luxury car; It’s a family sedan; It’s a high-economy hybrid. It’s also stylish, spacious, and safe.
The 2021 model adds to its appeal with a new ES 250, the 203-horsepower, 2. 5-liter 4-cylinder model with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Still, the new model now also has blind spot monitors.
Lexus continues to offer two more powertrains with the ES, one traditional and one hybrid. The latter option uses the same 2. 5-litre 4-cylinder engine found in the ES 250, but combines it with an electric motor and a small battery. to 215 horsepower.
The most popular option is the ES 350, which uses a 3. 5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Like the ES 250, it uses an 8-speed transmission and comes with front-wheel drive.
Of those options, the hybrid leads by a wide margin in terms of fuel output with its 43 mpg city, 44 highway and 44 combined, rated through the EPA. The ES 250 has 25/34/28 mpg; the ES 350 ranks last with its EPA-estimated 22/32/26 mpg fuel mileage.
Standard active protection features include automatic emergency braking, active lane control and adaptive cruise control.
When it comes to crashworthiness, the NHTSA has given the ES five stars overall and 4 stars in frontal crashes and rollovers. The IIHS has named ES Top Safety Pick, but this designation only applies to models with the most expensive LED headlights; Otherwise, the IIHS gives ES the highest score in crash tests, but gives it the prestigious distinction.
The ES is still an unbeatable price among true midsize luxury sedans. The entry-level ES starts at $40,925 for a 250 or 350 style or $42,835 for a hybrid. Both styles come with dual-zone climate control, 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker audio system, a sunroof, and 17-inch wheels.
Above the base styling is the Luxury, which starts at $46,125 for either gas-powered powertrain and $48,035 for the hybrid. Additional features include perforated leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, wood trim, and mood lighting.
The $46,725 F Sport mixes a dose of sportiness with its adaptive suspension, additional front seat reinforcement, more drive modes and exclusive interior and exterior trims. This style is not found in the hybrid.
The most sensible on the list is the $49,925 Ultra Luxury, with features like a 12. 3-inch touchscreen with navigation, 18-inch wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, hands-free trunk lid and the F’s adaptive suspension. Sport.
Shy styling doesn’t exist in the Lexus lineup. The ES is no exception. In our opinion, this is the interpretation of Lexus’ existing design language. The iconic hourglass-shaped grille is cleverly integrated into the bonnet. The dominance of the bumper under the narrow headlights are sober and tasteful, with the thinnest air intakes to divide the space.
The sides of the frame lack sharp curvatures and curves, but maintain their appeal with slightly tapered door and fender liners. This remedy visibly refines the car, giving it a slender and athletic appearance.
With a sleek and ergonomic interior, the ES doesn’t betray its Toyota Avalon roots. There’s no indication of its close relationship with the big Toyota sedan; There’s also nothing to recommend that the ES be the most affordable sedan in the range. The first-class fabrics and build quality give a proper air of luxury.
Each ES uses an 8. 0-inch or 12. 3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes. Both systems work well now that Lexus has incorporated the touchscreen to augment the console-mounted touchpad. Both screens come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a number of USB ports.
Few cars in this price diversity are more comfortable than the ES. Quality upholstery and proper upholstery are the norm here. Electric shifts make it easy to find a comfortable sitting position; Just set it up and do it. And opting for available heating and cooling capacity will make those seats even more comfortable than they already are.
The rear seat pampers passengers with 39 inches of legroom and plenty of room for the knees, head, and shoulders. Three adults may not need to cross the country on horseback there, but an hour or two sitting with three is easily manageable.
The trunk is the only aspect of the cabin that is absolutely praiseworthy. The 13. 9 cubic feet of trunk area falls short of other features in this segment. The popular fold-and-split rear seat is helping to alleviate this drawback.
The newest ES is the sharpest to date in terms of dynamics, but it’s a relative statement; The ES is still the quiet, pleasant cruise it always was. It floats with unflappable ease, a leather-lined cruiser at the bottom. Potholes, expansion joints, even well-maintained dirt roads – ES tackles everything without complaint.
That used to be the extent of the ES’s abilities, but handling has come a long way in recent years. This one can corner with a skill that belies its front-drive roots. The well-balanced steering and 8-speed automatic transmission that allows you to change gears without hesitation experience.
The F Sport makes it all perfect with adaptive dampers and a more competitive overall fit. Expect the transmission to hold the gears longer and be a little heavier. None of this sacrifices the inherent convenience that makes the ES such a charming traveler.
Among powertrains, the 3. 5-liter V6 is the most productive with the F Sport chassis. Its 302 horsepower gives the ES punchy acceleration and plenty of overtaking power at top speeds. This is the choice of any speed junkie.
The 215-horsepower hybrid styling is the way to go for those who care about fuel economy. EPA-rated combined fuel consumption of 44 mpg beats maximum midsize luxury sedans by one mile, and it does so without sacrificing handling. It has not been left behind the hybrid either, as despite its additional weight it manages to reach 100 km/h in 8. 1 seconds.
The new 203-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is the least subtle option here, though that’s relative, too; it may look a little underwhelming compared to its brethren, but it’s still an ES. Those on a budget shouldn’t take this as a comfort prize; It more than meets the basic principles of ES for comfortable and welcoming luxury.
Lexus has perfected the ES to make it one of the best-looking luxury sedans in this $50,000 segment. For those just looking for a comfortable and capable sedan, the ES is a great choice. We chose an ES 350 F Sport, but the ES 300h Hybrid might be a more suitable selection for the average buyer.
-by Anthony Sophinos, with impressions from The Car Connection.