2026 Lexus ES

This is an all-new generation of the Lexus ES midsize luxury sedan. We’d also say radically new. Sporting a fresh design and different drivetrains, this latest ES is more daring than any of the more mild-mannered ES models before it. Everyone will have their own opinions on the styling, so let’s get under the striking skin right away and say that Lexus has built this latest eighth-generation ES on a platform developed to accommodate hybrid or completely electric power. Which is exactly what the new ES offers. Technology also moves forward; the 2026 ES is the first model to use the all-new Lexus infotainment system.

The 2026 Lexus ES is completely new, with distinct styling and a choice of electrified drivetrains. Yet the space, comfort, and resale value that have always been ES virtues are alive and well.

Unusually, the hybrid has a lower starting price than the EV in the Lexus ES lineup. The models in the table below with “e” in their names are electric, and those with “h” are hybrid. Pricing starts at $48,895 for the ES 350e, while the top trim kicks off at $60,295.

The Lexus ES has a history of retaining its value well. Alternatives are much pricier. There’s a surprising lack of hybrids in this class, making the hybrid variants of the ES a uniquely good value in midsize luxury sedans. Meanwhile, all-electric luxury sedans tend to start much higher, like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan, both beginning in the high $60k range.

We found the driving experience of the hybrid ES 350h to be pretty predictable for a hybrid Lexus. This 244-horsepower powertrain obtains up to 46 combined mpg in Lexus’s estimate, so it prioritized efficiency over rip-roaring performance. That’s fine with us, as it makes for a pleasant ride and low fuel costs. It’s still a bit noisy under hard acceleration, but in relaxed daily driving, it will get you around just fine with minimal fuss. With the hybrid, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

Naturally, the electric powertrains don’t suffer from the hybrid’s noise. The single-motor, front-wheel drive system has less power but more torque than the hybrid, yielding similar overall performance without burning any gas. Upgrading to the dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup gives you the quickest version of the new Lexus ES, but its performance is still on the tame side compared to rivals. We’ve been spoiled by stunning performance in luxury EVs with multiple motors, but the ES 500e drives, well, like a laid-back Lexus sedan. Variety is the name of the game with the new Lexus ES, and we always like to see variety.

Powertrain

The Lexus ES got bigger with the new generation, which makes sense now that the full-size Lexus LS has been discontinued. The result is a roomier interior and a bigger trunk, enhancing its practicality. The front seats are pleasantly roomy, even for taller drivers. We also found the back seats very adult-friendly, with a whopping 40.7 inches of rear legroom. That’s an extra 1.5 inches compared to the outgoing ES. The hybrid version of the ES has 17.4 cubic feet of trunk space, while the EV gets about one extra cubic foot. In both cases, the trunk in the new ES is bigger than the one in the outgoing ES.

Soft-touch materials are abundant, but some of them feel a little odd. There’s a synthetic suede material wrapped around the steering wheel that doesn’t feel quite like similar materials we’ve seen in other luxury cars. It’s synonymous with the futuristic aesthetic in the ES’s cabin, but buyers looking for a more traditional luxury sedan experience may prefer real-deal leather.

The new screen setup in the ES comprises a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14-inch central display, housing Lexus’s brand-new infotainment system. It’s similar enough to the earlier system it replaces to be familiar, but adds some nice touches like crisper resolution and — thankfully — a home button. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, which we always like to see.

Despite the minimalist pretensions of this interior design, it still has tactile HVAC controls integrated into a bar beneath the infotainment display. We found them as user-friendly as traditional buttons while maintaining a sleek design. A roller dial for the volume control is present and accounted for as well, making the controls in the ES easy to use while keeping your eyes on the road.

Powertrain choices
The Lexus ES is one of the first luxury sedans to offer both hybrid and all-electric options in one model line. We always like to see powertrain variety, especially when every option excels at efficiency, as they do in this Lexus.

Mark Levinson audio
One of our favorite features in any Lexus, the new ES offers a surround-sound system optimized for this car. We’ve been impressed with Mark Levinson systems in every Lexus, and the new ES is no exception.

Executive package
This optional bundle is offered with the front-wheel-drive ES 350e in the Luxury trim. It includes heated/ventilated/massaging/reclining rear outboard seats, plus a footrest on the passenger side. We’re glad to see these upscale options in the ES, now that the fancier Lexus LS has been discontinued.