New Platform, Hybrid System for Lexus’ Best-Selling Sedan
The 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid is more efficient, more powerful and is offered for the first time with an all-wheel drive option compared to the ES 300h it replaces. It is now the only ES with a gasoline engine, but think it is an excellent sedan.
Clean and Efficient
Available in two trims, Premium and Premium+, the 2026 Lexus ES 350h is powered by a 2.5-liter non-turbo, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. There are two electric motors for the front wheel drive (FWD) or three motors for the all-wheel drive (AWD) grade. Up to 244 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque get to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The CVT has driver selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom, and a Manual mode to use with the paddle shifters. The ES 350h Hybrid with FWD is rated at 48 mpg city/44 highway and 46 combined while the AWD is rated at 47/42/44.
Hitting the Road
Clean Fleet Report had the opportunity to drive the ES 350h at the media introduction in La Jolla, California. The ES 350h has stellar performance, as was expected. It not surprising considering Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, has been offering hybrids since 1997 when it introduced the venerable Prius. The linear throttle response delivered smooth acceleration all the way through the power band. Opting for the Sport mode delivered the best performance, where the steering stiffened and the CVT was held in a power range just a bit longer.
The paddles have a dual use: “shifting” (even though there are no gears on a CCT) and also for setting the three levels of regenerative braking, which can slow the car without tapping the brake pedal for deceleration and energy recovery. The paddles gave crisp shifts and added a level of control and fun. Overall, our take is the Lexus CVT is one of the best we have driven.
The premium Lexus ride continues with a MacPherson front and rear multi-link suspension. The ride, which is a significant reason to consider a Lexus, was smooth and comfortable. The handling was responsive and predictable. The electronic power steering had good road feedback and is programmed with a neutral feel. The steering feel provided a good connection with the road.
Aerodynamically Efficient Exterior
Now in its sixth generation (first launched in 1989) Lexus says the 2026 ES “is the next era of personal luxury.” Highlighted by multiple complementary angles which blend together to form a sleek and aerodynamic exterior. The twin-L LED head and daytime running lights frame a mere slit of a cooling opening and are sleekly integrated into the fenders.
The nose, front bumpers and hood are smooth and, when looked at from the side, form one continuous line front-to-back. The sides have a character feature and flush door handles. All this is designed to direct air flow down the sides and over the roof. The trunk lid has an upsweep, forming an integrated lip spoiler that sits just above the full-width tail lights.
The bumpers, door handles, power and heated exterior mirrors and shark fin antenna are color-keyed to the body. Brightwork is kept to a tasteful minimum, only found on the lower corners of the rear fascia. Exterior pallet options include Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Copper Crest and Wavelength.
Interior
Front visibility is excellent due to the rake of the hood, narrow A-pillars, hidden rain-sensing windshield wipers and the front seat ride height. The cleanly designed dash is covered in soft touch materials and Ash Bamboo trim.
Interior trim color choices are White, Black and Palomino. The heated, ventilated and perforated seats that were covered in NuLuxe, a synthetic leather. The front seats provided good support across the entire body, with the driver and passenger having plenty of options to find a comfortable driving and riding position.
The cockpit design is driver-friendly with a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch multi-information display with customizable gauges and a configurable head-up display. A 10-speaker Lexus audio system is standard with an available 17-speaker (with a subwoofer) Mark Levinson 1,800-watt surround sound premium audio system. The touchscreen handled satellite-based navigation and the rear view camera. For entertainment there is AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 60-watt USB-C ports, front and rear.
The Bluetooth with voice recognition worked very well, as did the steering wheel mounted audio controls and the Qi wireless phone charging.
Lexus also throws in a full suite of advanced safety systems.
Pricing
The 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid sedan comes in two trim levels with the choice of FWD or AWD. Prices include the $1,395 destination and handling charge.
| Premium FWD | $52,490 |
| Premium AWD | $53,890 |
| Premium+ FWD | $57,290 |
| Premium+ AWD | $58,690 |
Observations: 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid
Sedans serve a purpose for many people. A premium sedan even more so. The 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid is refined, feels premium and will be something loyal Lexus owners will be looking at. But it should be on the shopping list for those new to the brand.
Cynthia Tenhouse, vice president Lexus marketing, told us: “We still believe there are customers, even young ones, who love sedans and want to drive a sedan. The U.S. is skewed towards SUVs for sure, but I think once you sit in the ES the craftsmanship and refinement comes out.” She continued “We have the Monogram sales and service program where buying and servicing a Lexus is a really seamless and transparent experience.”
The quick take is the ES 350h Hybrid offers a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, good handling characteristics in a well-built midsize sedan. This is the best ES ever with great looks, all the technology you would want and amazingly efficiency. It is an excellent sedan. Yes, even sedans can be great in a world of trucks, crossovers and SUVs.
The ES offers comfort for up to five, but when only two are sitting out back they get a reclining rear seat and a passenger-side ottoman leg extender. The seat does not fold flat, but does have a pass-through to the trunk, which can handle gear for a long, fuel-efficient road trip.
The Lexus Dealer Difference
Lexus prides itself in making its dealer experience among the best in the industry. Of course, there will be issues some people may encounter, but the overall consensus is Lexus staff are trained to be courteous and transparent, the dealerships are well maintained with comfortable waiting areas and most offer complimentary washes. Lexus has a robust loaner car program with pickup-at-home-or-office service.
Clean Fleet Report hears real-world stories about dealer experiences from all brands with Lexus, Genesis and Mercedes-Benz getting high marks. We also hear comments about a Lexus being nothing more than a higher priced Toyota. We can say without any hesitation this is not true.
Whatever difference in price is made-up for with a stronger warranty, more standard equipment and personal attention. If you haven’t visited a Lexus dealer, maybe go check them out when looking at the all-new 2026 ES 350h Hybrid. Lexus says you will “Experience Amazing,” so we say go see for yourself.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
