Does Lexus ES have V6?
The short answer: Yes—the gas-powered ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6, while the ES 300h hybrid uses a four-cylinder engine with electric motors. There is no V6 in the ES 300h or other hybrid variants. This article explains the current engine options in the Lexus ES lineup and what they mean for performance and efficiency.
Beyond that, this piece details which ES models offer a V6, how the powertrains differ in daily driving, and what buyers should consider when choosing between the gasoline and hybrid versions in today’s market.
Engine options in the Lexus ES
Here are the current engine options offered for the Lexus ES in the U.S. market:
- ES 350 — 3.5-liter V6 engine producing about 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- ES 300h — Hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors for a combined output around 215 horsepower, delivering strong efficiency and smooth operation.
In practice, buyers choosing the ES 350 prioritize performance and refinement associated with a V6, while those seeking efficient, low-running-cost operation gravitate toward the ES 300h hybrid.
Performance and efficiency: what to expect
Understanding how the two powertrains compare helps buyers pick the right ES for their needs. Here’s a quick look at the key contrasts.
- Power and acceleration — The ES 350’s V6 delivers stronger, immediate acceleration, while the ES 300h relies on hybrid torque assistance for a steady, efficient pace.
- Fuel economy — The ES 300h typically achieves higher fuel economy thanks to its hybrid system, especially in city driving; the ES 350 uses more fuel due to the V6.
- Running costs — The ES 300h often has lower fuel costs over time, though maintenance and repair costs are broadly similar across the ES lineup, depending on usage and service history.
- Sound and driving character — The ES 350 offers the traditional V6 note and seamless power delivery, while the ES 300h emphasizes quiet operation and smooth electric-assisted performance.
Bottom line: If you value performance and a traditional V6 experience, the ES 350 is the clear pick; if efficiency and long-term fuel savings matter most, the ES 300h stands out.
Summary
The Lexus ES lineup currently splits into a gas-powered ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and a hybrid ES 300h with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder plus electric motors. There is no V6 in the ES 300h, and regional variants can vary. For buyers, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize performance and a traditional V6 engine or the high efficiency of a hybrid system.
Does Lexus ES have a V6 engine?
Experience a 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine and precision-tuned Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
PDF
What Lexus has a V6 engine?
Several current and recent Lexus models feature V6 engines, including the LX 600, GX 550, IS 350, and ES 350. The LX and GX use twin-turbocharged V6s, while the IS and ES offer naturally aspirated V6 options.
Current Lexus models with V6 engines
- Lexus LX 600: Uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 409 horsepower and is also available as a hybrid.
- Lexus GX 550: Features a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 349 horsepower.
- Lexus IS 350: Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 311 horsepower.
- Lexus ES 350: Comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower.
Historically available Lexus V6 models
- Lexus RX: Previous generations have featured various V6 engines, such as the 3.0L, 3.3L, and 3.5L V6s in models like the RX 300, RX 330, and RX 350.
- Lexus GS: Historically offered V6 engines.
Which is better, Lexus ES 250 or 350?
The main differences between the Lexus ES 250 and ES 350 are their engines and drivetrain: the ES 250 features a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, while the ES 350 is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model with a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine. The ES 350 offers more horsepower and acceleration, while the ES 250 provides better traction in adverse weather conditions due to its standard AWD. Other features, such as the interior, exterior styling, and technology, are very similar across both models.
You can watch this video to see the 2022 Lexus ES 250 AWD, including its features and performance: 1momardrivesYouTube · Mar 10, 2022
| Feature | Lexus ES 250 | Lexus ES 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 302 hp |
| Drivetrain | Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Performance | Adequate for daily driving; better traction in poor weather | Stronger acceleration and performance |
| Fuel Efficiency | Slightly better fuel economy | Lower fuel economy compared to the ES 250 |
| Features | Standard features are largely the same as the ES 350, including AWD, safety systems, and infotainment | Standard features are largely the same as the ES 250, including AWD, safety systems, and infotainment |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_7NIlaaKuEdr0i-gP8PTayAY_175';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
What engine is in the Lexus ES?
The ES 300h exquisite pairs a 2.5-liter direct injection engine with a powerful, self-charging electric motor to deliver 214 horsepower with maximum fuel efficiency.
