The New 2026 Lexus ES Tries to Ditch Boring
Doug DeMuro · 2026-06-02
💡 Quick Take
1. Embrace the new, striking styling of the 2026 Lexus ES, a departure from its conservative past.
2. The ES is now heavily based on the Toyota Crown, but with a more aggressive and unusual Lexus design.
3. Lexus is trying to inject fun and excitement into the declining sedan market with this redesign.
4. The sedan market is shrinking, with Lexus down to just two models (ES and IS), and even the LS flagship is being discontinued.
5. The ES still sells respectably, about half its peak popularity, justifying the effort to reinvigorate it.
6. Powertrain options include a traditional hybrid (ES 350h) and fully electric models (ES 350e, ES 500e).
7. The hybrid ES 350h offers exceptional fuel economy (up to 46 mpg combined for AWD).
8. The electric ES 350e offers over 300 miles of range and is the cheapest ES model.
9. The electric ES 500e is the most powerful ES ever, with 340 hp and 0-60 in the low 5s.
10. All new ES models are priced similarly, around $48,000-$51,000, offering a choice between hybrid and electric for a similar cost.
11. The interior features a unique shift-by-wire switch, freeing up console space.
12. The center console is packed with tech, including dual wireless chargers, USB-C ports, and a roll-back compartment for cup holders and storage.
13. Expect futuristic controls like integrated, touch-sensitive buttons on the trim and steering wheel.
14. The steering wheel has a unique, magical switch that controls both volume and track selection simultaneously.
15. The rear camera mirror setup is a standout safety and visibility feature.
16. Sunroof controls are also integrated into a touch-sensitive pad, not traditional buttons.
17. The large, intuitive infotainment screen is easy to use, but climate controls require a few more taps than ideal.
18. Integrated buttons on the trim disappear when the car is turned off for a cleaner look.
19. The gauge cluster is configurable, allowing for a full-screen map, but outer sections are fixed.
20. The ES offers a higher seating position, mimicking SUV-like commanding views, to appeal to a broader audience.
21. Futuristic touches include "LEXUS" written out on the steering wheel and electronic door openers (push-panel inside, electronic popper outside).
22. The rear seat space is shockingly large, significantly longer than the outgoing model (around 202 inches total length).
23. The increased length is partly to fill the void left by the discontinued LS and to appeal to the Chinese market's preference for rear-seat space.
24. Rear seat amenities include climate vents and USB-C ports, but lack rear storage compartments or climate controls.
25. Rear cup holders are integrated into the armrest, but using them means sacrificing a rear center passenger.
26. The trunk is also very spacious, offering practical storage hooks and an under-floor compartment.
27. There are no household power outlets in the new ES, only USB-C and wireless charging.
28. The trunk design has an unusual "wing-like" appearance due to its opening mechanism.
29. The car is incredibly competent and comfortable, with excellent ride quality, materials, and fuel economy.
30. Despite its competence, the ES is not an engaging or sporty driving experience; it prioritizes comfort and quietness.
31. The steering is soft and over-assisted, and the car exhibits body roll, not designed for aggressive cornering.
32. Acceleration is acceptable but feels strained under hard acceleration.
33. The ES is a refined, high-quality, relaxed sedan, arguably the best in its niche segment.
34. It's one of the few remaining affordable, soft, comfy luxury sedans, with improved tech and excellent fuel economy.
35. The ES finishes last in "weekend" (sporty) categories but first in "daily" (practicality/comfort) categories compared to rivals.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. Embrace the new, striking styling of the 2026 Lexus ES, a departure from its conservative past. This is a huge shift for the ES, a car traditionally known for its understated elegance. The new design is bold, with a "funky line down the side," aggressive front panels, and a unique fading diamond grille pattern. It's designed to grab attention, which is a stark contrast to its previous quiet demeanor.
