Edmunds gave the 2027 Lexus ES 350e a mixed rating of 42/100, praising its exceptional value—starting under $49,000 and undercutting competitors—alongside a completely redesigned infotainment system with physical climate controls and EV charging route planning via NACS. However, the sedan significantly underperforms on power with only 221 horsepower, a sluggish 7.4-second 0-60 time, and disappointing charging speeds at half of what competitors offer, while its divisive design features an awkward black side stripe that reviewers dislike. Material quality issues toward the rear and the lack of one-pedal driving further detract from the ownership experience. The ES 350e is best suited for buyers prioritizing luxury and affordability over performance or driving engagement.

Doug DeMuro gave the 2026 Lexus ES 350h a solidly positive 74/100 rating, praising its exceptional value (starting around $50,000), outstanding fuel economy (44-46 mpg combined), and spacious, livable interior with a commanding seating position and huge rear seat. The cabin tech impresses with dual wireless chargers and a new shift switch design, while the driving_tech rear camera mirror system provides excellent visibility. However, the ES stumbles on performance, with the 350h offering under 250 horsepower and uninspiring driving dynamics, and the bold new design featuring funky side lines and aggressively angled panels won't appeal to everyone. This is the ideal sedan for buyers who prioritize comfort, efficiency, quality materials, and value over driving excitement.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2026 Lexus ES 350h a strong positive rating of 84/100, praising its exceptional fuel economy (46 mpg combined for FWD), cabin technology with powered steering wheel memory and rear USB-C ports, and refreshed design that moves away from Lexus's spindle grille toward a sportier L-shaped headlight style. The vehicle also impressed with its grown dimensions—6.5 inches longer than the previous generation with 3 extra inches of rear legroom—though the reviewer noted a tradeoff in value where hybrid models don't include all available features, and wished the sedan were a liftback instead of a traditional trunk. The ES is ideal for buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient luxury sedan that delivers Lexus's renowned reliability and comfort without the premium pricing of competitors.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2026 Lexus ES a highly positive review with an OctaneScore of 94/100, praising its cabin technology and performance as exceptional strengths—the ES 500e delivers 338 horsepower with 0-60 acceleration in the low five seconds, while interior controls feature physical feedback buttons and a luxury touch-to-open charging port. The livability and design scores remain strong, though the executive package's non-folding rear seats limit cargo versatility, and the DC fast charging tops out at 150 kW, which is on the low end for the segment. The 350e Premium trim starting at $48,895 offers the most value, letting buyers get a fully loaded luxury sedan without paying for unnecessary performance. The 2026 ES is ideal for buyers seeking a refined, tech-forward luxury sedan with impressive electric performance and an exceptionally well-crafted interior.

Redline Reviews gives the redesigned 2026 Lexus ES 350h AWD a strong 85/100 rating, praising its standout performance (244 hp, 0-60 in just over 7 seconds) and exceptional cabin technology, highlighted by the new 14-inch center screen with seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive efficiency with up to 46 MPG combined and 630 miles of range, while the significantly larger interior and high-quality materials throughout the cabin—including the Newux synthetic leather and tactile controls—reinforce its luxury positioning. The main drawbacks are the divisive split headlight design and inconsistent trim-level feature distribution, with Redline noting frustration that some amenities like dual wireless charging pads are locked to higher trims and can't be spec'd on the premium model. The ES is ideally suited for luxury sedan buyers who prioritize comfort, technology, and efficiency over flashy styling or maximum performance.

The 2026 Lexus ES receives strong acclaim with a 91/100 OctaneScore, driven by exceptional performance in design and cabin technology—the new L-shaped headlights and grille styling earn universal praise, while standard bamboo inserts with customizable ambient lighting and haptic touch controls elevate the interior experience. The three powertrain variants impress with competitive acceleration, ranging from the hybrid's 7.2-second 0-60 time to the fully electric 500E's 5.4-second sprint, and the spacious interior benefits from a 3-inch longer wheelbase and highly adjustable front seating. Economy scores moderately at 50/100, with the 350E offering 300 miles of range and the 500E providing respectable mid-200s range that reflects its performance focus rather than efficiency. The ES is built for luxury sedan buyers prioritizing cutting-edge design, premium cabin tech, and powertrain variety without sacrificing traditional Lexus refinement.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Lexus ES a strong positive rating of 80/100, praising its cabin technology, performance, and driving features as class-leading. The redesigned interior impresses with a new 12.3-inch digital cluster and illuminated steering wheel, while the ES500E delivers impressive performance with 338 horsepower and 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds, plus access to Tesla Superchargers for electric models. The cabin's expanded dimensions—2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the previous generation—enhance livability, though the starting price has jumped significantly from $43,000 to just under $50,000, and electric range trails competitors at around 250-300 miles versus 400+ miles elsewhere. This refreshed ES targets younger luxury buyers seeking modern technology and performance, though budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider the price increase carefully.

Redline Reviews gave the 2023 Lexus ES 300h F-Sport a solidly positive review with a 96/100 highlight score, praising its exceptional fuel economy (up to 44 MPG), significantly upgraded cabin technology with new Lexus interface software, and stylish F-Sport design that appeals to younger buyers. The hybrid's practical 7.3-second 0-60 time beats Lexus's conservative claims, and the cabin impresses with spacious rear seating and a power-closing trunk unavailable on the Camry. However, performance remains sluggish by broader standards, the backup camera's standard view looks basic, and pricing concerns emerge with F-Sport models reaching nearly $55,000 fully equipped. The ES 300h is best suited for luxury sedan buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and technology over outright performance, willing to accept the hybrid's modest acceleration.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Lexus ES 500e a solidly positive 79/100 rating, praising its exceptional reliability and cabin technology, including soft-close doors, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, and a distinctive dual L-themed headlight design that makes it significantly larger than its predecessor. The luxury sedan delivers strong livability with a panoramic sunroof standard and an updated interior featuring real leather and soft-touch materials, while the dual-motor 500e variant impresses with 338 horsepower and 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. However, the battery electric powertrain falls short on efficiency compared to competitors—achieving only 292-307 miles of range and charging speeds that lag behind rivals approaching 400-mile marks. The 2026 ES is built for buyers seeking a traditional, comfortable luxury sedan with modern tech and premium materials who are willing to accept compromises on electric range and charging performance.