The Lexus has recieved a few necessary updates, and now it is ready to compete well with the German mid-size luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E Class. The welcome additions are worth the $40,800 price tag, and it is still a bargain compared to some of the German competition.

2022 Lexus ES

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2022 Lexus ES

2022 Lexus ES

Specifications
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview.

The ES has been a great sedan with a different view of luxury and comfort. Like the previous model year, the powertrain options remain the same with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a hybrid setup. The interior sees the major update with the new 8-inch touchscreen operated infotainment screen and it is tilted towards the driver for added convenience. The ES 300h is available now with the F Sport grade which has enhanced suspension and other sportier elements. In other words, the ES is a big comfy cruiser with all the luxury you need considering the sub $40,000 price tag.

Trims and Features.

The 2022 ES is offered in three trims majorly - ES250, ES350, and ES300h. Under each trim, there are about four sub-trims like Standard, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport. All the main trims have different powertrain and drivetrain options but share the same features under the sub-trims. The base ES250 starts at $40,800 and packs the least powerful engine in the bunch that is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine with an all-wheel-drive system as standard. The ES 350 comes next with a starting price similar to the ES250 but sports a bigger and more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 with front-wheel-drive. The ES300h is priced about $1,100 more than the 250 and 350 and has a hybrid set up.

The base trim features are all the standard bits and are priced the lowest.

All standard features are as follows:

-* 10-speaker Pioneer premium audio system.

-* Satellite radio.

-* Adaptive cruise control.

-* Electric power steering.

-* Rearview camera.

-* Leather steering wheel.

-* 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

-* 7.0-inch digital instrument console.

-* 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

-* Heated front seats.

-* Faux-leather seating.

-* 17-inch alloy wheels.

The updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard and will add features like:

-* Pedestrian and cyclist detection.

-* Emergency braking assist.

-* Adaptive cruise control.

-* Blindspot monitoring.

-* Forward Mitigation mitigation.

-* Lane-keeping and lane departure warning.

The optional Premium package includes:

-* Driver seat memory functions.

-* Power tilt and telescopic steering adjustability.

-* Automatic wipers.

The luxury trim is the best time to choose and includes:

-* Includes the Premium package.

-* 18-inch alloy wheels.

-* Leather seats.

-* 14-way power-adjustable driver seat.

The F Sport is what you need if you want a sportier touch to the ES. It will add features like:

-* Sport-tuned suspension.

-* Sports seats.

-* 19-inch alloy wheels.

-* Premium package features.

-* F-Sport interior and exterior visual updates.

Top-of-the-line Ultra Luxury isn't exactly "top of the line" It still misses out on the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless charging, and heads-up display as standard features. Key features are as follows:

-* Navigation system.

-* Bespoke chassis dampening system for better cornering stability.

-* Premium leather seats and interior trims.

-* Power-operated trunk release.

-* Surround-view monitor.

-* Leather and wood steering wheel.

-* Adaptive suspension.

The price stats of the different trims are as follows:

2022 Lexus Trims and Prices

Trims

Price

ES 250

$40,800

ES 250 Luxury

$46,200

ES 250 F Sport

$45,450

ES 250 Ultra Luxury

$49,980

ES 350

$40,800

ES 350 Luxury

$46,200

ES 350 F Sport

$45,450

ES 350 Ultra Luxury

$49,980

ES 300h

$41,900

ES 300h Luxury

$47,300

ES 300h F Sport

$45,450

ES 300h Ultra Luxury

$51,080


Does The Newly Designed Exterior Look Appealing?

The 2022 Lexus ES now has sharper looks. No doubt that the outgoing model year was a stunner too, but the updated front fascia with a sleeker set of LED headlamps and DRLs make it look even bolder. The huge intake grille has got an update too with a mesh design. Looking at the rear, not much has changed with the design. The LED taillights and the dual exhaust tips still look great. The F Sport gets a set of 19-inch wheels but the 17-inch ones are set as standard.

New colors were added to the arsenal: Iridium and Cloudburst Gray. The exterior dimensions remain similar to the outgoing model year with 113-inch wheelbase and 195.9 inches long length. The ground clearance, width, and height remain the same at 5.9-inch 73.4-inch, and 56.9-inch, respectively.

2022 Lexus ES Exterior Dimensions

Model

2022 Lexus ES

Curb Weight (lb)

3,690 (250)

Length (inches)

195.9

Width (inches)

73.4

Height (inches)

56.9

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.9

Wheelbase (inches)

113.0


Interior Overview.

The cabin still manages to stun many enthusiasts with its upscale and comfy nature. The dashboard design with the new touchscreen display at the center looks updated because of the slightly tilted center display towards the driver. That said, pretty much everything remains the same with the outgoing model year. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster looks cool as ever, and the leather steering wheel feels premium in hands. Apart from the excellent cabin insulation, the materials used inside are mainly faux leather and suede for the door panels and the dashboard. The standard seats are wrapped in faux-leather and come with great cushioning. The also feature power adjustability and multi-level heating options.

The cabin spaciousness is something we all have come to love about the ES and the new one follows the same path. Up to five average people can easily fit inside with ease and they can experience an airy cabin with lots of shoulder and legroom, even in the rear row. A few of the interior features that are worth mentioning:

-* 7.0-inch digital instrument console.

-* Leather and wood trims.

-* Leather and wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustability.

-* Heated steering wheel.

-* Premium leather seats.

-* 14-way power-adjustable driver seat and 10-way front passenger seat with multi-level heating options.

2022 Lexus ES Interior Dimensions

Model

2022 Lexus ES

Seating Capacity

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.5/55.9/42.4

Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.8/54.3/39.2

Cargo Capacity (lb)

16.7


The Lexus infotainment system remains the same with voice-command features and a complicated interface which can be very distracting for the driver. For added convenience, Lexus has decided to go for a full touchscreen display and is slightly tilted towards the driver. An 8.0-inch display comes as standard but a big 12.3-inch display can be opted for with some extra cash. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard but you can upgrade to a heads-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A few of the important infotainment system features are as follows:

-* 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen center display.

-* Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

-* 10-speaker Pioneer premium audio experience.

-* Satellite radio.

-* Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.

-* Scout GPS Link navigation.

Performance and Handling.

The new 2022 ES gets no mechanical upgrades and has the same engine options. The ES 250 has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which is capable of putting out a mere 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ES 350 gets a slightly more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with no turbochargers and does put out 302 horses and 267 pound-feet of maximum torque. Among the two, the former engine is the only trim coming with an all-wheel drivetrain as standard. Lexus also offers an MHEV, the ES 300h, which comes with the 2.5-liter mill as the ES 250 but with an electric motor. Combined they produce up to 215 horses and power is delivered to the wheels through CVT.

It is inevitable for the V-6 to be ahead in terms of overall acceleration among the other two. The ES 350 does a knot to 60 in 6.1 seconds which is fast considering the other two trims and completes a quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds. The ES 250 and 300h do the knot to 60 in a leisurely 8.1 and 8.3 seconds. Similarly, for the quarter-mile run, both of them are about two seconds behind the ES 350.

The 350 F Sport gets an adaptive suspension with the Dynamic Package and that helps in better cornering stability and less body roll. The steering wheel feels heavy while taking hard turns but offers decent feedback. Overall, the ride comfort is excellent but is not a champ in terms of handling like the Mercedes E Class or the BMW 5 Series. Braking has been enhanced with a linear brake feel when the new bigger pedal is pushed hard.

2022 Lexus ES Performance Stats

Model

ES 250

ES 350

ES 300h

Engine

2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated inline-4

3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V-6

2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated inline-4/ Electric Hybrid

Drivetrain

AWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

8-speed shiftable automatic

8-speed shiftable automatic

continuously variable-speed automatic

Power 

203 HP @ 6,500 RPM

302 HP @ 6,600 RPM

215 HP @ 5,700 RPM

Torque 

184 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

267 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM

N/A

0-60 MPH (seconds)

8.1

6.1

8.3

Quarter-Mile (seconds)

16.2

14.6

16.4

Top Speed (MPH)

130

130

130


Fuel Economy.

If you can sacrifice the performance, the hybrid 300h is the one you should consider. The EPA has rated it at 43/44/44 for city/highway/combined. The tank range is around 580.8 miles which makes it one of the best in the segment. The ES 350 delivers the least fuel economy among the trims with around 2-3 miles per gallon lower than the 250 which has an EPA rating of 25/34/28. Following the performance the V-6 puts out, the fuel economy is not the worst is kinda best of both worlds.

2022 Lexus ES Fuel Economy

Model

ES 250

ES 350

ES 300h

MPG (City)

25

22

43

MPG (Highway)

34

32

44

MPG (Combined)

28

26

44

Tank Capacity (Gallons)

15.9

15.9

13.2

Overall Range (Miles)

397.5/540.6/445.2

349.8/508.8/413.4

567.6/580.8/580.8


Safety Convenience.

The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 adds cyclist and pedestrian detection along with a few other features as standard like blindspot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The outgoing ES has reputedly rated by the National Traffic Safety Administration with a full-on 5-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the same with “Top Safety Pick+” for the year 2021. These ensure that the new ES will be similar in terms of safety ratings. A full list of safety features available with the new 2022 ES are as follows:

-* Lane-departure warning.

-* Lane-keeping assist.

-* Automated emergency braking.

-* Adaptive cruise control.

-* Pedestrian and cyclist detection.

-* Blindspot monitoring.

-* Pre and post-collision safety system.

Is It The Ultimate Lexus ES?

While it has evolved with time, the new 2022 ES is not perfect. First would be the powertrain and handling that cannot compete well with the Germans because Lexus is still stuck with naturally aspirated mills. The handling could have been better and has a lot of room for improvement. That said, the overall cabin improvements with added safety tech and a mild exterior styling make the new ES better than the model it replaces.