2. The ES is now heavily based on the Toyota Crown, but with a more aggressive and unusual Lexus design. This is an interesting twist! Usually, Lexus takes a more conservative approach while Toyota might be the one to experiment. Here, the roles are reversed. The ES, built on the Crown's platform, gets the wilder, more "in-your-face" styling, while the Crown itself is described as more conservative. It's a surprising design strategy for Lexus.
3. Lexus is trying to inject fun and excitement into the declining world of the sedan with this redesign. The sedan market is tough right now, with SUVs dominating. Lexus is clearly aware of this and is trying to make the ES more appealing by giving it a more exciting look and some new features, hoping to recapture interest in a segment that's shrinking.
4. The sedan market is shrinking, with Lexus down to just two models (ES and IS), and even the LS flagship is being discontinued. This really highlights the challenge. Lexus used to have five sedans, but now it's down to the ES and the aging IS. The cancellation of the LS, a car that was there from the brand's inception, is a massive statement about the market's shift away from traditional sedans.
5. The ES still sells respectably, about half its peak popularity, justifying the effort to reinvigorate it. Even though sales aren't what they once were (around 40,000 units now versus a peak of 80,000), it's still a significant enough number to warrant Lexus putting effort into a full redesign. They're trying to keep this important model alive and relevant.
6. Powertrain options include a traditional hybrid (ES 350h) and fully electric models (ES 350e, ES 500e). Lexus is offering a mix to cater to different preferences. You can get the familiar hybrid setup, or go all-in on electric with two different power levels.
7. The hybrid ES 350h offers exceptional fuel economy (up to 46 mpg combined for AWD). For a car of its size, these MPG figures are seriously impressive! The AWD version getting 44 mpg and the FWD getting 46 mpg is a huge selling point for anyone looking to save on gas while still enjoying a luxury sedan.
8. The electric ES 350e offers over 300 miles of range and is the cheapest ES model. This is a great entry point into the electric ES. Over 300 miles of range is competitive, and being the most affordable at around $48,000 makes it a compelling option for those wanting to go electric without breaking the bank.
9. The electric ES 500e is the most powerful ES ever, with 340 hp and 0-60 in the low 5s. If you want a bit more pep, the 500e delivers. 340 horsepower and a sub-5.5-second 0-60 time is a significant step up and makes this the quickest ES to date. It's a nice way to add some excitement to the lineup.
10. All new ES models are priced similarly, around $48,000-$51,000, offering a choice between hybrid and electric for a similar cost. This is a smart pricing strategy. It means you can choose your preferred powertrain – hybrid or electric – without a massive price difference, allowing buyers to prioritize what matters most to them (fuel economy vs. electric driving) without a huge financial penalty.
11. The interior features a unique shift-by-wire switch, freeing up console space. This is a cool little innovation! Moving away from a traditional gear lever to a small switch opens up the center console, making room for more storage and tech features, which is always a win.
12. The center console is packed with tech, including dual wireless chargers, USB-C ports, and a roll-back compartment for cup holders and storage. They've really maximized the space here. Dual wireless chargers, plenty of USB-C ports, and a clever roll-back cover for cup holders and a storage bin make the console super functional and modern.
13. Expect futuristic controls like integrated, touch-sensitive buttons on the trim and steering wheel. Lexus is going all-in on the futuristic vibe. Instead of physical buttons, you'll find touch-sensitive areas integrated into the trim pieces and steering wheel, which look sleek and modern.
14. The steering wheel has a unique, magical switch that controls both volume and track selection simultaneously. This is a really neat trick! The switch moves as one unit, but the car intelligently knows whether you're trying to adjust volume or change tracks. It's a clever bit of engineering that adds to the car's high-tech feel.
15. The rear camera mirror setup is a standout safety and visibility feature. This is a game-changer, especially with passengers in the back or a small rear window. Flipping a switch turns the mirror into a full-screen camera feed, giving you an unobstructed view. It's a fantastic safety and convenience feature.
16. Sunroof controls are also integrated into a touch-sensitive pad, not traditional buttons. More futuristic controls! The sunroof and shade are operated by pressing in the vicinity of icons on a pad, rather than physical buttons. It's all about that clean, modern aesthetic.
