Introduction

Sedans have been declining in popularity lately, as so many buyers turn to crossovers and SUVs. Rather than relinquish the market to those popular vehicles, Lexus remains focused on the value and details of its sedan selection. The 2020 Lexus ES, in particular, delivers sharper handling than expected from a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan, while providing excellent fuel economy and retaining its core virtues as a Lexus. 

For the 2020 model year, the Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h add some standard features, including power-folding mirrors on Premium, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport models. Android Auto compatibility is now standard, joining the existing Apple CarPlay. A rear spoiler is available on ES 350 models. Blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert may be added to base models, if equipped with the Premium package. 

Three versions are available, each with its own personality: ES 350, ES 350 F Sport, and ES 300h. Both the ES 350 and the hybrid ES 300h come in base, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trim levels. 

Each ES 350, including the F Sport, uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that develops 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Other Lexus and Toyota vehicles use the same V-6. 

For a more engaging road experience, the ES 350 F Sport features adaptive dampers and sportier tires, mounted on taller wheels. A special Sport+ mode provides more steering heft and sharper throttle responses. 

The ES 300h hybrid substitutes in a gasoline/electric powertrain, in which a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine is teamed with two electric motors, connected to a nickel-metal hydride battery. The combination is rated at 215 hp. 

All ES sedans mate with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is unavailable. 

As expected, the ES 300h hybrid yields fine gas mileage, while regular ES sedans rank average. The ES 350 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 32 highway, and 26 combined. Bigger wheels on the ES 350 F Sport reduce fuel economy to 22/31/25 mpg. The hybrid ES 300h is rated at an impressive 43/44/44 mpg. 

Safety is a welcome highlight of the Lexus ES. In addition to scoring well (but not perfectly) in crash tests, the sedan comes with a bountiful complement of collision-avoidance technology. Outward visibility is good, too. 

Federal testers for the NHTSA rated the 2020 ES at five stars overall, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, provided that it's fitted with more costly LED headlights. Those triple-beam headlights earned a 'Good'? score, whereas standard LEDs were deemed 'Acceptable.”

All ES sedans come with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. All but the base model also get blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Lineup

The base ES 350 is priced from $40,925 and includes synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED lighting, a moonroof, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth streaming, three USB ports, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and new Android Auto compatibility. 

Upgrading to the ES 350 Luxury ($46,125) adds perforated leather upholstery, heard and cooled front seats, wood accents, and ambient lighting. The ES 350 Ultra Luxury ($49,925) comes with lateral performance dampers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, semi-aniline perforated leather, a power rear sunshade, and a hands-free trunk. 

The ES 350 F Sport costs $46,725 and features adaptive dampers, a Sport+ driving mode, exclusive bolstered sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels. 

The hybrid ES 300h starts at $42,785 and is equipped similar to the base ES 350. The ES 300h Luxury ($47,985) and ES 300h Ultra Luxury ($51,785) also mirror the features of the ES 350 Luxury and ES 350 Ultra Luxury, respectively. An F Sport isn't available for the hybrid model. 

Walkaround

Nothing is subtle about the latest Lexus models. Although the Lexus ES shares some basic architecture with the Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon, its sinuous overall styling is more cohesive. In fact, the ES could be the best interpretation of the Lexus brand's complex design language. 

Reaching into the hood, the oversize “spindle” grille and audacious headlights still won't please everyone, but the front end complements the asymmetrical dashboard inside the cabin. Sharp lines lead into the wavelike body, which lacks most of the bloated aspect that has identified large Lexus models. 

The ES 350 F Sport version features distinctive detailing and larger wheels, as well as different exterior trim. 

Interior

Spacious and comfortable for its passengers, the ES cabin is luxuriously trimmed. Fancier than in the past, the carefully-crafted interior makes the sedan feel worth its price. Close attention to materials and finishes conveys a compelling sense of elegance. 

Light wood and aluminum trim, augmented by soft leather and convincing synthetic hides, enhances the appeal. The F Sport's darker colors don't work quite as well in that respect. 

Front occupants will be comfortably positioned in excellent seats, whether upholstered in synthetic or genuine leather. Taller passengers, in particular, should appreciate the impressive 39 inches of rear seat leg room. 

On the asymmetrical dashboard, either the standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen or the optional 12.3-inch unit is mounted high. Climate controls are clustered below, though some controls can be confusing. 

The infotainment interface won't please everyone. Similar to a laptop computer's touchpad, it's a challenge to use even when the vehicle is motionless. Menu-intensive software adds to the displeasure. At least Android Auto compatibility has finally been added, accompanying Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. 

Trunk volume totals nearly 17 cubic feet, accessed through a wide opening. Storage space for large and small items is above average. Hybrid trunk space is identical to that of the regular ES 350, even though the former's battery pack occupies considerable space. 

Driving Impression

The current Lexus ES delivers a sharper, sportier experience than its predecessors. Though not a sports sedan, it reaches in that direction: a well-behaved compromise between sporty sedan and plush highway cruiser. 

Despite having to move some 3,700 pounds, the 3.5-liter V-6 hurtles the sedan ahead with authority. At each step, the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers quick shifts. On winding roads, the manual-shift mode becomes a delightful assistant. 

Most drivers are likely to appreciate the hybrid, which provides effortless low-speed performance while releasing low emissions. With its 215 horsepower at the ready, an ES 300h merges onto highways well enough, and can reach 60 mph in about 8.1 seconds. 

In ordinary driving, the regular ES 350 supplies a suitably plush ride. For more spirited road sessions, the F Sport might be best, with adaptive dampers that firm up by tapping a button. 

All versions handle confidently, with good steering effort. Again, F Sport sedans yield the sharpest responses, with a Sport+ drive mode that can hold each gear longer. Steering weight tightens up, too. The ES 350 F Sport is a satisfying balance between everyday usability and joyful journeys down rural roads. 

Summary

Either version of the 2020 Lexus ES is a standout, well worth its price. Both models deliver a comfortable, composed ride, with the ES 350 providing particularly healthy V-6 power. Generally good features are marred a bit by the frustrating infotainment interface. 

In our view, the base ES 300h represents the greatest value ? not to mention admirable fuel consumption. Not everyone needs its ride and handling enhancements, but the ES 350 F Sport has a distinct personality. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.