Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Lexus ES Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Lexus ES Model Years (Ranked)
The Lexus ES is the brand's longest-running and best-selling sedan, a front-wheel-drive luxury car built for quiet comfort rather than sport. Across seven generations since 1989, it has earned a reputation for serene cabins, strong reliability, and standout resale value. The seventh generation (2019-present) modernized the formula with a sharper platform, a hybrid option that returns over 40 mpg, and the long-awaited addition of all-wheel drive.
This ranking sorts the best Lexus ES model years by refinement, reliability, value, and feature set — covering the dependable V6 ES 350, the efficient ES 300h hybrid, and the latest tech-laden cars — so you can find the right used Lexus sedan.
Direct Answer
The best overall Lexus ES is the 2021 ES 350, a matured seventh-generation car with the smooth 3.5L V6, an updated touchscreen with available touch and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, and newly available all-wheel drive, after the 2019 launch year's quirks were resolved.
The best value Lexus ES is the 2016 ES 350, a refreshed sixth-generation car offering the legendary 2GR-FE V6 and a hushed cabin at a strong used price. Efficiency seekers should target the 2019-2021 ES 300h hybrid for over 40 mpg.
1. 2021 Lexus ES 350 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2021 ES is the most polished seventh-generation car before later refreshes. The 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 makes 302 hp through an 8-speed automatic, and 2021 finally added available all-wheel drive (with the 2.5L four) for snow-belt buyers. The 2020 update fixed the original's biggest complaint by making the touchscreen touch-capable and adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard.
The cabin is exceptionally quiet, and reliability is typical Lexus. This is the most refined, lowest-risk used ES you can buy.
The standard adaptive cruise and lane-keep make long highway drives effortless.
2. 2016 Lexus ES 350 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2016 received the sixth generation's mid-cycle refresh, with updated styling, the spindle grille, and added safety tech. It runs the bulletproof 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 (268 hp) and a 6-speed automatic, with a famously serene ride. The value case is strong: a beautifully aged luxury sedan with one of Toyota's most durable engines at a fraction of new-car money. Depreciation has already done its work, and these cars routinely run past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.
The 2GR-FE V6 regularly clears 200,000 miles with nothing more than fluids and belts.
3. 2020 Lexus ES 350
The 2020 brought the seventh generation's most important update: the infotainment screen became touch-capable and gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fixing the launch car's main weakness. The 302 hp V6, 8-speed automatic, and standard safety suite carry over. It is the first seventh-gen year I would recommend without reservation, and it typically prices just below the 2021.
A quiet, comfortable, well-equipped luxury sedan with modern connectivity.
The 2020 software fix turned the screen from a sore point into a non-issue.
4. 2019 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid
The 2019 launched the seventh generation and introduced the efficient ES 300h hybrid, pairing a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 215 hp and an EPA rating around 44 mpg combined. It delivers near-Prius economy in a full luxury sedan, with the same hushed cabin and strong reliability.
The only caveat is the launch-year non-touch screen, so confirm whether the specific car has been retrofitted or accept smartphone mirroring limits.
Resale strength means even older ES sedans hold their value unusually well.
5. 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport
The 2022 is a near-new seventh-generation car with all the touchscreen and connectivity updates fully baked in. The F Sport trim adds adaptive variable suspension, sport seats, and unique styling without changing the smooth 3.5L V6. It is the choice for buyers who want the newest ES at a used discount plus a slightly sharper look and feel.
Standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and the quiet cabin remain highlights.
The 300h hybrid pays back its small premium quickly for high-mileage commuters.
6. 2014 Lexus ES 350
The 2014 was a strong early sixth-generation year (the sixth gen launched for 2013). It runs the same dependable 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 and offers a roomy, quiet cabin with the new-for-the-generation roomier back seat. It is one of the best balances of modern features and low price in the lineup, predating the 2016 refresh but offering most of its substance.
A reliable, comfortable luxury sedan for value-focused buyers.
F Sport adaptive dampers add body control without ruining the trademark ride.
7. 2015 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid
The 2015 ES 300h pairs a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four with a hybrid system for around 40 mpg combined in a full luxury sedan. The sixth-generation hybrid is smooth, quiet, and inexpensive to run, and the Toyota hybrid hardware is proven across millions of vehicles. For buyers who want luxury efficiency on a budget, the 2015 ES 300h is a standout. Verify hybrid battery health, though replacements remain uncommon on these cars.
The roomier sixth-gen back seat made the ES a genuine family-friendly sedan.
8. 2023 Lexus ES 350
The 2023 is the newest entry here, with refinements to the seventh generation and the full modern infotainment and safety suite. The 3.5L V6, 8-speed automatic, and available all-wheel drive carry over, all thoroughly proven. It is the pick for buyers who want the longest remaining warranty and the latest tech at a used price. Expect the highest cost on this list but the lowest mileage and the most up-to-date features.
