2018 Lexus ES 350 Review | Edmunds
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Edmunds Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman reviews the 2018 Lexus ES 350. This large luxury sedan may be getting long in the tooth, but it has consistently outsold all its competitors even after some of them underwent truly impressive redesigns. What is it about the ES 350 that continues to make it such a popular choice? We explore the Lexus in our studio and on the road to find out.
Q: How much does the 2018 Lexus ES 350 cost?
A: The ES 350 starts at $39,945, but begin adding optional features and it can quickly rise to almost $50,000 fully loaded. That's not cheap, but it's still less than the starting price of cars such as the BMW 5 Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Q: How powerful is the 2018 Lexus ES 350?
A: The 2018 ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It's mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the ES 350 is only available in front-wheel drive.
Q: What are the 2018 Lexus ES 350's main competitors?
A: The car that's come the closest to unseating the ES 350 from its sales throne is the redesigned 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. However, considering the price gap between similarly equipped models, it makes sense that the ES moves more volume, and the closing gap between the two is a testament to how good the new E-Class is. The ES' more direct competitors are cars such as the Buick LaCrosse and the Lincoln MKZ.
Q: Where is the 2018 Lexus ES 350 made?
A: Lexus builds the ES 350 in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Read our 2018 Lexus ES 350 review: www.edmunds.co...
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Quality is why it sells. It’s super reliable & rarely breaks. I drive the ES 350 & chose it over both Benz & BMW
BMW and Reliable does not go hand and hand.
Yea the look to this day is not really that dated either. They dont look too much different from 2016 on
You don’t know until you own one... then you will understand why it’s probably the best overall sedan in the market
I second this comment.
If Edmunds wants to claim to be an automotive authority, it really needs to think twice about putting out ridiculous reviews like this. Nitpicking the crap out of a perennial BEST SELLER. What's next, trying to figure out why the F Series is the best selling truck for 40 years? I don't think I heard one genuine compliment about this car. The demographic of buyer who makes this car a best seller doesn't care if it goes 0-60 in 5 seconds, they want competent, quiet and reliable luxury. Stop comparing it to a BMW 5 Series which has been a driver's car since it's inception but also a roll of the dice in reliability.
well said
As a 2015 ES350 owner I totally concur. This guy is a supreme douche hater.
It's rlly interesting how Lexus cars normally get low review scores on critics websites such as car and driver but they just keep topping the sales chart and everyone keeps coming back to buy them. Dated technology interior engine doesn't seem to affect it. Lexus prefers dated technology over reliability issues, the 3.5L from Toyota never ever breaks unlike the new turbo I4 in new luxury cars.
When you're driving to work every day you do not want a sport sedan just want comfort and reliability
I got the 2016 GS with only 11k miles on it, but quickly realized I drive in rush hour everyday for 45 min. Feel pretty tired when come to work or get home, since the steering wheel pretty heavy for a sport sedan.
So I hope I can return it and get a 16 ES 350. The GS looks great and I love the 311hp engine but it's not for me :(
reliability, legendary resale value, as much luxury at this price point that people need and expect...
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......zzzzzz...........zzzzzzzzzzzz
I agree.
I own this car and live in NYC. It is by far my favorite ever and I’ve owned two A6s. The bhp is more than adequate and while I drive I’m almost never stressed and that’s saying a lot. The styling is still beautiful.
Sells because of 3 qualities....Price, build quality and reputation.
I have used 2013 rx350
Ill used it until it surewnders
And it takes regular gas. Premium is expensive
@@rightlanehog3151 8
@@boypanot1509 you are very funny
@@boypanot1509 Sell ship it to me@ $5000
Get the facts right. Last redesign 2013. Next fully one should be 2019. You act like its old... most cars are redone 6 years. Also rides on Avalon platform not camry.
Love your post 🤣
you are well informed
Well 2013 models came out in 2012, just like you could buy a 21 model in late 2020
@@kgisabeast yes, which is also normal. He was wrong about the redesign dates it’s right in line
@@buckeyenation7247 love u
This is a best all rounder car ... best part of this car is it takes you places comfortably without hassle... it won't break down ... you do your oil changes and put gas in it and go to work every day like most people do ... and get a second car like a mustang or something for your sporty feelings ....
RT, People get exactly what they pay for without heartbreak and complication.
I own one of these cars.......I absolutely love it, it has quality all throughout the vehicle and rides so sweet...
My mom has a 2014 model and never ever had it in the shop other than for tires,oil change and brakes. The es350 will be my next vehicle.
Edmunds never seems like they like any car they review
@@TheRedc0met you should be thankful that us americans even allow you to be on the internet.
lol
Whether or not the ES-350 is based on a Camry or Avalon, Lexus offers the best service and support of any of its competitors. If you are a busy professional or business person, there is real value in having a dealer pick up your vehicle when you need routine maintenance, leave you a Lexus loaner, and return your car, nicely detailed. Moreover, whenever my Lexus was subject to a recall, Lexus would send me a $100 Amex traveler's cheque as a way of apologizing for the inconvenience.
These cars are incredibly well built and reliable.
Wait they pick up your car WTF, they didn't tell me that but I do appreciate my lexus loaner every time I need service
Oh and you get a loaner no matter what year of lexus you have
I don't know that its Lexus policy. More of a dealership policy. I purchased my vehicles from Len Stoler Lexus in Maryland, and they always accommodated my needs. Of course, I typically scheduled my service in advance. On a few occasions they didn't have a Lexus loaner, so they' provided me with a current model Hyundai SUV., but usually, the loaner was a Lexus RX. Stoler also has a Porsche franchise, but I could never convince the service manager to arrange for a Porsche loaner.
