How safe is the Lexus ES 350?
Yes. The Lexus ES 350 is considered one of the safer options in its class, thanks to a strong suite of standard safety features, solid crash-test results, and a long track record of reliability.
In this article, we examine the ES 350’s safety technology, the latest crash-test ratings from major authorities, and how these ratings can vary by model year and trim so buyers understand the protections available for themselves and their passengers.
Safety features and driver-assistance
Key safety tech and driver-assistance systems included with the ES 350, and how they contribute to everyday protection, are outlined below.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control)
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
In short, these features aim to prevent collisions when possible and mitigate impact if a crash becomes unavoidable, while helping with longitudinal control and awareness on the road.
Crash-test ratings
Independent safety evaluations provide a snapshot of how the ES 350 performs in crash scenarios and in crash-prevention capabilities. Ratings can vary a bit by model year and by the exact headlight and safety-package configuration installed.
- NHTSA overall rating: 5 stars in the latest widely available testing for typical ES 350 configurations.
- IIHS rating: Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ depending on headlight choice and the presence of front-crash-prevention features.
These ratings reflect both crashworthiness (the ability to protect occupants in a crash) and crash-avoidance (the effectiveness of automatic emergency braking and related systems). If you’re shopping, check the specific model year’s IIHS and NHTSA pages to confirm the exact scores for the trim you’re considering, since headlights and optional safety packages can influence the overall designation.
Active safety and driver-assistance features by year/trim
The availability and configuration of safety systems can shift with model-year updates and trim levels. Generally, the ES 350 includes Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 or its successor across recent years, with most core features standard or widely available.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (adaptive cruise with traffic-slow/stop capability)
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Note: Availability and exact feature names can vary by model year and trim, so verify the current specifications for the ES 350 you’re considering. This ensures you know which safety tools are included as standard or optional on a given configuration.
Bottom line
The Lexus ES 350 offers a strong safety proposition in its class, combining a comprehensive standard driver-assistance suite with solid crash-test results from major authorities. While ratings are generally favorable, the exact designation (Top Safety Pick vs. Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, for example) can depend on headlights and optional packages, which vary by year and trim. Always check the latest model-year ratings and confirm the specific safety features installed on the exact vehicle you’re evaluating.
Summary
Overall, the ES 350 is a well-protected choice in the luxury midsize segment, backed by robust safety technology and high crash-test scores. Prospective buyers should review the current model-year IIHS/NHTSA ratings and confirm which safety features come standard on the trim they want, since those details can influence overall safety designations and real-world protection.
Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?
The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon.
What is the common problem in Lexus ES 350?
This luxury car also has a lower probability of needing a major fix compared to its competitors. But like any other vehicle, the ES 350 can develop problems over time. Some of the most common ones include oil leaks, unintended acceleration, infotainment system problems, and a melting dashboard.
Which Lexus model is the safest?
1. The 2025 Lexus RX. The Lexus RX has long been a favorite for families in Ohio, and for good reason. For 2025, it continues its legacy as a safety leader, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
What is the safety rating of the Lexus 350?
Safety Ratings
Models equipped with all-wheel drive have earned a five-star overall safety rating, while front-wheel-drive versions received a four-star overall rating. These ratings reflect the vehicle's excellent performance in crash tests and its array of safety features.