17. The large, intuitive infotainment screen is easy to use, but climate controls require a few more taps than ideal. The big screen is a win for usability – high-res, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The only minor gripe is that some climate functions, like heated seats, need a couple of taps, which is slightly less convenient than dedicated buttons.
18. Integrated buttons on the trim disappear when the car is turned off for a cleaner look. This is a cool little detail that enhances the modern feel. When the car is off, these touch-sensitive buttons vanish, creating a very clean and minimalist dashboard.
19. The gauge cluster is configurable, allowing for a full-screen map, but outer sections are fixed. The digital gauge cluster is good, especially with the ability to display a full-screen map. However, it's a bit of a bummer that the outer sections of the screen are not customizable; you can't, for instance, show music on one side and the map in the center.
20. The ES offers a higher seating position, mimicking SUV-like commanding views, to appeal to a broader audience. Recognizing the SUV trend, Lexus has raised the seating position in the ES. This gives you that commanding, taller view of the road that many people love about SUVs, even in a sedan.
21. Futuristic touches include "LEXUS" written out on the steering wheel and electronic door openers (push-panel inside, electronic popper outside). They're really leaning into the future. Having "LEXUS" spelled out on the steering wheel is a bold statement, and the electronic door openers – a push panel inside and an electronic popper outside – add a touch of sci-fi to the daily routine.
22. The rear seat space is shockingly large, significantly longer than the outgoing model (around 202 inches total length). Wow, the back seat is HUGE! The car has grown by about 6-7 inches, making it significantly longer. This is a massive increase for a typical generation change and really opens up the rear cabin.
23. The increased length is partly to fill the void left by the discontinued LS and to appeal to the Chinese market's preference for rear-seat space. This explains the dramatic size increase. Lexus wants the ES to be a more viable option for former LS buyers and is also catering to the Chinese market, where rear-seat room is highly valued.
24. Rear seat amenities include climate vents and USB-C ports, but lack rear storage compartments or climate controls. While there are useful amenities like climate vents and USB-C ports, it's a bit of a miss that there are no dedicated storage compartments in the rear seatbacks or armrest. Also, no independent rear climate controls, which is a common luxury feature.
25. Rear cup holders are integrated into the armrest, but using them means sacrificing a rear center passenger. The pop-out cup holders in the armrest are nice, but they come at the cost of the middle seat. You have to choose between having drinks accessible or having a third person in the back.
26. The trunk is also very spacious, offering practical storage hooks and an under-floor compartment. The trunk is impressively large, as you'd expect with the car's increased length. The addition of storage hooks and an under-floor compartment adds practical touches for everyday use.
27. There are no household power outlets in the new ES, only USB-C and wireless charging. This is a noticeable omission. While USB-C and wireless charging are great, the lack of a standard household power outlet in the car limits some charging possibilities.
28. The trunk design has an unusual "wing-like" appearance due to its opening mechanism. The way the trunk opens, with those side panels, gives it a peculiar "wings" or "horns" look. It's definitely a unique design choice!
29. The car is incredibly competent and comfortable, with excellent ride quality, materials, and fuel economy. On the road, the ES is just a fantastic all-around vehicle. It's smooth, quiet, comfortable, and the fuel economy is top-notch. The materials feel premium, and it's just a very pleasant car to be in.
30. Despite its competence, the ES is not an engaging or sporty driving experience; it prioritizes comfort and quietness. This car is built for comfort, not for carving up corners. The driving experience is focused on a soft, quiet ride, not on sporty handling or driver engagement.
31. The steering is soft and over-assisted, and the car exhibits body roll, not designed for aggressive cornering. The steering is easy and light, perfect for relaxed driving, but it lacks feedback. The car's suspension is tuned for comfort, meaning it leans into turns (body roll) rather than staying flat and planted.
32. Acceleration is acceptable but feels strained under hard acceleration. While the acceleration is decent enough for daily driving, when you really push it, the powertrain sounds like it's working very hard to deliver that performance. It's not exactly effortless power.
