Exterior Design
The 2026 Lexus ES redesign embodies the brand’s commitment to sleek sophistication and dynamic performance. The exterior design reflects a harmonious balance between bold modernity and timeless elegance.
The front fascia undergoes a striking transformation, featuring a more aggressive grille with a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern. The headlights adopt a sharper, angular design, complemented by sleek LED daytime running lights. The bumper is redesigned with pronounced air intakes, enhancing the car’s sporty stance.
Side Profile
The side profile showcases a refined silhouette with subtly sculpted character lines. The roofline slopes gracefully towards the rear, creating a dynamic coupe-like appearance. The window shape is revised with a more angular design, contributing to the car’s overall sleekness.
Rear End
The rear end receives a significant update, featuring sleek taillights with a distinctive L-shaped signature. The bumper is redesigned with a more sculpted look, integrating subtle exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporty character.
Interior Design
The 2026 Lexus ES introduces a thoroughly redesigned cabin that elevates comfort, connectivity, and style. The spacious interior boasts a sleek and modern layout with an intuitive interface.
The dashboard features a panoramic instrument cluster with a large digital display. The infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, offering a user-friendly interface and advanced navigation capabilities. The climate controls are conveniently located below the infotainment screen, providing easy access to temperature and airflow adjustments.
Seating
The ES offers a choice of plush leather or premium fabric upholstery. The front seats are ergonomically designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even during extended journeys. The rear seats are equally spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers.
Features and Amenities
The 2026 ES is equipped with a host of new features and amenities to enhance the driving experience. These include a premium sound system, a panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, and heated and ventilated seats. The ES also offers advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2026 Lexus ES receives a comprehensive overhaul in its powertrain lineup, introducing a diverse range of options to cater to varying driving preferences.
The base model of the ES 250 is powered by a refined 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine that generates a healthy 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience.
For those seeking more power, the ES 350 features a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with the same eight-speed automatic transmission and offers exhilarating acceleration and ample passing power.
The 2026 Lexus ES also introduces a hybrid powertrain option in the form of the ES 300h. This powertrain combines a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The ES 300h delivers an impressive 215 horsepower and offers exceptional fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The 2026 Lexus ES boasts impressive fuel economy ratings across its powertrain lineup. The ES 250 achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the ES 350 returns 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The ES 300h hybrid powertrain shines with an outstanding 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
In terms of emissions, the ES 250 and ES 350 produce an estimated 200 and 220 grams of CO2 per mile, respectively. The ES 300h hybrid powertrain significantly reduces emissions, emitting only an estimated 120 grams of CO2 per mile.
Driving Modes and Handling
The 2026 Lexus ES offers a range of driving modes to enhance the driving experience. The standard Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the Normal mode provides a balanced driving experience. For a more spirited drive, the Sport mode sharpens throttle response and adjusts the suspension for improved handling.
The ES 350 and ES 300h also feature an additional Sport+ mode that further enhances the vehicle’s performance by optimizing the powertrain and suspension settings for maximum responsiveness and agility.
The 2026 Lexus ES benefits from a revised suspension system that provides a comfortable and composed ride quality while maintaining excellent handling characteristics. The ES 250 and ES 350 feature a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, while the ES 300h hybrid powertrain utilizes a more sophisticated multi-link suspension system at both the front and rear for enhanced ride comfort.
Technology and Safety
The 2026 Lexus ES boasts an array of cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features, enhancing both the driving experience and occupant protection.
Infotainment System
The ES features a redesigned infotainment system with a larger, high-resolution touchscreen display. The intuitive interface provides easy access to navigation, audio, climate control, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow seamless smartphone connectivity. The system also supports voice commands, enabling drivers to control various functions hands-free.
Driver Assistance Systems
The 2026 ES is equipped with the latest driver assistance systems to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. These include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Keeping Assist: Maintains a safe following distance from other vehicles and keeps the ES centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects vehicles in blind spots and alerts the driver when reversing.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns the driver if the ES drifts out of its lane and provides gentle steering assistance to keep it on track.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Uses sensors to detect potential collisions and applies the brakes automatically if necessary.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing and availability of the 2026 Lexus ES have not yet been officially announced by Lexus. However, based on the pricing of the current 2023 Lexus ES, we can expect the 2026 model to start at around $45,000 for the base trim level. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim level is expected to start at around $65,000.
The 2026 Lexus ES will be available in a variety of trim levels, including the base, Luxury, F Sport, and Platinum. Each trim level will offer a different set of features and amenities, and the price will vary accordingly.
The 2026 Lexus ES is expected to be available in the United States, Canada, and other select markets around the world. The exact launch date and timeline have not yet been announced, but we expect the 2026 Lexus ES to go on sale sometime in the fall of 2025.
FAQ
What is the release date of the 2026 Lexus ES?
The expected release date of the 2026 Lexus ES is in the second half of 2025.
What new technology features are available in the 2026 Lexus ES?
The 2026 Lexus ES will feature a host of new technology features, including an updated infotainment system with enhanced connectivity and functionality, as well as the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+.
What powertrain options will be available in the 2026 Lexus ES?
The 2026 Lexus ES will be available with a range of powertrain options, including a naturally aspirated V6 engine, a turbocharged inline-four engine, and a hybrid powertrain.