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The 2022 Lexus ES sedan offers more luxury, more space, and more technology for the same price as many smaller European offerings.
What’s New for the 2022 Lexus ES?
The newest Lexus ES was introduced just a few years ago, but we’re already getting a refresh for 2022. It includes touchscreen infotainment centers, new headlights, new wheels, and some trim changes. The eco-friendly ES 300h gets an F-Sport trim and the ES 350 F-Sport gets a Dynamic Handling package. In addition, Lexus adds pedestrian and cyclist detection on all 2022 Lexus ES models.
2022 Lexus ES – lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus ES on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Class-leading value
Striking exterior design
Above-average interior comfort
Limited powertrain configuration
Less athletic than competitors
Impractical sometimes
RWD would be nice
2021 Grand Cherokee Specs
- 203 horsepower from base engine
- 184 ft-lb of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 13.9 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- Gorgeous infotainment system
- Cyclist detection safety feature
- 1 year of free maintenance
2022 Lexus ES Powertrain
The 2022 Lexus ES lineup is so well refined that all three engine options left us with positive feelings. None of them are what we’d call fast or even mildly athletic, but that was never the goal. These engines and their corresponding drivelines are made for smooth, comfortable, and quiet operation. They all achieve that beautifully.
The hybrid powertrain in the Lexus ES 300h that makes 215 horsepower is the silkiest of the bunch. It seems to float up to desired speeds in the same way that old ultra-luxury cruisers did. While it’s not in a hurry, it is satisfying. The ES 250 with its 203-horsepower four-cylinder feels largely the same. The only difference is just a bit less refinement between gear changes and slightly more noise from under the hood.
The Lexus ES 350 has a V6 that’s also a bit more boisterous. The 302 horsepower makes it feel a bit more sports-oriented. Still, it’s a cruiser, not a bruiser. The F Sport models all use the same suspension tuning that limits body roll and provides a bit more feedback. Pedal feel is linear and soft to start. It makes every movement just that much more deft and seamless.
2022 Lexus ES Fuel Economy & MPG
The base 2022 Lexus ES 250 gets a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg. That’s above average for the class. The ES 350 drops to 25 mpg combined, but the 300h makes up for that with a fantastic score of 44 mpg combined. That’s far ahead of most competitors at a far lower price.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If there’s one area that immediately stands out about the 2022 Lexus ES it’s the experience inside the cabin. It’s warm and inviting. Every material feels nice to the touch from the leather upholstery to the wood trim and beyond. The switchgear feels good on your fingertips too. Seating is far above average when it comes to riding comfort. The optional 14-way power-adjustable seats provide so much configurability that anyone can find the perfect setup.
We also love the climate control setup in the ES. The quick heat setting is effective as are the seat heaters and ventilators. Cargo space is perhaps the only mark against the ES. The trunk is fine with nearly 14 cubic feet of space, but the rear seats do not fold down. That means that longer cargo will have to fit in the cabin for transport. Overall, all occupants will enjoy riding in the 2022 Lexus ES. It’s quiet and cozy no matter how long the trip is.
Entertainment & Technology
Lexus takes the lead when it comes to technology for 2022 as well. Gone is the old system that could only be navigated with physical controls. New for 2022, all central infotainment systems in the ES are touchscreen. The optional 12.3-inch unit is fantastic and both incorporate the latest Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. We also love the gigantic 10.3-inch heads-up display that’s available. It’s easy to use, easy to see, and doesn’t distract.
The premium 10-speaker sound system found in all 2022 Lexus ES models is clear and crisp with great fullness of sound. GPS integration is also fast to respond and provides good direction. Lexus also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Safety Features
The 2021 Lexus ES was an IIHS Top Safety Pick + and we expect the same from the 2022 model year. It also scored a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA and carries a bevy of advanced safety features on every trim level. It’s one of the safest cars on the road today.
2022 Lexus ES Trims & Pricing
2022 Lexus ES 250 – lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus ES 250 on Carsforsale.com
ES 250 AWD – $40,800
The base 2022 Lexus ES 250 is only base in its choice of engine. That engine is a 203-horsepower four-cylinder that sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. It’s the only ES with all-wheel drive. It also gets 17-inch wheels, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and automatic climate control. All ES models have three sub-trims including F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury.
For the ES 250, F Sport adds 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, thicker seat bolsters, and heated/ventilated front seats. The Luxury package features 18-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, a powered rear sunshade, rear parking sensors, and real wood interior trim. The Ultra Luxury package adds a 360-degree camera system, integrated navigation, unique leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel.
2022 Lexus ES 350 – lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus ES 350 on Carsforsale.com
ES 350 – $40,800
The 2022 Lexus ES 350 uses a 302-horsepower V6 under its hood also mated to an eight-speed automatic. Of course, it and its hybrid sibling are front-wheel drive only. the ES 350 base version comes with 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system, and an 8-inch infotainment system. The F Sport version employs 19-inch wheels, the same sports suspension and seating from the 250, blind-spot monitoring, and ambient interior lighting.
The ES 350 gets a special edition called the Black Line which comes with a pair of Zero Halliburton bags, a black spoiler, and blacked-out trim along with special black wheels. The ES 350 Luxury gets automatic wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, and 18-inch wheels. The Ultra Luxury gets premium leather upholstery, integrated navigation, fast-response interior heating, a power trunk, the same 360-degree camera system from the 250, and special chassis dampers to make the ride even more serene.
2022 Lexus ES 300h – lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus ES 300h on Carsforsale.com
ES 300h – $41,900
Go for the 2022 Lexus ES 300h and you’ll get a 215-horsepower hybrid powertrain that sends power to the front wheels through a CVT. It comes with the same sunroof, 8-inch infotainment system, and other standard features from the 250 and 350 models.
The F-Sport adds sports suspension and associated F Sport badging. The Luxury version incorporates a wireless charger, perforated leather upholstery, wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and more driver’s seat adjustability. The Ultra Luxury ES 300h gets a 10.2-inch heads-up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and 18-inch noise reduction wheels as Lexus calls them.
Warranties
Lexus is above average when it comes to warranty coverage. The 2022 Lexus ES has a limited warranty that extends to 4 years or 50,000 miles. The powertrain remains covered for up to 6 years or 70,000 miles. Every ES gets a year or 10,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
Lexus has clearly taken the path less traveled with the ES lineup. Much like the mid-size luxury cars made in America a decade ago, the 2022 Lexus ES choices aren’t trying to be sporty at all. They’re focused on luxury and in this case, they’re better for it. To get this much technology and comfort from a European rival you’d pay tens of thousands more in most cases.
