2018 Lexus ES 350

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$38,950

starting MSRP

2018 Lexus ES 350
2018 Lexus ES 350

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

24

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

193.3” x 57.1”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Interior design
  • Bright instruments
  • No touch-sensitive panels
  • App-compatible multimedia system

The bad:

  • Overpowering spindle grille
  • Remote Touch interface
  • Leather upholstery not standard
  • Unremarkable hybrid gas mileage estimates

1 trim

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Lexus ES 350 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2023

Notable features

  • Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect free for 10 years
  • Five-seat mid-size luxury sedan
  • 268-hp V-6 engine standard
  • Front-wheel drive
  • ES 300h hybrid available
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2018 Lexus ES 350?

2018 Lexus ES 350 review: Our expert's take

By Brian Wong

When Lexus launched in 1989, it only had two models in its lineup. One of them was the ES — so the sedan has a long history with the brand, and the newly redesigned-for-2019 ES is the seventh generation of the car. It’s been changed inside and out with a new platform, new powertrains and updated styling.

Related: 2019 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h First Drive: So Close to Greatness

The ES shares the most in common with the Toyota Avalon, which was also redesigned for 2019 — and the two share more than just a passing resemblance. They have the same wheelbase, same overall length and mechanically identical powertrains, just with some slight tuning differences.

From the side, the two models look fairly identical, but the ES has a few styling cues that let you know it’s a Lexus — starting with the grille. Most versions of the ES come with a spindle grille with vertically oriented slats; if you opt for an F-Sport model, you’ll get a more aggressive overall look, but also a 3-D sort of chainmail mesh grille that’s more in-your-face.

The ES will be offered in gas and hybrid versions. The ES 350 gas version of the car will get a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 302 horsepower. The ES 300h features Lexus’ fourth-generation hybrid system with a total output of 215 hp, and its estimated fuel economy matches the Avalon’s at 44 mpg combined.

Acceleration from the gas engine is adequate — I wouldn’t say it’s mind-blowing, and that actually makes me prefer the hybrid version because you get that big advantage of fuel economy. Now, there is one catch going with the ES: It’s going to be front-wheel drive only. Pretty much all of its other competitors offer some sort of all-wheel drive, so it’s weird that Lexus wouldn’t choose to put some kind of AWD system in the ES — and that makes it stick out for the wrong reasons.

For more info, including full driving and interior impressions, watch the video below.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

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Former L.A. Bureau Chief Brian Wong is a California native with a soft spot for convertibles and free parking. Email Brian Wong

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior design 4.9
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value for the money 4.8
  • Exterior styling 4.9
  • Reliability 4.9

Most recent consumer reviews

4.0

Great Ride Lacking in technology

2018 Lexus ES350 purchased as Certified Pre Owned Typically receive great service from Germain Lexus. Car has decent acceleration, ride is good however seats can be some what hard after 6 hours behind the wheel, technology is lagging with no ability to upgrade in reference to android auto or apple car play, handling and breaking is very good.

5.0

Most reliable vehicle

Owning a Lexus will prove to be one of the wisest decision you've every made. Speaking from experience here ... 1998 ES300 w/175k mi - Runs as smooth as new - Minimal repairs over the years. Maybe spent $800 on repair other than regular stuff. 2010 ES350 w/175k mi - Ran awesome until someone totaled. Replaced master cylinder and reg mait otherwise. Awesome car!! 2017 ES350 w/55k mi - Like brand new - Never one issue since new. 2018 ES350 w/67k mi - Just replaced the 2010 with this. Perfect vehicle doesn't begin to describe how I feel about it.

5.0

Excellent vehicle

Love the car. Only setback is the seats not very comfortable on long trip and need more comfort. Other than that the vehicle is great and runs very smooth. Lexus service is great and very personal service.

See all 59 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
72 months/70,000 miles
Maintenance
12 months/10,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/unlimited distance

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