How much does the 2016 Lexus ES cost?

Prices are up 2.08% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 550 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $18,307.18, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Lexus ES earns a 4.5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and reliability, and they also like the features that make daily driving easier. The main trade-off is that some shoppers want more modern technology, especially in safety and connectivity, and the car’s comfort-first personality means it is not aimed at drivers who want a sporty feel.

That makes sense if you want a quiet, refined midsize luxury sedan rather than something aggressive or flashy. With 36.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability, smooth ownership, and a trouble-free feel, with many shoppers describing it as a car they can count on. The expert evaluation also emphasizes bulletproof reliability and good value for money, which reinforces the idea that this model year is built for steady long-term use.

The tech package also includes an opt-in service notification feature that can help you stay ahead of scheduled maintenance. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about durability and more about finding a well-kept example with the right equipment and service history.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Lexus ES?

At 48.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car is priced near the low end of the market. Focus on overall condition, service records, and whether the equipment you want is actually installed, since some desirable features were optional. If you care about long-term satisfaction, make sure the car’s comfort and tech features still work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The car is described as coming in one trim with optional packages, so the biggest differences are equipment rather than a wide trim ladder. Base cars miss out on upgrades like wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, navigation, premium audio, and the Safety Suite.
• Powertrain: It uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic. It is tuned for cruising rather than quick acceleration, and the fuel economy figures are 21 mpg city, 31 highway, and 24 combined.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety Suite adds lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control is also listed among the safety features. The optional Pre-Collision System is tied to a Superior front-crash-prevention rating.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes a 7-inch customizable display with HD radio, Bluetooth streaming, and traffic information. Navigation adds the Enform suite, and the car does not include CarPlay.
• Fuel efficiency: Lexus rates it at 21 mpg city, 31 highway, and 24 combined, and real-world testing returned roughly 22 mpg in mixed driving.

Which 2016 Lexus ES trim should I buy?

The 2016 Lexus ES is offered in 1 trim level: ES 350.

Here's the short version:

The ES 350 is the clear choice because the model year is presented as a single-trim car, so your decision is really about which packages you want rather than which trim to climb into. If you want the most complete version, look for an example with the Ultra Luxury Package, since it adds the most meaningful comfort upgrades. If you are shopping on value, a well-equipped ES 350 without the pricier add-ons can still deliver the core comfort and refinement this model is known for.

The Safety Suite is the key package to prioritize if you want lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Lexus ES?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 550 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.08% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 48.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,307.18, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Lexus ES's resale value?

The current average of $19,976 sits slightly above last year's $19,569.

That modest increase suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year. For a future seller, that kind of pricing stability can help support a healthier resale position if you keep the car in strong condition and maintain it well. It also means buyers are still willing to pay for the ES’s comfort-focused reputation and premium feel.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES safe?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it its highest rating for all its crash tests, including small overlap, moderate overlap, side, rollover, and head restraints.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Lexus Safety Suite includes lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control is also listed among the safety features. The optional Pre-Collision System adds a Superior front-crash-prevention rating. One caveat is that the 2016 model had not yet received a crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the time of review.

Should I buy a 2016 Lexus ES or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 48.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.08% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a refreshed grille and bumpers while keeping the quiet, comfort-first character buyers want.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $16,886, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $19,976 average.
• It emphasizes plush comfort and bulletproof reliability.

The bottom line: If you want the newer look and a slightly more refined version of the ES formula, the 2016 is the better pick. If your priority is saving money and you still want the core comfort-and-reliability appeal, the 2015 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.