Price: $45,800 - $49,000
8.1 /10
Rating
Pros
- Premium, well-appointed cabin materials
- Advanced standard safety features
- Smooth yet powerful V6 engine
Cons
- Soft ride limits sporty dynamics
- Lower fuel economy than hybrids
Overview:
Sliding into the F Sport’s supportive seats for the first time, I immediately felt that blend of luxurious comfort and sporty intent Lexus nailed here—though it’s no Lexus IS 350 F Sport in the corners. The V6 engine is a gem—smooth when cruising but ready to roar when you push it, though it’s no European-level engaging beast like the Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-class.
That’s the downside: while the black-out trim and daring design scream attitude (think Lexus LS 500 F Sport vibes but scaled down), the ride quality leans soft, better suited for relaxed driving dynamics than carving backroads like the Toyota Avalon TRD. Still, the cabin? Flawless. Spacious, dressed in fine materials, and packed with sophisticated technology that doesn’t overwhelm.
I’ve hauled luggage for weekend trips and navigated icy mornings with its all-wheel drive—zero fuss. But let’s be real: fuel economy isn’t this powertrain’s friend compared to the hybrid variants. For buyers wanting a competitive luxury sedan with value and comfort, it’s a smart pick. Just don’t expect it to ghost the sporty sedans in the segment.
What's New?
Building on the seventh ES generation introduced in 2019, the 2021 updates are subtle but smart. Lexus finally gave the F Sport model all-wheel drive—a godsend after I white-knuckled through a surprise snowstorm last winter, grinning as it clawed through slush like a champ. The Black Line Special Edition is the showstopper, pairing black exterior trim with Zero Halliburton matching luggage (yes, real suitcases!), though I’m still salty they didn’t extend the white interior option beyond the Ultra Luxury trim.
Safety got a boost: blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard, alongside Enform Safety Connect for emergencies—no more upselling for basics. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the ES250 feels adequate for city runs, but the F Sport’s sharper tuning and optional lip spoiler add just enough attitude.
Tech-wise, onboard Wi-Fi and expanded connectivity features kept my kids quiet on road trips, though the optional features list still feels bloated compared to the RX SUV’s cleaner packages. Small gripes? The exterior tweaks are mostly minor revisions—that two-piece grille’s still polarizing—but the Rich Cream interior and Lexus’ obsessive attention to range refinement keep it feeling fresh.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
For daily drivers, the ES350’s larger infotainment display and power trunk lid are lifesavers, though I’d pass on the wood-and-leather steering wheel—it’s pretty, but cold hands in winter? No thanks. My pick? The F Sport with the adaptive suspension and Ultra Luxury add-ons. You’ll eat up highway miles like a champ and still flex at valet stops.
Powertrain & Performance
Let’s get one thing straight: the F Sport trim’s 3.5-liter V6 is pure joy. With 302 horsepower, it sprinted to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds during my chaotic test track session—way quicker than the ES250’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder (8.3 seconds, yawn). But here’s the kicker—the suspension tuning on larger wheels transforms this luxury-oriented sedan into something that almost dances like a BMW 5-series. Almost. Push hard into turns, and the front-wheel drive setup reminds you it’s no track star, though the weighted steering and maximum grip from sticky tires keep things planted. Daily driving? The relaxed powertrain shines: gliding through city traffic in the hybrid ES350h trims feels effortless, but I’d still pick the gas-only V-6 for its throaty rev range.
Downsides? The CVT in the hybrid powertrain drones under hard acceleration, and all-wheel drive isn’t an option here—frosty mornings had me white-knuckling the front wheels once or twice. For luxury-car shoppers wanting better ride quality without sacrificing composure, the ES350 trims strike a sweet spot. Just don’t expect miracles from that 203-hp four-cylinder—it’s fine for errands, but merging onto highways? Let’s say I prayed a little.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
Let’s be real: if you’re eyeing the ES350’s V6, you’re not here for frugal sipping—but I did squeeze 25 mpg on a highway haul from LA to Vegas, cruising at 75 mph with the AC blasting. The EPA claims 22/32 mpg, but my observed fuel economy hovered closer to 24 mpg in mixed driving. Swap to the ES350h hybrid, though, and magic happens: I averaged 43/44 mpg in city errands (yes, hypermiling like a nerdy hero), and even nailed 39 mpg on the same test route where the gas-only model struggled.
One gripe? The hybrid’s tiny gas tank caps its driving range at around 200 miles between fill-ups—annoying on my 300-mile coastal road trip. The ES250’s 22/32 mpg rating? Meh. For mileage junkies, the hybrid’s 45 mpg city chops are unbeatable, but if you’re a lead-footed highway driving addict like me, the 34 mpg I scored in the hybrid at steady speeds might just convert you. Pro tip: skip the sport mode unless you’re okay kissing those numbers goodbye.
Interior and Comfort
Slip into the F Sport’s front seats, and the side bolsters hug you like a trusty co-pilot—no joke, I survived a 6-hour road trip without a hint of fatigue, thanks to those power-adjustable seat cushions and seat heaters that saved my back on cold days. The cabin’s isolation is next-level: at highway speeds, road noise is a distant murmur, though tire noise sneaks in on rough asphalt.
My 6-foot-tall friend in the back seat had enough space for their knees, but the aggressive shape of the door openings made ingress a shuffle. Lexus nailed the comfortable driving position—dial in your height, and the steering wheel frames a clean views dashboard. Quirks? The volume knob and buttons feel lifted from an old-school stereo receiver, but I’ll take tactile over touchscreens any day.