33. The ES is a refined, high-quality, relaxed sedan, arguably the best in its niche segment. For what it is – a comfortable, efficient, and high-quality sedan – the ES is arguably the best you can get. It excels at providing a relaxed and premium experience.
34. It's one of the few remaining affordable, soft, comfy luxury sedans, with improved tech and excellent fuel economy. In a market where this type of car is becoming rare, the ES stands out. It offers that classic luxury sedan feel at a more accessible price point, now enhanced with better technology and impressive fuel efficiency.
35. The ES finishes last in "weekend" (sporty) categories but first in "daily" (practicality/comfort) categories compared to rivals. This score summary perfectly encapsulates the ES. It's not the car you'd pick for a spirited drive on a Saturday, but for your everyday commute and errands, it's practically unbeatable in its class for comfort, practicality, and efficiency.
🎯 Expert Opinion
Alright, let's talk about this new 2026 Lexus ES. From an industry perspective, this redesign is a fascinating play. Lexus is essentially doubling down on the sedan segment at a time when most manufacturers are either abandoning it or focusing solely on performance variants. The fact that they're making the ES *more* visually daring is a calculated risk, and I think it's a smart one. They're not trying to turn it into a sports sedan; they're trying to make the traditional luxury sedan experience more appealing to a broader audience, even if that audience is shrinking. The styling, while polarizing, is exactly what it needs to be to stand out in a sea of SUVs and increasingly generic car designs. It's a statement that Lexus is still committed to this segment and wants to inject some personality into it.
The platform sharing with the Toyota Crown is also a significant development. It allows Lexus to leverage engineering and development costs while still differentiating the product significantly with their own design language, interior features, and brand identity. This is a trend we'll see more of across the industry as manufacturers seek efficiency and cost savings.
The powertrain strategy is particularly interesting. Offering a hybrid that's incredibly fuel-efficient, alongside two distinct EV options (one focused on range and affordability, the other on performance), shows a commitment to electrification without alienating their core customer base who might still be hesitant about full EVs. The ES 500e, being the most powerful ES ever, is a clever move to offer a halo performance model within the ES lineup, even if it's not a true sports car. It provides a tangible performance upgrade that buyers can feel, without compromising the core ES identity.
The interior tech is where Lexus is really pushing the envelope. The integrated, touch-sensitive controls and the "magical" steering wheel switch are prime examples of Lexus trying to innovate and create unique user experiences. While the infotainment's climate control integration might be a slight annoyance, the overall direction towards cleaner, more intuitive interfaces is spot on. The disappearing buttons when the car is off are a neat trick that adds to the premium, futuristic feel. The higher seating position is a crucial adaptation; it acknowledges the SUV dominance by offering a similar feeling of command and visibility in a sedan package. This is a smart way to bridge the gap for buyers who like sedans but are drawn to SUVs.
The significant increase in length, particularly the focus on rear-seat space, is a strategic move. It not only caters to markets like China but also positions the ES as a more substantial, flagship-like offering now that the LS is gone. This makes the ES a more compelling proposition for buyers seeking that larger, more luxurious sedan experience without the LS's price tag. However, the lack of rear climate controls and storage is a missed opportunity for a car aiming for that premium feel. It's a detail that could easily be addressed in a mid-cycle refresh.
From a competitive standpoint, the ES is in a unique position. With many competitors exiting the segment or focusing on performance, the ES remains one of the last bastions of the affordable, comfortable, soft-riding luxury sedan. Its "weekend" vs. "daily" score breakdown perfectly illustrates this. It's not trying to be all things to all people; it's doubling down on its strengths: comfort, quietness, efficiency, and a high-quality interior. For the dwindling but still significant number of buyers who prioritize these attributes, the new ES is an excellent, and perhaps the best, choice available. Lexus has refined the thesis of the comfortable sedan to an art form here, and while the market may be shrinking, they've delivered a highly competent product for those who still value it.
Kanal: Doug DeMuro