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STYLING8.0/10
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Safety7.5/10
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PRACTICALITY8.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS9.0/10
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FEATURES8.0/10
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POWER8.0/10
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COMFORT8.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL9.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8.0/10
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VALUE8.0/10
Sitting midway in this midsize sedan’s lineup, the 2025 Lexus ES 350 features a V6 engine over its four-cylinder-equipped siblings, one of which is a hybrid.
It’s unchanged this year other than a pricey new package that was fitted to this tester. The ES 350 starts at $55,519, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,205. Along with the expensive Black Line Special Edition package and a $650 coat of paint, this one rang in at $67,346 before taxes.
Styling: 8/10
The ES is understatedly stylish, with smooth lines and an interesting face. In addition to adding numerous luxury features, the Black Line package adds — as you’d expect — black exterior cues. Inside, the ES features a centre stack divided by a flowing dash line and, in this tester, a red and black colour combination. With the Black Line package, the instrument cluster is borrowed from the now-discontinued Lexus LFA; the digital speedometer is inside a physical dial, and when you change the customizable background, the dial slides sideways to accommodate it.
Safety: 7.5/10
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2025 Lexus ES its top five-star crash-test rating, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) wasn’t quite as generous. It received the top “Good” rating in that non-profit association’s three original tests; but in the updated side test, which better simulates being struck by a large SUV, it earned the next-step-down “Acceptable,” and in the updated moderate front overlap, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front, it was rated as “Marginal.”
Standard features on all ES trims include emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. The ES 350 and ES 300h further add parking sensors with automatic braking, which are optional on the ES 250.
Features: 8/10
Before any optional packages, features in the ES 350 include a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, subscription trials including maps and remote connect, subscription-based satellite radio, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s side memory, and an auto-dimming mirror. There’s also power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof.
The five available packages can add such items as a sport-tuned or adaptive suspension, panoramic cameras, an upgraded sound system, sport seats, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and more.
User-Friendliness: 9/10
In a world of tech-heavy premium vehicles, the ES 350 is refreshingly simple. Saying “Hey, Lexus” activates a very good voice-controlled assistant, while climate functions, including the seat temperature, are handled by buttons or toggles. The gear selector is a conventional unit rather than an electronic one where you push forward for reverse. It’s easy to get in and out, and visibility is good.
Practicality: 8/10
At 394 L, the ES 350’s trunk is larger than some of its competitors, where the Acura TLX’s is 382 L, and the Cadillac CT4 offers 303 L of space. The trunk opening is relatively low, so you don’t have to lift your groceries up high to get them inside.
Comfort: 8/10
The ES 350 is about midrange among its close competitors for headroom and front-seat legroom, but its 996 mm (39.2 in) of rear-seat leg space tops them. The front seats are supportive, and they’re heated and ventilated as standard equipment. The outboard rear seats are comfortable, but as is common with sedans this size, the hard middle seat is best employed as a fold-down armrest. The ride is smooth, and the F Sport 2 and Black Line packages include an adaptive variable suspension.
Power: 8/10
The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 that makes 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s more horsepower than many competitors, although most have more torque. The engine is a good fit to the car; it isn’t quick, but has linear acceleration and enough power for passing. Oddly, though, the ES 350 comes only in front-wheel drive (FWD), and doesn’t offer the all-wheel drive (AWD) that’s standard on the four-cylinder-equipped ES 250.
Driving Feel: 9/10
If you want a curve-carving sports sedan, look elsewhere; but if you prefer something that’s smooth, relaxing, and just nice to drive, this could be your ride. The steering is light but accurate, it’s composed around turns, and overall, it’s simply a pleasant and well-rounded vehicle.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) pegs the ES 350 and its V6 engine at 10.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway, and 9.2 in combined driving. In my time with it, I averaged 10.1 L/100 km. Unlike some premium models, it takes regular-grade gasoline. It’s in line with most competitors, which can range from 9.1 to 11.2 L/100 km combined.
Value: 8/10
The ES 350 starts at $55,519 before tax, which puts it below the Cadillac CT5, which starts at $55,999, and the Acura TLX, which starts at $57,585 (all prices including delivery). While the ES 350 comes with a lot of items, most will likely add an option package. The F Sport Design, F Sport 2, and Black Line kit progressively build up their features — despite the Sport name, there’s no engine upgrade — and add $2,010 to $11,177 to the asking price. The Ultra Luxury package is $10,806.
The Verdict
If you’re considering the Lexus ES you might also want to cross-shop the Toyota Crown, that brand’s top sedan. It comes only as a hybrid, including a performance version, and runs from $56,247 to $65,680; and while this decked out version has more features, the Crown is still worth a look. However, in an increasingly tech-heavy premium market, the 2025 Lexus ES 350 is a charmer for its refreshing simplicity, smooth performance, and comfortable interior.
Engine Displacement | 3.5L |
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Engine Cylinders | V6 |
Peak Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
Peak Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
Fuel Economy | 10.7 / 7.3 / 9.2 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
Cargo Space | 394 L |
Model Tested | 2025 Lexus ES 350 |
Base Price | $53,314 |
A/C Tax | $100 |
Destination Fee | $2,205 |
Price as Tested | $67,446 |
Optional Equipment
$11,827 — Black Line Edition package, $11,177; Ultra White paint, $650
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