Imagine the satisfying feeling of pulling into your driveway in a sophisticated luxury sedan, its elegant lines gleaming under the sun. Now, consider a choice that many discerning drivers face: investing in the very latest model or opting for a slightly older, yet still remarkably refined, version. This exact dilemma often arises when considering the Lexus ES, a name synonymous with comfort and reliability. As you’ve seen in the detailed comparison above, distinguishing between a new Lexus ES and a previous generation can present a compelling financial and experiential puzzle, offering distinct advantages and trade-offs for prospective buyers.
The Lexus ES has long captivated drivers seeking a premium experience without the often exorbitant price tags of some European rivals. Historically, it earned a reputation as a no-nonsense luxury car, appealing to those who prioritized serene comfort and unwavering dependability. Edmunds’ experts have rigorously tested both generations, providing invaluable insights into their performance, features, and overall appeal. Our deep dive beyond the initial impressions reveals crucial details, helping you decide whether the newer iteration truly justifies its elevated cost.
Evolving Exterior Design: A Tale of Two Lexus ES Sedans
The visual identity of a vehicle often sets the first impression, and the Lexus ES has undergone noteworthy transformations. The prior generation, introduced in 2019, sported a striking X-shaped spindle grille, a design element that certainly commanded attention. However, the latest Lexus ES has embraced a more subtle approach, featuring a slender slot at the top of the nose with a larger opening below. This stylistic shift, partially influenced by the introduction of an electric variant that has fewer cooling needs, gives the new ES a distinctly modern and streamlined appearance.
Beyond the grille, the headlights have also become notably slimmer, contributing to a more contemporary aesthetic. Although the integration of a black trim piece below the headlights on the new model has sparked debate, the overall intention appears to be a cleaner, more integrated look. Moving along the side, the new Lexus ES has grown in every dimension, an impressive feat for an already substantial sedan. It is wider, taller, and most remarkably, a full six and a half inches longer than its predecessor. This extended length pushes the ES into a class of its own, even surpassing the size of many midsize SUVs like the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Furthermore, the new ES now rides on larger 19-inch wheels, an upgrade from the 17-inch or 18-inch options found on the older model. This change not only enhances the car’s stance but also contributes to its refined ride quality. A subtle yet noticeable black accent line down the side, particularly prominent on brighter paint colors, adds another layer of design sophistication. Around the back, the full-width taillight design on the new Lexus ES creates a cohesive and modern look, mirroring a trend seen in other luxury vehicles. The bold “LEXUS” lettering, replacing the traditional emblem, further signals a shift towards contemporary design language.
Unpacking the Technological Leap in the Lexus ES Interior
Stepping inside the Lexus ES, it becomes immediately apparent that technology is where the new generation truly shines. The instrument cluster screen, often overlooked, has received a significant upgrade. Imagine having turn-by-turn directions from your navigation, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto displayed directly in your line of sight, allowing the main infotainment screen to be used for other functions. This enhanced functionality ensures critical information is always accessible, making every drive more informed and less distracting. The clarity and sharpness of the display are genuinely impressive, setting a high standard for driver interfaces.
The main infotainment screen in the new Lexus ES has expanded to a generous 14 inches, dominating the dashboard in a tasteful, integrated manner. While it might visually resemble an iPad affixed to the dash, its strategic placement is a masterclass in ergonomics. Both front passengers can effortlessly reach the screen, and its height ensures excellent visibility without obstructing the driver’s view of the road. This new system, based on Toyota’s latest infotainment platform and subtly reskinned for Lexus, is incredibly responsive and boasts superb graphics. It also integrates seamlessly with Google Maps, providing crucial details like restaurant ratings and phone numbers directly within the native navigation, which is a significant practical advantage for daily use. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now come standard, freeing up the cabin from unsightly cables.
Charging options are equally abundant and notably advanced in the new ES, featuring a pair of USB-C ports that deliver an impressive 60 watts of power. This capability is sufficient to charge even a laptop, making it incredibly convenient for busy professionals or those on long journeys. The previous generation’s technology, by contrast, presents a more varied experience depending on the model year. Until 2022, the older Lexus ES utilized a trackpad interface for its infotainment system, a setup that was widely criticized for being cumbersome and challenging to operate while driving. This makes model years 2022 and newer particularly desirable for used ES buyers, as they received a much-needed touchscreen update. For even greater connectivity and ease of use, considering a 2023 or newer model is advisable, as these introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a more comprehensive suite of USB-C charging ports. This distinction in infotainment is arguably one of the most compelling reasons to favor a newer used Lexus ES.
Comfort and Materials: A Deep Dive into Lexus ES Interiors
Lexus has always been celebrated for its commitment to interior comfort and luxurious materials, and both generations of the Lexus ES uphold this tradition, albeit with some interesting distinctions. The older ES interior features genuine leather, a material that feels exceptionally supple on the seats, console, dash, and steering wheel. Complementing this are elegant wood trim pieces, available in various colors, that imbue the cabin with an ultra-classy ambiance. This generation also excels with its array of physical controls for climate settings and heated/ventilated seats, allowing for intuitive adjustments without diverting attention from the road. The seat ventilation in particular is remarkably effective, quickly cooling occupants on warm days, while the supportive seats offer excellent bolstering and a notable thigh cushion extension for enhanced long-distance comfort.
Small item storage, however, was a slight drawback in the previous Lexus ES, with somewhat modest door pockets and a center console that, while opening from both sides, wasn’t exceptionally capacious for larger items. An analog clock, though not strictly useful, added a charming, old-school touch that many enthusiasts appreciated. The tactile quality of controls like the volume knob, with its super smooth glide, further underscored Lexus’s meticulous attention to detail.
In the new Lexus ES, small item storage has certainly improved, offering a convenient bin for the wireless charging pad, two well-sized cupholders, and an additional storage space beneath, ideal for less-frequently accessed items. While the center console still opens bidirectionally, its size remains moderate. The new dash design prioritizes simplification, aligning with contemporary luxury trends that favor larger screens and cleaner lines. This aesthetic, however, some argue, can make the new interior feel slightly less bespoke than the older, more traditionally adorned cabin. While the new ES foregoes genuine leather for synthetic materials, these feel good on the seats and door panels, offering comfort and durability. However, the rubberized synthetic material on the steering wheel has drawn comparisons to more utilitarian vehicles, which might be a minor point of contention for those expecting traditional Lexus luxury. Despite this, the new ES seats remain very comfortable, providing ample support for extended journeys, even if they don’t quite match the supreme comfort of the previous generation’s real leather seating. The control scheme, while generally effective with its physical buttons cleverly hidden under a thin material layer, integrates more functions through the main screen, such as heated/ventilated seats and drive modes. This digital approach, while modern, can sometimes feel less immediate than dedicated physical controls.
Rear Seat Accommodations: Expanding Space in the Lexus ES
One of the most significant upgrades in the new Lexus ES is undoubtedly its expansive rear seating area. The vehicle’s increased overall length translates directly into a massive amount of rear legroom. To put this in perspective, the new ES boasts an impressive two extra inches of legroom compared to the now-discontinued Lexus LS flagship sedan, a vehicle renowned for its cavernous interior. For an average-height adult, fitting comfortably behind their own driving position is effortless, with ample space to spare. This generous legroom, combined with wide door openings, also makes the new ES exceptionally practical for families, simplifying the installation of child car seats. Passengers also benefit from a pair of USB-C ports and air vents, ensuring comfort and connectivity during their journey. Lexus even offers an executive seating package on the electric version of the ES, further enhancing the rear passenger experience with advanced features, though regrettably, this package isn’t available across the entire hybrid lineup.
The backseat of the old Lexus ES, while still quite good by most standards, simply pales in comparison to the vastness of the new model. Adults will find sufficient legroom, and headroom is generally adequate for individuals around six feet tall. Like the new model, its wide door openings are conducive to installing car seats, though the plastic latch anchor covers require careful storage to avoid loss. In terms of amenities, the older ES provides vents, USB ports, and even a 12-volt charging port, offering a reasonable level of convenience for rear passengers. An optional rear sunshade was a notable feature, providing a welcome respite on sunny days. While the older ES’s rear accommodations are certainly comfortable, the sheer volume of space in the new Lexus ES is a decisive advantage, particularly for those who frequently transport rear passengers or require significant cargo flexibility.
Driving Dynamics and Everyday Experience: The Lexus ES Evolution
The driving experience in a Lexus ES has always been characterized by supreme smoothness and refinement, and both generations deliver this in spades. The new Lexus ES, particularly the hybrid version, lives up to its informal moniker of “Extra Smooth.” While the electric version’s ride was found to be slightly firmer due likely to the increased weight of its battery, the hybrid variant glides over road imperfections with buttery composure, perfectly embodying the Lexus promise of plush comfort. The new ES also enjoys a power advantage, producing 244 total horsepower compared to the old model’s 215 horsepower. Crucially, the new ES’s electric motors contribute over 200 of those horsepower, meaning the car often operates silently on electric power, enhancing the quiet and refined driving experience. When the gasoline engine does engage, it does so with a near-seamless transition, a characteristic that sets it apart from many other hybrids where the engine’s activation can be more abrupt. The brake blending, which harmonizes the conventional and regenerative braking systems, is equally transparent, providing a consistent and confidence-inspiring pedal feel.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong suit for the Lexus ES, with the new front-wheel drive hybrid achieving an impressive 46 MPG and the all-wheel drive variant returning 44 MPG. The safety suite also sees significant advancements with the debut of Lexus Safety System Plus 4.0. This updated system aims for more human-like interventions, particularly excelling in lane centering on highways and offering swift automatic lane changes with its adaptive cruise control. Visibility in the new ES is excellent, benefiting from a slightly higher seating position and large windows all around. Although a surround-view camera system and rearview camera mirror are available, the natural visibility is so good that they often feel supplementary. A minor quibble, however, is the sensitivity of the integrated dash cam, which frequently triggers and displays notifications for everyday driving maneuvers, potentially leading drivers to disable a valuable safety feature. This highlights the delicate balance between robust safety systems and driver convenience, a challenge many manufacturers are currently addressing.