And those door panels? Soft-touch heaven, though the switchgear’s firm clicks border on overkill. Even on potholed backroads, the seatbacks absorbed bumps without tossing my coffee, and wind noise? Barely a whisper. For body types big or small, this Lexus cabin is a masterclass in comfort—just don’t expect the handling to match its serenity when road rash gets personal.
Cargo & Practicality
Pop the trunk—13.9-cubic-foot in the hybrid models versus 17.0 cubic feet for the gas-only—and you’ll quickly see this isn’t an outsize cargo hauler. My weekend test? A bulky stroller, three suitcases, and a diaper bag left zero room for my golf clubs, unlike the Volvo S90’s deeper well. The folding rear seat helps (I hauled longer items like a flat-pack bookshelf), but the narrow opening made sliding in luggage a puzzle.
Inside, door pockets are slim, barely holding water bottles, though the center console swallows small items like wipes and drinks. As a parent, the car seat anchors are easy to access, but bulky child safety seats eat into rear seats legroom—my kids kicked the front chairs relentlessly. Compared to rivals like the Acura TLX, the ES 350’s interior storage space feels average, but that trunk? It’s just enough for Costco runs, not cross-country moves.
Tech & Connectivity
Let’s be honest: the touchpad controller feels like using a trackball from 2005—I nearly gave up trying to zoom navigation maps during a road trip until I defaulted to voice commands (which, surprisingly, understood my “find me coffee NOW” panic). The 12-inch infotainment display is gorgeous, but the 8.0-inch central display in base trims? Glare city. For music streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto save the day, though Lexus still snubs wireless connectivity—my phone stayed tethered like a needy pet.
The Wi-Fi hotspot kept my kids’ tablets alive on a 4-hour drive, and Amazon Alexa compatibility let me adjust climate control hands-free (“Alexa, my feet are freezing” works, blessedly). SiriusXM satellite radio is there if you’re into yacht rock, but the Bluetooth lag made me miss beats in my playlist.
Safety-wise, lane keeping assist and steering correction gently nudged me back when lapses of attention hit during late-night drives, though the semi-automated driving feels half-baked next to adaptive cruise control champs like Tesla. Pro tip: skip the dial-and-button controller frustration—stick to the touchpad or your sanity.
Safety
Slamming on the brakes during a sudden freeway slowdown, the automatic emergency braking kicked in faster than my reflexes—crisis averted. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 bundle is no gimmick: adaptive cruise control held steady during a tedious 3-hour traffic crawl, while lane-departure warning buzzed my seat like an annoyed copilot when I drifted. During reversing, the rear cross-traffic alert once spotted a cyclist I’d missed, and the blind-spot monitor saved my bacon during a reckless lane change in heavy rain. Lexus nails the basics too—NHTSA gave it 5 stars, and the IIHS crowned it a Top Safety Pick+.
Key features:
✅ 5-star NHTSA rating with ace crash test scores.
✅ Lexus Enform Safety Connect offers stolen vehicle location aid.
✅ Blind-spot monitor and forward collision warning work seamlessly.
Warranty and Maintenance Plan
After my local Lexus dealer experience left my loaner car smelling like new-car leather (and my wallet intact), I’ll vouch for their refined service—complimentary maintenance for 1 year/10,000 miles is nice, but Genesis’ 6 years shames Lexus’ 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. The powertrain warranty stretches to 70,000 miles, trouncing BMW and Mercedes-Benz, though rivals like Genesis still lead. Just don’t expect free oil changes past year one.
Key features:
✅ Lexus dealer experience edges out competitors in service quality.
✅ 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty outlasts German rivals.
✅ Complimentary maintenance covers first year/10,000 miles.
Which ES 350 does Vyocar recommend?
Vyocar’s got a soft spot for the ES 350 F Sport, and after a month of flogging it through snow and city traffic, I see why. The upgraded adaptive suspension and sticky alloy 19-inch wheels turn this car into a backroad weapon—I still remember sliding sideways (gracefully!) on a frost-covered backroad, the dynamics keeping me planted. But let’s get real: the ES 350 Luxury’s partial leather seats and nicer cabin materials are heaven for hauling people. My sister’s kids spilled juice everywhere, and the interior wiped clean like magic. Vyocar praises the F Sport’s athletic edge, but here’s the kicker: the safety suite (equips blind-spot monitors) saved me when a deer bolted out at dusk. For daily driving, the F Sport’s improved bolstering beats the Luxury’s pillowy comfort on long hauls. Want the happiest compromise? Skip the racier styling packs—spring for the F Sport’s added cooling seats instead. Trust me, unless you’re chasing a look, the equipment here nails real-world needs.
2021 Lexus ES 350 models
Lexus nailed the lineup this year. My time with the ES 350 F Sport—aggressive styling, factory-tuned adaptive dampers—made even traffic jams feel lively, while the ES 350 Ultra Luxury pampered with heated armrests and whisper-quiet rides. The Black Line Special Edition (a limited-production option with smoked trim) turned heads, but the standard ES 350 Luxury hit sweet spots: reliable AWD, that creamy 302-hp V6. Between levels, choices hinge on thrills versus serenity—though I’d upgrade to the F Sport’s bolstered seats every time.
| Trim Level | Features |
|---|---|
| ES 350 |
|
| ES 350 Luxury |
|
| ES 350 F Sport / Black Line / Ultra Luxury |
|
Gallery:
Images sourced from Lexus Newsroom.
