2026 Lexus ES 350h Review: Excellent Sedan

Having the 2026 Lexus ES 350h gave me a youthful feel to my week. Although the demographic to the ES has usually been an older and often retired group, this new model has been a bold change to an otherwise safer design approach.

Starting on the outside, you can see the bolder and younger approach to the design. Usually reserved for the sportier IS, the new ES design has a future forward look to it’s front end. My personal color pick for the ES would be the bold Copper Crest but the Iridium color on our loaner, was subtle but still attention grabbing. The door design had a super car like feel with it looking like it was extruding and recessed at the the same time. To complete the futuristic design, the taillights have a slim design with the Lexus letterings being backlit by them.

Getting in, the Palomino NuLuxe looked incredible in its caramel color. Keeping with a futuristic look, the minimalist look to the dashboard was a nice experience. I was a little concerned with the button design of the temperature selection and the seat memory. They had a hidden look in the trim and wondering how they will last long term in the extreme Texas heat. the seats were extremely comfortable and inviting to the sit in. They were mounted a little on the high side and even at my 5’7” height, I felt like the head room was a little limiting.

Under the hood, the 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid was delivering 244 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. The model I reviewed was FWD but their is an AWD option. I’ll say that the power was smooth, plentiful, and economical. The astonishing MPGs were 46 combined, 48 city, and 44 highway. Even with my week of “performance” testing, I was not able to get my MPGs lower than 40.

Overall, I was concerned how I’d like the bolder approach in the 2026 Lexus ES 350h. It definitely won me over with keeping the same great essence that the previous generation offered.