2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup significantly expanded with the introduction of the new ES 250 series. This model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), offering a cost similar to the ES 350, which came with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The 2021 ES models were available in several trims: Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury, applicable to both the ES 250 and ES 350. In addition to the ES 250, Lexus also offered the ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid variant. This model, available in Standard, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, commanded a $1,910 premium but provided a substantial boost in fuel economy. The 2021 model year also introduced blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features on all but the base trim. A notable addition was the Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350, limited to 1,500 units, each coming with a matching two-piece Zero Halliburton luggage set. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition featured unique design elements, including black wheels, black side mirrors, a black rear spoiler, and a black and white interior. Optional extras included triple-beam LED headlights, illuminated door sill plates, and an adaptive variable suspension, among others. Aesthetic-wise, the ES lineup, especially the F Sport trim, featured a dramatic grille, toned-down chrome, and larger wheels, resulting in a sleek, artfully detailed appearance. The black and white interior provided a striking contrast that complemented the sophisticated cabin design. Despite its shared platform with the Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES showcased its premium pedigree through quality materials and high design, reflecting a true Lexus essence. The 2022 Lexus ES, continuing its legacy as either an "executive sedan" or "elegant sedan," debuted as part of the seventh generation, which began with the 2018 model year. Built on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, the ES lineup shared this structure with the Lexus RX, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Avalon. This platform facilitated a front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) layout that could be upgraded to AWD. The exterior design of the 2022 ES remained attractive, featuring elegant proportions and a sleek, fastback-like roofline. The prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were distinctive, though opinions on their appeal varied. The ES offered standard 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch and 19-inch options available on higher trims. The 18-inch wheels struck the best balance, as the 19-inch ones bordered on exaggerated. The interior of the 2022 ES was well-crafted but exhibited a somewhat jumbled, asymmetrical dashboard design that aimed for a cockpit feel. The F Sport model featured bold two-tone leather seating that appeared sportier than the car itself. An inset analog chronometer in the touchscreen housing added a touch of heritage but also cluttered the dash.

The 2021 ES 350 packed a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. Drivers could select from Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, while the F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom driving mode options due to its adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed that the ES 350 achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, with the EPA rating it at 25 mpg combined. Real-world tests yielded an average of 22.9 mpg. Despite this, the ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than Lexus’s official acceleration time, suggesting that breaking the front tires loose might prolong the run to 60 mph. The car performed admirably through Normal and Sport modes, delivering a sense of unexpected competence and genuine driving enjoyment in Sport+ mode. The 2022 ES offered three engine options across its lineup. The base model, the ES 250 AWD, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds and an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. The ES 350 housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission but limited to FWD. The ES 350 matched the 2021 acceleration time of 6.6 seconds to 60 mph but slightly varied in EPA ratings, achieving 26 mpg combined. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 215 horsepower. This hybrid variant used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES 300h excelled in fuel economy with an impressive 44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD’s performance was less spirited, with the four-cylinder engine producing uncharacteristic sounds under throttle and a lackluster acceleration time for a luxury sedan. Handling and smooth driving were on par, but the ES 350’s V6 or the ES 300h’s fuel efficiency would be more rewarding for engaged drivers.

The 2021 ES showcased an unconventional yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, upholstered in NuLuxe synthetic leather that mimicked the feel of genuine leather. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample foot and legroom, with supportive bottom cushions and an angle-adjusted backrest for added comfort, along with rear air conditioning vents and an optional power rear window sunshade. Visibility in the ES was excellent, attributed to relatively thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. Storage was abundant, though it comprised numerous smaller nooks and crannies rather than larger bins. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, slightly more than a Toyota Corolla, and came with an available hands-free power trunk opener for added convenience. The 2022 ES offered practical advantages over SUVs, primarily due to its lower center of gravity and sleeker design, which contributed to better handling, superior fuel economy, and quicker acceleration. The ES also boasted a tighter turning circle, enhancing maneuverability in confined spaces. Inside, the 2022 ES provided ample storage with multiple bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console bin suitable for a tablet. The trunk maintained the 13.9 cubic feet capacity, consistent across all variants, including the hybrid ES 300h. A pass-through behind the center armrest allowed long items to extend into the cabin, and the flat-folding second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 facilitated transportation of larger items, such as flat-pack furniture.

The 2021 ES’s infotainment system relied on a touchpad interface that demanded drivers’ attention and precision. However, several positive aspects emerged, including separate, easy-to-access climate and stereo controls, a prominent volume knob, and excellent dynamic voice command technology to bypass the cumbersome touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, while visually appealing, needed touchscreen functionality. Standard tech features across all trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and various connected services. The larger screen added dynamic navigation and other advanced features, while a 10-speaker premium sound system provided good audio quality, with an available 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system offering an even richer experience. The base infotainment of the 2022 ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The standard features also included a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, USB audio input, Bluetooth, CD player, HD radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial. Higher trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson sound system, and navigation. Notably, the 2022 ES still used the touchpad interface, which, although better than the previous mouse setup, remained challenging on rough roads. Upper trims offered a 10-inch head-up display to enhance safety by minimizing distractions. Advanced parking aids, such as the Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist, were standard on higher trims but worth considering as options. Lexus Enform’s connected services included Safety Connect for emergency assistance, Service Connect for maintenance alerts, and Remote for smartphone integration. WiFi, dynamic navigation, Destination Assist, and advanced voice command were bundled with varying subscription lengths.

The 2021 ES came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0, encompassing numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. Adjustable ADAS settings enhanced driving comfort, although some systems, like lane-centering, occasionally conflicted with driver inputs. The ES’s safety credentials were validated by high ratings from both IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (five-star overall rating). Additionally, every ES variant included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and 10 airbags, covering front, side, and knee areas for both driver and passenger. Lexus Enform Safety Connect service provided emergency alerts for the first three years of ownership.