2024 Lexus ES Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Lexus showed Genesis a thing or two about accessible luxury with sedans like the ES. The stately four-door is currently in its seventh generation, which began with the 2019 model and was refreshed for 2022. The 2024 Lexus ES sits above the IS and below the LS in the brand's lineup. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series .
What's New
- Available Technology package with 12.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and SmartAccess Card Key
- Standard 18-inch wheels with Vapor Chrome finish for Ultra Luxury models
What We Think
The ES remains a relatively affordable way to get into the Lexus brand, but the sedan is far from basic. Interior styling and amenities are excellent and there is plenty of passenger and cargo room, although we miss the folding rear seats (which extended trunk space into the cabin). Its seats are comfortable, its leather soft and premium feeling. And Lexus finally ditched the old touchpad-controlled infotainment interface for a proper touchscreen with the last refresh. The ES can pamper like a luxury car, but it's not as upscale as some German competitors.
Around town motoring is sedate and almost plush in the ES, but on our test track some weaknesses bubble to the surface. At speed, it feels big in corners, exhibiting substantial body motions and compromised handling. Not surprisingly, the least powerful hybrid model is the slowest, but no version of this ES is especially quick. F Sports offer better body control, more weighted steering, and more engine sounds, but regardless of model wind and road noise make their way into the cabin. The ES300h's brake pedal also took some getting used to in low-speed stops.
We can't hate on the hybrid's superb efficiency, though. Indeed, the ES is best when it's employed as a comfortable sedan (and not a wannabe track star). The midsizer does many things well and represents an excellent feature-per-dollar value.
Performance and MPGs
Like Toyota, Lexus equips it top models with hybrid powertrains—for the 2024 ES, that's the ES300h.
2024 Lexus ES250
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4
- Horsepower/Torque: 203 hp/184 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 25/34 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.6 seconds (manufacturer est. )
2024 Lexus ES350
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 302 hp/267 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 22/32 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.6 seconds (manufacturer est. )
2024 Lexus ES300h
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 and electric motor
- Horsepower/Torque: 215 hp/163 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 43/44 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (MT tested)
Is There a 2024 Lexus ES F Sport?
There is, and in two styles. All 2024 ES sedans are available in F Sport Design variants. That's basically an appearance package that includes a model-specific front bumper, grille, rear spoiler, and gloss-black 19-inch wheels.
Lexus also has an F Sport Handling level, but that's only available on the ES350 and ES300h. This setup includes all the F Sport Design kit as well as an adaptive suspension.
Safety Ratings and Features
All 2024 ES models receive a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS doesn't yet have its 2024 ES ratings, but the 2023 ES350 is a 2023 Top Safety Pick. We expect the same for the 2024 model.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard on every ES grade. It features adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, lane keeping with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring are also standard.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior space in the 2024 ES compares favorably to the 2023 Genesis G80. The Lexus has advantages in rear legroom and cargo space.
Legroom (front/rear)
- 2024 Lexus ES: 42.4/39.2-39.3 inches
- 2023 Genesis G80: 42.5/38.7 inches
Cargo Space
- 2024 Lexus ES: 13.9 cubic feet
- 2023 Genesis G80: 13.1 cubic feet
Technology
A power driver's seat, 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 10-speaker sound system are standard on ES base models. Luxury variants gain rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a driver's seat power cushion extender. The 12.3-inch touchscreen that's unlocked with the Ultra Luxury model is also available via package and a la carte.
A power hands-free trunk lid, power-folding side mirrors, power rear sunshade, and 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system are also available.
Trim Levels
There are 14 different 2024 ES models, and Lexus splits them up by powertrain. Each offers a base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport Design style. The ES350 and ES300h also receive F Sport Handling variants at the top of their lineups. Prices start at just over $43,000 for the 2024 ES250 and ES350 and can exceed $53,000 for the ES300h Ultra Luxury.
