2022 Lexus ES 350

　　

2022 Lexus ES 350 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The Lexus ES 350 has served for many years as Lexus' offering for a small luxury sedan that prioritizes comfort over performance. It's the more sensible counterpoint to the sportier IS 350 sedan and the more affordable option compared to the larger LS 500.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$144/mo  for ES 350 Base

　　ES 350 Base

　　4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $40,950 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,600 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $46,350 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $50,130 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Lexus has refreshed the 2022 ES 350 with several updates. The former infotainment system had a touchpad controller, and it was often frustrating and distracting to use while driving. Lexus has addressed this issue by moving the display screen 4.3 inches forward and giving it touchscreen functionality. Curiously, Lexus has kept the touchpad, but that might be welcome redundancy in case you don't like touchscreens.

　　Outside, the 2022 ES 350 gets a new grille design along with redesigned LED headlights. The F Sport trim now extends to the ES 300h (reviewed separately on zzdcar), and a new Dynamic Handling package is now available on the ES 350 F Sport trim. It includes an adaptive suspension system and additional drive modes.

　　The ES 350 also gets some updated driver assistance features. As part of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package of driver aids, the ES now has Intersection Turning Assist, a feature that's part of the forward collision mitigation system that can recognize oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and potentially avoid a collision. Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 also improves adaptive cruise control by automatically increasing speed before changing lanes to overtake a slower car. It also improves the lane keeping system with enhanced recognition of lane markers and road edges.

　　The refreshed 2022 Lexus ES offers more value than ever with its updates. But it's also worth shopping alongside other small luxury sedans such as the Acura TLX, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Volvo S60.

　　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 composure 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 that interfere with getting in and out. (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.

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