2023 Lexus ES 350 Sedan

　　

2023 Lexus ES 350 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　Alongside the flagship LS sedan, the midsize ES helped launch the Lexus brand more than 30 years ago. The car has changed substantially since then, but seven generations later it continues to be closely related to the Toyota Camry and Avalon. Just like the original, the 2023 Lexus ES prioritizes ride comfort and luxury over sportiness.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $41,940 MSRPF SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $46,525 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $47,110 MSRPF SPORT Handling 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $48,400 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $50,730 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　In that role, the ES 350 excels. The sedan's compliant suspension is adept at soaking up bumps in the road and the seats offer effective support for long drives. The cabin is quiet and loaded with features even in base form. As for performance, the ES 350 won't set your pants on fire, but then again it's not trying to. Power delivery from the V6 is smooth, and gear changes are quick and barely perceptible. This is the kind of car you can settle into after a long day and forget about the worries and stress of the outside world.

　　For 2023, Lexus finally does away with its controversial touchpad interface. The introduction of a touchscreen last year already made the controller vestigial, but now the transition is complete. With the deletion of the touchpad comes a redesigned center console as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Lexus also introduces two new F Sport trims this year. The F Sport Design effectively replaces the previous F Sport model and the F Sport Handling is essentially the old F Sport Dynamic Handling package with a few extra goodies thrown in.

　　The Lexus ES 350 competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60 and Acura TLX among others. As we've established, the ES can't really hang with them dynamically (that duty falls to the sportier rear-wheel-drive-based Lexus IS). But what it lacks in performance it makes up for in comfort and luxury features. Check out our Expert Rating for all the details.

　　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 are 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below