Driving the old Lexus ES immediately after the new model provides a unique perspective, revealing just how well the previous generation holds its own. The cabin of the older ES is remarkably quiet, offering excellent isolation that makes conversations effortless even at highway speeds. Many drivers will appreciate the real leather and wood accents on the steering wheel of the older model, which feels perfectly weighted and sized. The presence of a traditional shifter is another tactile detail that appeals to those who prefer a more conventional driving interface. The ride quality remains supremely comfortable, with the old ES having no sporty ambitions, purely focusing on delivering a smooth and relaxing journey. While its gas engine engages more noticeably than the new hybrid’s nearly imperceptible transitions, it is by no means an unpleasant experience. An important distinction for the previous generation hybrid Lexus ES is the absence of an all-wheel-drive option; if AWD was desired, buyers had to opt for the less efficient ES 250 with a four-cylinder engine, which only achieved 28 MPG combined. However, the front-wheel drive hybrid still delivered an excellent 44 MPG combined, nearly matching the new model’s efficiency.
The driver aids in the old Lexus ES, while effective, do not feel quite as refined as the updated system in the new generation. For instance, the lane centering, while functional, can exhibit a slight “ping-ponging” effect between lane markers on the highway, an improvement that is subtle but noticeable when experienced back-to-back with the newer, smoother system. Visibility in the older ES also remains very good, although it lacks the rearview camera mirror found in the new model. Ultimately, the driving experience in the new Lexus ES offers a more EV-like, refined journey, but the older generation remains an incredibly easy and comfortable car for daily driving, with many of its core attributes holding up remarkably well against its successor.
Value and Pricing: New vs. Used Lexus ES
The ultimate decision between a new Lexus ES and a used one often boils down to value and price, a critical consideration for any luxury car purchase. A new, top-trim Lexus ES can command a price tag just under $58,000. For a used model, the landscape is more nuanced, but Edmunds’ comprehensive data provides clear guidance. To ensure a superior ownership experience, particularly regarding infotainment, it is highly recommended to target a Lexus ES from 2022 or newer. This ensures you benefit from the crucial touchscreen interface, a vast improvement over the older trackpad system. For an even more optimized experience, focusing on 2023 and newer models is advisable, as these received the updated infotainment system and a full complement of USB-C charging ports, addressing modern connectivity needs. Interestingly, Edmunds’ average transaction price for a 2022-2025 Lexus ES hovers around $40,000, with little price difference between the 2022 and 2023 model years. This suggests that opting for a 2023 model year provides better value, securing the enhanced multimedia experience for a similar investment. The Lexus ES demonstrates strong value retention compared to many other luxury vehicles, though it doesn’t quite match the depreciation resilience of ultra-popular models like the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This creates a significant price gap of roughly $15,000 between a well-equipped new ES and a highly desirable used one.
The question then becomes whether the incremental improvements in the new Lexus ES justify this substantial price difference. The previous generation ES already held an impressive Edmunds overall score of 8.1, positioning it at the top of midsize luxury sedan rankings. The new ES builds upon this strong foundation, elevating its overall rating to 8.3. This slim victory is primarily attributed to its superior technology, including advanced screens and software, along with a slight edge in driving dynamics due to its refined driver aids. Both generations, however, excel in offering exceptional value within the luxury segment, providing a wealth of features and comfort at a significantly lower price point than competitors such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Interestingly, the older Lexus ES maintains its lead in comfort, despite the new model’s vastly improved rear seat space. This is due to a preference for the previous generation’s front seats, its intuitive climate control setup, and the highly effective seat ventilators. Given that the new Lexus ES merely refines an already excellent car rather than transforming a mediocre one, the $15,000 price difference becomes a considerable factor. Many will find the enduring appeal of the older interior, with its genuine leather, elegant wood trim, and classic analog clock, a compelling reason to pocket the savings and enjoy a nearly identical luxury experience, making the older Lexus ES a truly smart buy.
Lexus ES Generations: Your Questions Answered
What kind of car is the Lexus ES known for being?
The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan celebrated for its comfort, reliability, and offering a premium experience without the extremely high prices of some competitors.
How does the exterior design of the new Lexus ES compare to older models?
The new Lexus ES features a more modern, streamlined look with a different grille design, slimmer headlights, and it is significantly larger overall, including being longer and wider than its predecessor.
What are the main technology upgrades in the new Lexus ES interior?
The new Lexus ES includes a larger, more responsive touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced USB-C charging ports for modern devices.
Is there more room for passengers in the back of the new Lexus ES?
Yes, the new Lexus ES has a much larger rear seating area with significantly more legroom, making it very comfortable for backseat passengers.
If I’m looking for a used Lexus ES, what model year should I consider for better technology?
For a better technology experience, especially with the infotainment system, you should look for a used Lexus ES from the 2022 model year or newer, as these have a touchscreen display instead of an older trackpad.