Is Lexus ES300 rear-wheel drive?
No. The ES300 is front-wheel drive and has never been offered as a factory rear-wheel-drive model.
The ES line is Lexus’ midsize luxury sedan family, historically built on Toyota Camry underpinnings. Across generations, it has prioritized interior space, comfort, and efficiency over traditional rear-drive performance. That packaging choice shapes how the car handles, rides, and what buyers can expect in terms of maintenance and driving dynamics.
Drivetrain lineage of the ES300
Here are the key points about the ES300’s drivetrain layout across its generations and how it compares to other Lexus sedans.
- The ES300 family has always been based on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from Toyota’s Camry lineage.
- The engine sits transversely with a front transaxle that drives the front wheels, prioritizing cabin space and fuel efficiency.
- There has not been a factory, mainstream ES300 offered with rear-wheel drive in major markets; Lexus reserves rear-drive layouts for other models in its lineup.
- Overall, the ES line emphasizes comfort, quietness, and efficiency, with front-wheel drive helping maximize interior room and reduce weight relative to true rear-drive luxury sedans.
In practice, that means if you’re seeking true rear-wheel-drive dynamics from a Lexus, you’d look to other models such as the IS, LS, or LC, rather than the ES300. Note that the GS line was previously offered with RWD/AWD but was discontinued in favor of other configurations in recent years.
ES300 vs. other Lexus sedans
Options for rear-wheel-drive Lexus models
While the ES remains front-wheel drive, Lexus offers several other models with rear-wheel drive or more performance-oriented layouts. The IS is a compact sedan that commonly offers RWD (with AWD as an option), and the LS and LC are larger, traditional rear-drive platforms that also offer AWD variants. The GS was a mid-size option in the past but has been retired in favor of consolidating the lineup around IS/LS/LC. Always verify the drivetrain for a given model year and market, as configurations can vary by region.
Summary
The Lexus ES300 is not rear-wheel drive. It sits on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from Toyota Camry engineering, designed for spacious interiors and efficient, comfortable cruising. Buyers who want rear-wheel-drive Lexus dynamics should consider other models such as the IS, LS, or LC, and always check the specific year and market to confirm the drivetrain configuration.
Is the Lexus ES300 rear-wheel drive?
No Lexus ES300 was ever made with rear-wheel drive (RWD); it has always been a front-wheel drive (FWD) or, in some cases, all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle. The ES300 is a front-wheel drive sedan, while other Lexus models like the IS 300 come standard with RWD.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of the Lexus ES: 1mCar WizardYouTube · May 13, 2025
- Front-wheel drive: The Lexus ES300's design and engine layout are based on its relationship with the Toyota Camry, which uses a front-wheel-drive platform.
- Rear-wheel drive option: If you are looking for a rear-wheel drive Lexus, you should consider a different model, such as the IS 300, which has RWD as a standard feature, note Balise Lexus and Earnhardt Lexus.
- AWD option: Some ES models, like the ES 250, are available with all-wheel drive, which can shift power to the rear wheels as needed, explain Lexus.
This video shows a test drive of the 2002 Lexus ES300, highlighting its features: 1mDirect Auto OutletYouTube · Jul 26, 2022
What Lexus has rear-wheel drive?
Lexus LC
2022 Lexus Vehicles Without AWD
Lexus LC: The Lexus LC is a high-performance coupe that only comes in rear-wheel drive. RWD allows many enthusiasts and experts to have incredible control when taking on the track.
Is the Lexus ES300 front-wheel drive?
With all ES300h trims, motivation comes from a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that provides a net output of 215 horsepower; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive are standard.
Is the Lexus ES FWD or RWD?
front-wheel-drive
The Lexus ES is a mid-size luxury sedan marketed since 1989 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, across multiple generations, each offering V6 engines and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout.
