MSRP: From $42,140
Use the table of contents to jump to a section
Overview
The 2025 Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan offered with three distinct powertrains. The ES 250 runs a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The ES 350 moves to a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 302 hp and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid combines the NA 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 215 hp, also driving the front wheels.
Five trims include base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, F Sport Design, and F Sport Handling across all variants. The ES focuses on comfort, delivering a quiet cabin and smooth ride for daily use. It suits buyers who want an easygoing luxury experience backed by Toyota-derived dependability.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, the 2025 ES brings back the Black Line Special Edition package for the ES 350 F Sport Handling. This package adds black-painted exterior trim and unique styling details. Production is limited to 1,000 units, priced at $1,500, with an additional $2,465 in required options. The rest of the lineup carries over unchanged, including powertrains, cabin technology, and exterior design.
Exterior
The Lexus ES features a clean, understated design with a distinctive Lexus spindle grille, slim LED headlights, and a coupe-inspired roofline. The Standard trim rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while Luxury trims get 18s. F Sport trims upgrade to 19-inch designs and also add mesh grille inserts and sport-oriented exterior accents. The sedan measures 195.9 inches in length on a 113.0-inch wheelbase. A power moonroof comes standard. The Black Line Edition introduces gloss-black accents on the ES 350 F Sport Handling for a more aggressive look.
Lexus
Lexus
Interior
Inside, the ES keeps things simple and refined. Most trims include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultra Luxury trim upgrades to a 12.3-inch display with navigation. A 10-speaker audio system comes standard, while higher trims offer a 17-speaker Mark Levinson setup. Base models use NuLuxe synthetic leather, while the Luxury trim adds semi-aniline leather, wood trim, and ambient lighting. F Sport trims bring sport seats with heating and ventilation. Ultra Luxury adds a head-up display and a heated wood and leather steering wheel.
Trunk space measures 13.9 cu-ft, and the rear seats remain fixed, limiting flexibility. The rear seat is spacious with more than 39 inches of legroom, but headroom is adequate rather than generous.
Lexus
Lexus
Price Range
The 2025 Lexus ES’s price structure remains consistent across powertrains, with small increases for hybrid variants. Key trims shown. All prices exclude $1,150 destination.
| Trim | ES 250 (AWD) | ES 350 (FWD) | ES 300h (FWD) |
| Base | $42,140 | $42,140 | $43,540 |
| Luxury | $47,310 | $47,310 | $48,710 |
| F Sport Design | $46,725 | $46,725 | $47,925 |
| Ultra Luxury | $51,030 | $51,030 | $52,430 |
The ES 300h at $43,540 stands out with 44 mpg combined on regular gasoline, paired with a cabin that prioritizes quietness and comfort. Its smooth low-speed electric operation makes daily commuting feel effortless.
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Model | HP | Torque | Drive | 0-60 | Transmission |
| ES 250 | 203 hp | 184 lb-ft | AWD | 8.1 sec | 8-speed auto |
| ES 350 | 302 hp | 267 lb-ft | FWD | 6.6 sec | 8-speed auto |
| ES 300h | 215 hp | 163 lb-ft | FWD | 8.1 sec | CVT |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| ES 300h (Hybrid) | 43 | 44 | 44 | 581 mi |
| ES 250 AWD | 24 | 33 | 28 | 445 mi |
| ES 350 FWD | 22 | 32 | 25 | 398 mi |
| ES 350 F Sport | 22 | 31 | 25 | 398 mi |
Fuel: Regular gasoline
| Headroom Front / Rear | 37.5 – 37.6 / 37.4 – 37.8 in |
| Legroom Front / Rear | 42.4 / 39.2 – 39.3 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 13.9 cu-ft |
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Hybrid Battery | 10 years / 150,000 miles |
| Free Maintenance | 1 year / 10,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 44-mpg ES 300h hybrid is the most efficient luxury sedan in its class
- Exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride suits long-distance travel
- ES 250’s standard AWD provides all-season confidence at no price premium over 350
- Lexus reliability and strong resale value reduce long-term ownership costs
- 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty exceeds most luxury competitors
Cons:
- 13.9 cu-ft trunk with non-folding rear seats limits cargo flexibility
- ES 250 and 300h are slow for a luxury sedan
- ES 350 and ES 300h remain FWD only with no AWD option
- Interior technology lags behind newer rivals
- F Sport Handling still favors comfort over sharp driving engagement
Verdict
The 2025 Lexus ES delivers a calm, well-built luxury experience at a competitive price point. The ES 350 at $42,140 serves as the performance option with 302 hp and a 6.6-second 0-60 time. Moving to the Luxury trim at roughly $47,000 to $49,000 adds meaningful upgrades like real leather, wood trim, and ambient lighting. The ES does not match the BMW 3 Series in driver involvement, and its fixed rear seats limit practicality. For buyers who value refinement, efficiency, and long-term dependability over sporty dynamics, it remains a strong choice in the segment.
Competitors:
- BMW 5 Series
- Toyota Crown
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Audi A6
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor