Let’s talk about the 2026 Lexus ES—the luxury sedan that just might be the sweet spot between comfort, performance, and tech without going overboard on price. If you’re shopping for a car that makes you feel like a boss without needing a millionaire’s paycheck, this one’s worth your attention. Think of the ES as that friend who always shows up well-dressed, polished, and calm under pressure.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes the 2026 Lexus ES tick, how it stacks up against rivals, and why it might just be the most balanced luxury sedan in its class.
Why the 2026 Lexus ES Still Hits the Sweet Spot
Luxury sedans are a weird mix these days. Some scream performance. Others wrap you in tech until you’re basically driving a computer. Then there’s the Lexus ES—a car that chooses a different path. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s smooth. It’s elegant. And it knows what it is.
Comfort is still king. The 2026 ES hasn’t ditched its mission: give you a smooth, quiet ride with top-notch build quality. Whether you’re commuting or road-tripping, this car doesn’t make you work hard to enjoy the drive.
And guess what? Lexus is now offering even more customization with trim packages that let you lean sporty (with the F Sport Design) or ultra-luxe (with the Luxury trim). So you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all setup.
Under the Hood: Performance Without the Drama
Let’s be honest—if you’re buying an ES, you’re probably not trying to win drag races. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
Engine Options:
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ES 250 AWD: Comes with a 2.5L inline-4 engine. Decent power, great fuel economy, and all-wheel-drive confidence.
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ES 350: Powered by a smooth 3.5L V6 with front-wheel drive. This one’s got more punch for highway driving.
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ES 300h: The hybrid option. A mix of a 2.5L gas engine and electric motor. Quiet, efficient, and perfect for city life.
Performance Quick Stats:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Drivetrain | MPG (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 250 AWD | 2.5L I4 | 203 hp | AWD | 28 city / 34 hwy |
| ES 350 | 3.5L V6 | 302 hp | FWD | 22 city / 32 hwy |
| ES 300h | 2.5L Hybrid I4 | 215 hp | FWD | 44 city / 45 hwy |
Does it corner like a BMW 5 Series? No. But the ES isn’t trying to pretend. It’s built for comfort, quiet, and reliability—not track days. If you want smooth acceleration and a hushed cabin, this car’s your jam.
Interior: Where Lexus Shows Off
Step inside the 2026 Lexus ES, and it feels like entering a high-end lounge. Soft-touch materials, clean design lines, and everything exactly where it should be. Lexus is known for craftsmanship, and this interior is a love letter to that philosophy.
Highlights Include:
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12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on higher trims, optional on base): Finally, Lexus has made their infotainment more intuitive. The remote touchpad is gone (thankfully), and touchscreen controls are crisp and responsive.
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Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: No cords. No fuss.
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Mark Levinson premium audio system: Audiophile-grade sound if you spring for it.
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Heated and ventilated front seats: Available even on mid-level trims.
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Rear seat legroom: This is where the ES really stands out. Got tall passengers? No problem. The back seat is basically a first-class lounge.
Fit and finish? Impeccable. Everything feels like it was meant to be touched. Buttons have weight. Knobs don’t wobble. It’s these little things that add up to a big sense of quality.
Tech and Safety: Smart, Not Overwhelming
The 2026 ES is loaded with tech—but not the kind that makes you wish for a simpler time. Lexus has updated the ES with more intuitive systems and a cleaner digital experience.
Standard Tech Features:
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Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.
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Cloud-based navigation: More accurate and up-to-date maps, real-time traffic, and smart rerouting.
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Over-the-air updates: Software updates now happen in the background. You won’t even notice.
And don’t worry about the dreaded learning curve. Lexus has finally embraced more user-friendly tech—no more clunky menus or overly complicated settings. You’ll be up and running in minutes.
How the 2026 Lexus ES Compares to the Competition
If you’re considering the ES, chances are you’re also eyeing competitors like the Acura TLX, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, or maybe the Genesis G80. Here’s how it stacks up.
| Feature / Model | Lexus ES | Acura TLX | BMW 3 Series | Genesis G80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | ~$44,000 | ~$41,000 | ~$45,000 | ~$54,000 |
| Powertrain Options | 3 (incl. hybrid) | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Ride Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Tech Usability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Interior Space | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
The Lexus ES isn’t trying to beat BMW at its own game. It’s carving out a space for drivers who want luxury, quality, and comfort without feeling like they’re inside a spaceship—or a sports car.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Lexus ES?
If you:
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Value a smooth, quiet ride over aggressive handling
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Appreciate a clean, elegant interior
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Want excellent reliability and resale value
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Prefer stress-free tech and safety features
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Want a hybrid option without sacrificing style
…then the ES is your match.
But if you’re chasing hard cornering, sporty steering, or flashy European branding, you might want to look elsewhere. Lexus plays the long game—and the ES is all about staying cool, calm, and collected for the long haul.
Final Thoughts: The 2026 Lexus ES Is Still a Smart Buy
Luxury doesn’t have to be loud. The 2026 Lexus ES proves that. It’s not a headline grabber, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it focuses on the things that matter: comfort, build quality, reliability, and ease of use.
Think of the ES like a perfectly tailored suit. It might not be trendy, but it’ll look good—and feel good—for years to come.