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2018
Lexus ES 350

Starts at:
$38,950
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New 2018 Lexus ES 350
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Not rated
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350 2018 Lexus ES 350

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

The good & the bad

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

Expert 2018 Lexus ES 350 review

img1938232166 1528399099182 jpg
Our expert's take
By Brian Wong
Full article
img1938232166 1528399099182 jpg

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.

L.A. Bureau Chief
Brian Wong

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

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.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2018 Lexus ES 350 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
4/5
11.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
4/5
11.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Maintenance
1 years / 10,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase.
Basic
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase. Coverage begins after completion of the 4-year / 50,000 new vehicle Basic Warranty.
Dealer certification
161-point inspection

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Lexus ES 350?

The 2018 Lexus ES 350 is available in 1 trim level:

  • ES 350 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Lexus ES 350?

The 2018 Lexus ES 350 offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Lexus ES 350?

The 2018 Lexus ES 350 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Lexus ES 350 history

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