2022 Lexus ES 250

　　

2022 Lexus ES 250 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The Lexus ES 250 debuted last year as an affordable alternative to the more powerful ES 350 and more efficient ES 300h hybrid. It has a similarly generous complement of standard features that includes the assurance of all-wheel drive, which is unique among the ES lineup. As is typical with most Lexus vehicles, the ES 250 emphasizes comfort over performance and may not satisfy some drivers' appetite for some fun behind the wheel.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$132/mo  for ES 250 Base

　　ES 250 Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $40,950 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $45,600 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $46,350 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $50,130 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The 2022 Lexus ES 250 receives some notable upgrades, especially in the technology department. The new Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 adds pedestrian, cyclist and oncoming traffic detection, while the infotainment display is moved closer to the driver and is now a touchscreen. This is a major improvement to the previous year's system, which relied on a frustrating touchpad controller. These new upgrades will likely help its standing among other luxury sedans that include the Genesis G70, BMW 3 Series and the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Check out the Expert Rating below to see what we're talking about.

　　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

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the ES 250 drive? The ES 250 isn't sporty and fun-to-drive like a 3 Series, but it's competent and stable when going around turns. The steering is a little light and uncommunicative, but it's nonetheless accurate. A smooth-shifting transmission and easy-to-control brakes are among the other highlights.

　　But these attributes are also generally applicable to the ES 350 as well — a vehicle that doesn't share the ES 250's albatross: the non-turbocharged four-cylinder. Borrowed from the more pedestrian Toyota Camry, it produces nowhere near the power expected of the class. A 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds is embarrassing for a luxury car. Unless you absolutely need all-wheel-drive traction, the V6-driven ES 350 is a better buy.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the ES 250? Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive and are easy to get in and out of. The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.

　　The ES platform is more comfortable cruiser than sport sedan, and it absorbs bumps and road rash without transmitting harshness to the cabin. 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 palpable, however. The four-cylinder makes such a racket during acceleration you'll ponder why Lexus greenlit this Toyota engine for use in its luxury sedan.

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