Used 2022 Lexus ES for Sale near South Carolina

How much does the 2022 Lexus ES cost?

Prices have softened 1.25% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 958 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2022 Lexus ES a good car?

Yes — the 2022 Lexus ES earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise the smooth ride, reliable performance, and luxurious feel. The user feedback also points to a quiet cabin and innovative features, which fit the ES’s comfort-first personality.

The trade-offs are familiar: the styling is uninspired, performance is fairly pedestrian, and the base engine is underwhelming. That makes the ES a better fit if you want a calm, refined sedan rather than something sporty or attention-grabbing.

With its traditional luxury-sedan mission and broad powertrain lineup, it suits you best if comfort, serenity, and value matter more than flash. Good and great deals make up 37.3% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Lexus ES reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly describes the ES as reliable and a car you can count on, with drivers also calling out its trouble-free feel and strong long-term appeal. The expert evaluation reinforces that dependability with a smooth, predictable driving character and a powertrain lineup built around everyday usability.

The hybrid’s excellent fuel economy and the regular-gas four- and six-cylinder options also support low-stress ownership. Lexus includes scheduled maintenance and connected-service support, which can make early ownership easier to manage.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about durability and more about choosing the right condition and trim, since higher-mileage luxury sedans can vary widely in upkeep.

What should I look for when buying a used 2022 Lexus ES?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a full inspection. Focus on service records, tire and brake wear, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim you’re considering. If you want the best ownership experience, prioritize condition over cosmetic extras.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The ES starts with 17-inch wheels, while 18-inch and 19-inch wheels appear as you move up the trim ladder. The cabin and equipment also become more upscale as you climb, with upper trims getting a larger touchscreen and premium audio.
• Powertrain: The ES 250 AWD uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and the ES 300h hybrid pairs a 176-hp four-cylinder with a 39-hp electric motor for 215 hp. The hybrid is the efficiency play, while the V6 is the stronger performer.
• Safety package: Every ES comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, left-turn intersection support, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, Enhanced Lane-Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.
• Infotainment: The base system uses an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility. Upper trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The ES 250 AWD is rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined, the ES 350 at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, the ES 350 F Sport at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, and the ES 300h at 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined.

Which 2022 Lexus ES trim should I buy?

The 2022 Lexus ES is offered in 4 trim levels: base, Luxury, F Sport, Ultra Luxury.

Here's the short version:

• base: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core ES experience with the standard safety suite, 8-inch touchscreen, and the calm, comfort-focused character that defines the car. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are fine without the bigger-screen and premium-audio upgrades.
• Luxury: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more upscale feel without pushing all the way to the top of the range. If you want the ES to feel more like a true luxury sedan, this is the trim to target first.
• F Sport: This trim is for you if you want a slightly more expressive look and a sportier presentation, though the car still prioritizes smoothness over real performance. It is the right pick if appearance matters more than outright speed.
• Ultra Luxury: This is the most upscale version and suits you if you want the richest ES experience available. Choose it if you care most about comfort, convenience, and premium features rather than value.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up a trim just to get the core driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2022 Lexus ES?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 958 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.25% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,672, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2022 Lexus ES's resale value?

The current average of $34,942 sits slightly below last year's $35,383.

That mild decline suggests the market has softened a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than on broad market momentum alone.

Because the ES has strong owner satisfaction and a reputation for comfort and refinement, it should continue to attract steady demand. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment are likely to hold their appeal better than neglected or poorly optioned ones.

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

Is the 2022 Lexus ES safe?

The 2022 Lexus ES earns the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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

Every ES comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, left-turn intersection support, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, Enhanced Lane-Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert adds another layer of everyday protection.

The ES also includes 10 airbags and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service. That combination makes the car especially appealing if safety is a top priority for you.

Should I buy a 2022 Lexus ES or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2022 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2022 if:

• 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.25% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines comfort-focused driving with multiple powertrain choices and a strong safety package.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $31,421, the 2021 costs less than the current year's $34,942 average.
• It emphasizes comfort, quietness, and reliability with a roomy cabin.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-market mix of inventory, pricing, and owner satisfaction, the 2022 is the better default choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2021 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.