2020 Lexus ES 350 Review

　　

2020 Lexus ES 350 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　The 2020 Lexus ES 350 is part of the model's seventh generation and marks the continuation of a run that started three decades ago. That's incredible longevity in today's automotive business, but it's easy to see why the ES endures. It's a quiet, comfortable, well-built sedan with an appealing mix of luxury and value.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$143/mo  for ES 350 Base

　　ES 350 Base

　　4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $39,900 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $42,755 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $43,750 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $44,635 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　This latest redesigned ES 350 debuted just last year. The main thing you'll notice is that Lexus has infused the car with more personality compared to earlier ES models. It is slightly lower and wider, and, in spite of its more aggressive profile, a lower seating position yields nearly identical headroom. Lexus also engineered the suspension to make the ES drive with greater agility yet stay smooth over bumps and ruts.

　　Today's Lexus ES comes with an impressive array of standard equipment and some choice options. The updated interior blends design elements from Lexus' flagship LS and LC models and has a crisp-looking infotainment system that uses a touchpad controller and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa functionality.

　　There are a few minor downsides. That touchpad controller, for instance, is cumbersome to use while driving. And you might find that some German luxury sedans are a little more appealing if you're looking for higher levels of performance. But overall, the ES remains one of today's best all-around performers and is a smart pick for a comfortable luxury sedan.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the ES 350 drive? Acceleration is powerful and smooth, and the V6 is strong throughout its rev range. The steering is nicely weighted and contributes to the ES 350's composed stance as you drive around turns. There's not a whole lot of maximum grip from the tires, but overall the ES handles better than you'd expect a luxury-oriented sedan to.

　　Around town, smooth acceleration and imperceptible gear changes make the ES a pleasure to drive. Even in city traffic, the ES feels as if it's just gliding along thanks to its relaxed powertrain.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the ES 350? Comfort and isolation remain ES hallmarks, and neither has been sacrificed for improved handling. The front seats are firm and supportive, without excessive side bolsters to impede entry and exit. (Note that the F Sport's sport seats have a more aggressive shape and bolsters.) The rear seats are just as comfortable if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in the back for long stretches without fatigue.

　　This latest ES 350 hasn't lost its ability to absorb bumps and road rash either. There's a bit of intrusive wind noise at highway speeds — more than we'd expect of a Lexus — but maybe it's just more noticeable since the car tames road and tire noise so well. Engine noise is almost imperceptible. More warmth from the seat heaters on cold days would be nice.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the ES is no trouble thanks to the low seat cushions and wide door openings. There's also a good-size gap between front passengers and door panels that creates a feeling of space. There's loads of room in the back seat, especially between the seatbacks and knees, even for 6-foot-tall passengers.

　　Drivers of most heights and body types should find a comfortable driving position given the ES' power-adjustable seat and mostly clear views all around the car. Only the ES' incoherent array of buttons and switchgear is inexplicably inelegant in an otherwise elegant cabin. The volume knob is great, though, and feels like an old-school stereo receiver.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Our test car came with the spectacular-looking 12-inch infotainment display. The widescreen navigation maps look great thanks to excellent color contrast and indicators. But using the touchpad controller while in motion is onerous; a dial-and-button controller would be preferable. Fortunately, you can control many nav, phone, audio, and even climate control functions through voice commands.

　　The ES also includes several standard driver safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, which help minimize lane wandering. It isn't semi-automated driving, and the degree of steering correction is limited, but it's useful for occasional lapses of attention.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The ES 350's 13.9-cubic-foot trunk has a suitable amount of room for luggage and golf clubs. However, the rear seats don't fold down, so you're not going to be able to load longer items. Interior storage space for small items is adequate. The door pockets are slim but the cupholders work well for holding various sizes of water bottles or drinks.

　　Have kids? There's plenty of space for installing child safety seats, and the car seat anchors are easy to access.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? With an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined, the ES 350 is one of the more efficient midsize luxury sedans on the market. Of course, you can also pick the hybrid ES 300h for even better fuel economy. We observed a respectable 27.3 mpg on our evaluation route.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the ES 350 a good value? For a relatively affordable sum, the ES delivers an appealing luxury experience. The top-shelf interior materials and design make the ES cockpit an attractive place to be. The upholstery feels supple and substantial, and the cabin shows typical Lexus attention to detail: tight panel gaps, damped button action and detailed stitching.

　　Lexus' pricing is appropriate for the high quality of materials, space and comfort. Some competitors start at a little less but aren't quite as refined. It's on par with rivals in warranty coverage, but most can't match the Lexus dealer experience.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　There's nothing overly exciting about the ES 350. The ES is made to appeal to a wide range of drivers and broadcasts a well-made vibe inside and out. Yet with its well-sorted suspension and pleasantly powerful V6, the ES 350 can deliver that luxury and still cut loose on occasion.

　　

Which ES 350 does zzdcar recommend?

The base 2020 Lexus ES 350 comes nicely equipped if you want luxury on a budget. But if you can stretch to the Luxury trim, you'll appreciate the leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior trim, and ambient interior lighting. Audiophiles should consider the Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio package not only for its integrated nav system but also for its large 12.3-inch display and one of the best sound systems available in any car.

　　

2020 Lexus ES 350 models

The 2020 Lexus ES 350 is a midsize luxury sedan available in four trims. The base ES 350 features an extensive features list. The Luxury trim, as the name suggests, adds more luxury items, while the Ultra Luxury model adds even more amenities. The F Sport trim offers a sportier look and feel. A hybrid model, the ES 300h, is also available and reviewed separately.

　　Powering every ES 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp, 267 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Note that some of the following options and configurations may be limited, depending on where the car is purchased.

　　Thanks to its extensive standard features, the base ES 350 may be enough for many shoppers. It comes with highlights such as LED headlights, a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, an 8-inch central infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system, among other items.

　　Standard safety tech includes forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. An optional Premium package adds a handful of other luxuries, such as heated and ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

　　The Luxury trim equips the Premium package features along with leather upholstery, additional front-seat adjustments and noise-reducing side windows, while the Ultra Luxury offers a more advanced suspension, upgraded leather and a hands-free trunk release. The ES 350 F Sport offers a little different flavor, building on Premium package features with larger wheels, sportier suspension tuning, sport front seats, and a handful of unique exterior and interior details.

　　Buyers might consider a few other options, including a navigation system (which includes a 12.3-inch display) and a premium Mark Levinson sound system. These can be optioned together or individually. Other options include a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charging pad, and safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system.

　　

2020 ES 350 Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryUltra LuxuryF SPORTBase

　　

Base MSRP	$39,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$143/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles