For years, the entry-level ES was Lexus's bestselling model—and for good reason. For years it shared a platform with America's favorite car, the Toyota Camry, meaning an ES's luxury came with a reputation for reliability and inexpensive operation.
Now in its sixth generation, the ES 350 has grown, and now shares its platform with the full-size Toyota Avalon.
What's New for 2014
After a 2014 redesign, changes for 2014 are minor—limited mainly to new options.
Choosing Your Lexus ES 350
The sole engine in an ES 350 is a V6 that produces 268 horsepower and earns an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. An extensive list of standard features includes push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter and smog sensor, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an 8-speaker satellite radio system.
Buyers can augment standard equipment with option packages:
- Premium: Features include maple or bamboo trim, a power tilt-and telescopic steering wheel; and memory for driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel.
- Luxury: In addition to the amenities of the Premium package, this adds in perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats.
- Ultra Luxury: This includes a panoramic roof, a driver's seat with a power cushion extender, ambient interior lighting and a power rear sunshade.
- Lexus Display Audio/Backup Camera: As the name suggest, this has a backup camera, an eight speaker sound system, and a high-definition radio with iTunes tagging.
- Navigation/Premium Audio: Features include navigation with voice command, 8-inch LCD display, an in-dash DVD/CD player, a backup camera, text-to-speech, Lexus Enform Apps, and a premium sound system with 5.1 surround sound.
The popularity of the ES 350 is easy to understand—it's a nearly flawless combination of luxury and value.