Sixth-gen hybrids sip fuel while keeping the same hushed luxury cabin.
9. 2013 Lexus ES 350 (6th gen launch)
The 2013 launched the sixth generation, moving the ES to a longer wheelbase with a far roomier rear seat and a more modern interior. The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 and 6-speed automatic deliver the trademark smooth, quiet drive. As one of the cheapest modern-platform ES sedans, a clean 2013 is a lot of luxury for the money. Buy on condition and service history, and confirm the timing chain and maintenance are current.
The newest cars carry the longest remaining Lexus warranty coverage.
10. 2012 Lexus ES 350 (final 5th gen)
The 2012 was the last fifth-generation ES, a slightly smaller and more old-school luxury sedan than the cars that followed. It uses the same reliable 3.5L V6 and offers a plush, quiet ride at the lowest prices in this ranking. For a bargain entry into Lexus ownership, a well-maintained 2012 is a comfortable, dependable cruiser. These are now higher-mileage cars, so prioritize maintenance records and a thorough inspection.
Last fifth-gen cars are the cheapest doorway into Lexus ownership.
Reliability and Ownership Notes
The ES is consistently among the most dependable luxury sedans sold, and that reputation is a major reason it holds its value so well. The 3.5L 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS V6 engines are built on proven Toyota architecture and regularly exceed 200,000 miles with little more than fluids, belts, and brakes.
The ES 300h hybrid shares its drivetrain technology with Toyota's broader hybrid lineup, which has an outstanding durability record, and battery replacements remain rare. Because the ES rides on shared Toyota mechanicals, parts are affordable and most independent shops can service it, keeping ownership costs well below those of comparable German sedans.
The biggest model-specific caveat is the 2019 launch year's non-touch infotainment screen, which was corrected for 2020 with a touch-capable display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so confirm which system a given car has. When shopping, verify maintenance records, check hybrid battery health on 300h cars, and scan for open recalls.
For buyers who prize quiet comfort and a low cost of ownership over outright sportiness, the ES remains the value benchmark of the entry-luxury class.
How to Choose
Decide between V6 smoothness and hybrid efficiency first. The ES 350 V6 is effortlessly quiet and powerful, with the 2GR-FE/2GR-FKS engines among the most durable Toyota builds — the 2021 is the all-around best and the 2016 is the value champion. The ES 300h hybrid trades some power for over 40 mpg and is ideal for high-mileage commuters, with the 2019-2021 cars offering modern luxury efficiency.
If you live in a snowy region, note that all-wheel drive only arrived for 2021, paired with the four-cylinder. The biggest seventh-gen caveat is the 2019 launch year's non-touch screen, fixed for 2020. On any ES, confirm regular maintenance, scan for open recalls, and check hybrid battery health on 300h cars.
FAQ
What is the best Lexus ES model year? The 2021 ES 350 is the best overall: a matured seventh-generation car with the 302 hp V6, the fixed touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, and newly available all-wheel drive.
Is the Lexus ES reliable? Yes. The ES is among the most reliable luxury sedans, built on Toyota mechanicals with the durable 2GR V6 or proven Toyota hybrid system. Many examples exceed 200,000 miles with routine maintenance, and the nameplate consistently posts strong dependability scores.
ES 350 or ES 300h — which should I buy? Choose the ES 350 for smooth V6 power and the simplest ownership, or the ES 300h if you want over 40 mpg in a full luxury sedan. Both share the same quiet cabin and reliability; the difference is power versus economy and a modestly higher hybrid buy-in.
Does the Lexus ES come with all-wheel drive? For most of its history the ES was front-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive became available starting with the 2021 model year, paired with the 2.5L four-cylinder, so confirm the drivetrain if AWD is a requirement.
Bottom Line
The ES has long been the value benchmark in the entry-luxury sedan class, undercutting German rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class on both purchase price and long-term running costs while offering a quieter ride and a far stronger reliability record. Lexus dealer service and the shared Toyota parts bin keep maintenance affordable, and the nameplate routinely tops dependability surveys, which is a major reason ES sedans hold their value so well on the used market.
The 2021 Lexus ES 350 is the best overall buy: the most refined seventh-generation car with the fixed touchscreen, modern safety, and available AWD. The 2016 ES 350 is the value leader thanks to its bulletproof 2GR-FE V6 and serene cabin at a strong used price, and the 2019-2021 ES 300h is the move for buyers chasing over 40 mpg in a luxury sedan.
Match the powertrain to your needs, then verify maintenance, battery health, and recall status on the specific car.
Sources
- Lexus ES — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_ES
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings, Lexus ES: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=41996
- IIHS Lexus ES ratings: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/lexus/es-350-4-door-sedan
- NHTSA recalls and complaints, Lexus ES: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Toyota GR engine (2GR-FE / 2GR-FKS) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine
- Lexus USA official ES page: https://www.lexus.com/models/ES
- Lexus Safety System+ — Lexus official: https://www.lexus.com/safety