Used 2016 Lexus ES for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Lexus ES cost?

Prices are up 5.28% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 601 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2016 Lexus ES a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Lexus ES earns a 4.5/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the sleek design, smooth ride, and reliability, along with the luxurious interior and features that make driving easier. The car also fits buyers who want a quiet, comfortable luxury sedan rather than something sporty, and the expert review reinforces that comfort-first character.

The main trade-offs are its sluggish performance and the lack of more modern connectivity features, especially CarPlay. Even so, if you want a refined, value-oriented luxury sedan, the ES still makes sense. Good and great deals account for 35.4% of listings, which gives you some room to shop carefully.

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 drivers describing the car as dependable and easy to live with over time. The expert review also emphasizes Lexus’s reputation for bulletproof reliability and says the ES doesn’t give much reason to doubt that reputation.

The performance notes reinforce that this is a calm, durable cruiser rather than a high-strung machine, which usually helps long-term ownership confidence. For used buyers, the main risk is less about mechanical drama and more about finding a well-kept example with the right maintenance history.

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

At 49.1% 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 has had prior bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether the car’s comfort and tech features still work as expected. Because this model is meant to be a quiet, refined daily driver, small signs of neglect can matter more than they would on a more rugged vehicle.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The ES 350 comes in only one trim, with packages that add features such as optional wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade. The base setup is already comfort-focused, but the available packages make a noticeable difference if you want a more upscale cabin.
• Powertrain: The 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 horsepower and uses a 6-speed automatic. It is tuned more for cruising than performance, and the car’s relaxed character is part of the appeal.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety Suite adds lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control is also mentioned among the available safe-driving features. Some of the most useful safety equipment is optional rather than standard.
• Infotainment: A 7-inch customizable display is standard, along with HD radio, Bluetooth streaming, and traffic information. Navigation adds the Enform suite, and the car can be equipped with a premium audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The ES 350 is rated at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, with 24 mpg combined.

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 trim to buy because it already delivers the core strengths of the car: a quiet cabin, a smooth ride, and strong value for a midsize luxury sedan. If you want the best version of this car, look for one with the available packages that add comfort and convenience features, especially the Ultra Luxury Package if you want the most upscale feel.

The safety package is available separately, so it is worth prioritizing 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 with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 601 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 5.28% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 49.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,272, 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 $19,694 sits slightly above last year's $18,706.

That upward move suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. A stable price trend can help support resale value, especially when demand remains steady for a comfort-focused luxury sedan.

The ES also benefits from strong owner satisfaction and a reputation for reliability, both of which tend to keep used-buyer interest healthy. If you maintain the car well and keep records, you should be in a better position when it’s time to trade or sell.

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 2016 Lexus ES earns the IIHS’s highest rating across 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 available safety features. When equipped with the optional Pre-Collision System, the ES earned a Superior rating for front crash prevention.

One caveat is that the 2016 model had not yet received a crash rating from NHTSA in the source data, so the strongest confirmed crash-test result here comes from IIHS.

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:

• 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 5.28% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a fresher look with a new grille and bumpers while keeping the comfort-first character.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $16,492, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $19,694 average.
• It emphasizes refinement, upscale appointments, and reliability in a plush luxury-sedan package.

The bottom line: Choose the 2016 if you want the fresher styling and still value the ES’s quiet, comfort-first personality. If your priority is saving money, the 2015 is the better budget play, especially if you find one in strong condition with good records.

How does the 2016 Lexus ES compare to the 2016 Toyota Avalon?

Our experts score the 2016 Lexus ES 7.8/10 and the 2016 Toyota Avalon 7.5/10.

The Lexus ES is the more upscale choice, with a quieter cabin and a more luxury-focused presentation. The Avalon is cheaper on the used market and offers slightly better accident-free inventory, but the ES edges it on expert score and overall premium feel.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.