Is Lexus ES underpowered?
The short answer is that the ES isn’t typically underpowered for everyday driving. It’s engineered for quiet refinement, smooth acceleration, and comfortable highway cruising rather than blistering speed. The gas-powered ES 350 offers brisk acceleration for a luxury sedan, while the hybrid ES 300h prioritizes efficiency with adequate, but not sporty, pace. Below is a closer look at how the ES performs in real-world use and how it stacks up against rivals.
Powertrain lineup and performance
In the United States, the Lexus ES has traditionally been offered with two main propulsion options. The gas-powered ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 and delivers about 302 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid ES 300h combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for roughly 215 horsepower combined, emphasizing efficiency and smooth, steady power delivery. Acceleration figures reflect their aims: the ES 350 typically posts 0-60 mph times in the mid-to-high six-second range, while the hybrid is slower, generally in the low-to-mid 7-second or higher range depending on conditions. Real-world feel can vary with load, road conditions, and drivetrain mode.
Gas-powered ES 350
The ES 350’s 3.5-liter V6 is designed to offer strong, quiet motivation without shouting about it. The power is readily accessible, particularly in the mid-range, which makes overtaking and merging on highways feel confident. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly, contributing to an unobtrusive, refined driving experience that Lexus positions as a luxury cruiser rather than a sports sedan.
Hybrid ES 300h
The hybrid setup uses a 2.5-liter inline-four with electric motors to deliver about 215 horsepower combined. In daily driving, the hybrid’s torque from the electric motor helps with smooth city starts and steady cruising, and fuel economy is notably improved versus the gas-only model. However, when pushed hard for quicker passing or spirited driving, the hybrid’s pace is more measured than punchy, which aligns with its efficiency-focused mission.
In summary, the ES’s powertrains are chosen to balance refinement, real-world usefulness, and efficiency. For buyers who want the most immediate, sporty response, the ES may feel modest next to turbocharged rivals or high-performance variants; for those who value a serene, comfortable ride with ample everyday acceleration, the ES delivers convincingly.
Driving experience and refinement
Beyond straight-line speed, most reviewers highlight the ES for its hushed cabin, smooth ride, and confident highway manners. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, and the suspension generally strikes a good balance between comfort and stability. The gas ES 350’s extra power becomes apparent in freeway merges and overtakes, while the hybrid’s quiet, steady acceleration shines in urban commuting and long highway stretches. The trade-off is that neither version is intended to feel sporty; if you crave razor-sharp handling or rapid acceleration, several luxury-sport competitors or turbocharged rivals may suit you better.
Rivals and how it stacks up
Compared with key rivals, the Lexus ES occupies the premium-luxury comfort niche. Competitors like the Acura TLX, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class often offer sharper acceleration or more dynamic handling in their sportier trims. The ES’s strengths lie in its calm ride, refined interior, strong reliability reputation, and competitive value retention. For buyers who prize a tranquil, high-quality daily driver over outright speed, the ES remains a compelling option.
Summary
Is the Lexus ES underpowered? For most everyday driving needs, no. The ES 350 provides confident and refined acceleration suitable for highway merging and quick pass-bys, while the ES 300h hybrid emphasizes efficiency with a smooth feel. If you’re chasing sporty performance or high-end speed, you’ll likely prefer a rival or a different Lexus model with more aggressive powertrains. For buyers who want comfort, quiet, and dependable performance, the ES line delivers with polish and practicality. Always check the exact specifications for your market and model year, as engine options and power figures can vary by region.
In the end, the ES’s reputation for comfort and refinement tends to outweigh concerns about speed for its target audience, making it a popular choice among luxury sedan buyers who value a serene, premium driving experience.
What years to avoid Lexus ES350?
You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common.
- 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures.
- 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks.
- 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years.
Years that are generally considered more reliable
- 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy.
- 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features.
- 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.
Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?
No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
- Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine.
- Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry.
- Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning.
Is the Lexus ES fast?
What is the 0-60 Time of the Lexus ES 350? Very aerodynamic and finely tuned, the Lexus ES 350 can go from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. This will show the beautiful sedan as something more than an average car. The Lexus ES 350 compares well amongst other sporty 4-door vehicles.
Is the Lexus ES250 underpowered?
The ES 250's high level of comfort, roomy interior and low starting price for a midsize luxury sedan will attract many shoppers, all bolstered by Lexus' reputation for reliability. However, its underpowered and loud four-cylinder engine, paired with dull driving dynamics, might send you elsewhere.
