2023 Lexus ES

The ES range has evolved for 2023, now including five trim levels, albeit with certain restrictions. You can only have the all-wheel drive on 250 gas models, while F Sport Handling models can be ordered with 350 or 300h engines but not the 250.

Prices start at $42,490 (including destination) for an AWD ES 250, rising to $52,480 for a 300h Ultra Luxury model with FWD. F Sport Handling is around $1,900 more than standard F Sport Design, while $3,620 will upgrade you from Luxury to Ultra Luxury.

There are three engines in the ES range, starting with a 2.5-liter gas engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to standard AWD. Like the more powerful 3.5-liter V6, power is fed to the road using an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the bigger engine’s output rising to 302 hp and 267 lb-ft. The other option is a 215 hp hybrid model, combining the smaller engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and feeding the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.

Fuel economy ranges from an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 combined in the 250 through to 22/32/26 in the 350 and 43/44/44 in hybrid guise.

Cargo capacity for the five-seater ES stands at 13.9 cu ft.

Every ES packs ten airbags into its cabin, alongside Lexus’s Safety System+ 2.5. This brings pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane tracing, and active steering assistance, alongside radar-guided cruise control and traffic sign recognition. Active high beams join blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, while rain-sensing wipers are an option on ES but standard elsewhere. Luxury models and above get intuitive parking assistance with automatic reverse braking and rear pedestrian detection.

This is an ES strong suit. Even the base model has a ten-speaker Lexus audio system including satellite and HD radio, controlled through an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. The Lexus app lets you remotely start your vehicle, while WiFi hotspot capabilities are standard alongside cloud navigation with destination assistance. Ultra Luxury models expand the touchscreen to 12.3 inches, while a 1,800-watt Mark Levinson stereo with 17 speakers is an option on all but the base trim.

The most affordable ES rides into battle on 17-inch alloy wheels, with bi-LED headlamps and matching taillamps. Keyless entry accesses a cabin illuminated by a power moonroof, while the driver faces a color information display and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Perforated NuLuxe interior trim is standard with ten-way power adjustment up front, and dual-zone climate cools the cabin.

Standalone upgrades include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ($1,080) and a 10.2-inch head-up display ($500). For $2,430, the Premium Package looks like good value. It blends heated and ventilated front seats with a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel; rain-sensing wipers and wireless device charging also join semi-automated parking and power-folding outside mirrors.

F Sport Design receives everything from the aforementioned Premium pack, on top of 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels and F Sport styling extending from the front bumper to the rear spoiler.

You can spend $1,030 on a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a further $1,080 on the Mark Levinson stereo, or combine them into a pack without saving any money. The $500 head-up display and $550 powered trunk remain standalone options.

Available exclusively in 350 or 300h configurations, mechanical upgrades include performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, plus selectable driving modes and active noise control. A heated leather steering wheel complements the heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and aluminum detailing from the dash to the pedals.

Packages are as above.

Luxury builds on base ES trim by adding larger wheels and performance dampers, rear parking assistance with automatic braking, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The luxury part of its name is met through quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather seating, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, and 14-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat including a powered cushion extender.

Packages are as above.

This is the first ES to receive a head-up display, a powered trunk with a kick sensor, and manual rear door sunshades to complement the power rear shade. The touchscreen expands to 12.3 inches and can display the output from a panoramic view monitor, while the car can even help to park itself.

The Mark Levinson stereo remains $1,080.

Compare ES Trims Side-By-Side