2018 Lexus ES Review

Large luxury cars are usually expensive, but the 2018 Lexus ES 350 bucks that notion by offering an affordable gateway to the brand. A soft ride and quiet cabin further its appeal.

The ES is a midsize luxury sedan that seats five passengers and comes in one grade. Front-wheel drive and a V6 engine are standard. Lexus markets a hybrid model separately.

For 2018, the Lexus ES 350 gained a Premier Package that added items such as heated and ventilated seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, park assist, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Further, Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect are now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership.

Exterior

The ES offers crisp sheet metal, offering a happy medium between the IS and GS sedans, its nearest models. Its face features the brand’s now-familiar hourglass grille, honed in by stylish L-shaped LED light accents. A rising beltline, gradually falling roofline and a short rear deck marked by wraparound tail lamps and dual exhaust ports complete the look.

All models come with bi-LED headlamps, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps. Optional features include heated side mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

You’ll find one of the largest cabins in the ES. Its front-wheel-drive platform provides ample legroom in front and back for five passengers. Cargo space is 15.2 cubic feet. That’s quite a bit less than the Cadillac XTS’ 18 cubic feet.

The ES cabin is clean and upscale with excellent fit and finish. High-end materials, including real and imitation leathers, are present along with wood trim. Contrast stitching across the dashboard adds to the elegance.

Standard equipment includes illuminated entry, full power accessories, power front seats with lumbar support, automatic climate control and personal lamps. The options list features a wood steering wheel, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, power rear sunshade, and manual rear door sunshades.

Performance

The ES, unlike most other Lexus models, does not offer all-wheel drive. Moreover, you won’t find the more powerful version of the automaker’s heralded 3.5-liter V6 engine either, with the ES variant tuned to deliver 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. In any case, Lexus pairs this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Instead, Lexus places the emphasis on comfort and efficiency, leaving performance to two other sedans: IS and GS. The strongest traits of this model are its soft ride and balanced steering. This model gets an EPA-estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway, adding to its appeal.

Technology

Standard technology includes an eight-speaker audio system with HD Radio, satellite radio, a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and an 8-inch screen. Auxiliary and USB ports also are included. Lexus also supplies a Scout GPS Link app in lieu of a standard navigation system that delivers turn-by-turn directions. We found the app difficult to use, with missed connections common.

We recommend the available navigation system, offering voice recognition, clear maps with 3-D buildings, speed limit display and traffic detour preview. We found the system supplied accurate turn-by-turn directions.

Key safety features across the model line include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, automatic high beams and lane departure alert with steering assist. Available features include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.