My dealer offered the service. I didn't have to ask. This is one of the reasons why I always thought a Lexus was worth the premium price. I never quite understood why partners who drove MB and BMW products weren't offered the same level of service. Perhaps they bought their cars from crappy dealers.
My only regret is that I drive so little now (2k miles per year), that I can justify purchasing a new Lexus or other premium cars..
Stephen nice I got mine from Darcars in silver spring MD. Yeah I schedule online and just show up and a car is ready, if I'm early enough I can choose between the Rx, Ed, or the IS. Mercedes which was my last car only offers the same service if the car is new or CPO that's it. I have an 09 and 17 Lexus and I always get a loaner even if its for an oil change or a simple diagnostic
1st of all the reviewer (Will Kaufman) is wrong on a few fronts...To begin with the platform, it's on the same as the current Avalon. In fact they are closer in specs. The Camry is smaller. Also the headrests are 4 way adjustable. The less than 40k price comes with all the Safety Tech Standard. All the other brands are charging extra money to have them included... Just to name a few inconsistencies...
Even though his review is more solid than some others, the reviewer should've done more research before his video presentation, or at least have someone at Edmunds proof the video before posting it.
No one likes to be misinformed. Especially by an Associate Editor
Isn’t the last gen Avalon based on the Camry..
Derrick Scott Avalon and Camry are remarkably similar, and if you go by exact platform nomenclature, it’s more inline with Camry despite physical similarities leaning more so towards the Avalon.
also the current gen came out in 2013 not 2012 but still looks modern
Alan Bowers take a look at Alex on Autos... the reviews for both the Avalon and the ES 350... He explains it much better
The other brands charge more because they offer a better product. This vehicle is so long in the tooth it’s not even funny.....the 3.5L V6 dates back to the mid 1990s! This car has become the favorite of women over 55.
Just to address your comment about the front headrests, they are adjustable forward and backwards in addition to up and down. I don’t have the ES, but have driven them as a loaner in the past.
Thank you for pointing out the headrest comment. You can tell, this reviewer does not know this car. I yelled "The headrest is adjustable front to back you idiot!"
Just lift out the headrest and turn it around! Simple and effective against whiplash and comfy. Small release button at base of one of the metal slides. We love our ES
The ES does NOT compete with the E-class or 5 series! Its actually the GS that competes with them so idk what edmunds is saying lol
Rides better than a deville
The reviewer didn't know his cars to say the least. Besides, as my Lexus GM says, "The best luxury is reliability. Everything else comes second." You can't say that about any German car or SUV.
What would you want them to use instead of plastic on that cup holder area, more wood? Aluminum?
right LOL
Perhaps more piano black plastic? As an owner of an es 350. The plastic doesn’t bother me lol
Sorry but this is a ridiculous review. The reviewer has a personal dislike for this car and try’s to tell us why we shouldn’t like it either. He swimming upstream when he admits it’s one of the most popular models in its class. He has his own agenda and is welcome to it.
Just got an ES 350 yesterday & so far it’s very comfortable, very smooth to drive & goes when I need it to!
The ES lines are long lasting and less to maintain than a BMW or Mercedes. My 07’ ES 350 drives just as smooth the day it was new. If I want something sportier I’ll look at the GS, the 5 Series and E-Class aren’t even on my radar.
I had a BMW 325i and out of the blue i got an oil leak. But get this, no one could find where the leak was. Not even the mechanics at BMW. Yet i always took the car to them for service and I took pretty good care of the car. it only had 100,000 miles on it.
toyota has been using that Cruise control stalk foreevvverrrrrrr
agreed! surprised to see it in 2018 still!
0ttoman The new Toyota's are ditching that control stalk. So I'd assume the next gen Lexus products will ditch them too.
Tru! I remember that same stalk on my '91 Toyota MR2!!! But hey, if it aint broke.
bliglum, Exactly!
Hey, it works... don't mess with a good thing!
Reliability baby!!!!!!👍🏽🇯🇲.....a Lexus ages like fine wine while others age like milk with a early experation date!!
Ps..excellent resale value also that's a fact you can take to the bank.
The Genesis G80 would be my first choice, but I'd buy a Lexus ES 350 over the other competitors even if it is getting a bit long in the tooth. It sells because it's a nice, smooth, reliable, and comfortable no-bullshit luxury sedan.
ezekiel1hen I have a 2005 ES330. I’ve not had anything break that wasn’t covered by my used car warranty, and those items were wear-and-tear type items. I’ve had to replace my front left CV boot, and the alternator. Aside from that, I has been spot on reliable for the 20,000 miles I’ve added since getting the car in 2014.
ezekiel1hen I traded a 2014 Lexus ES 350 for a 2015 Genesis 3.8 (G80), but due to issues that hyundai would not address. Lexus always addressed my issues. I traded the genesis for a 2014 Lexus GS 350 F Sport. The genesis was not a bad vehicle, but the service was abysmal for an automaker who wants to be a luxury brand.
...isn't the Genesis G80 a competitor to the Lexus GS though....?
John Green Maybe it was just the service at your dealership because it shouldn't be like that. That's not how the service is supposed to be from them
FarhantheMovieGuy. AKA: SpongeBob99Swell exactly the idiot doesn't kno they don't compete
I believe a review by an older driver would come up with somewhat different observations. Love the analog clock, buttons that still control some functions, a v-6 engine that's competent, tried and true. Transmission shifts smoothly, the faux leather is better than the real thing. Lexus still exudes class and refinement.
I bought my 2011 ES 350 back in 2014 enjoying it since & i spent zero 4 maintenance.
Gb, That's why they sell so many.
The GS is what competes with the E-Class & 5 series, not this. The GS has poor sales compared to its competitors. Reason why this sells so well is cause you're getting a midsize luxury sedan for an entry level luxury car price
Very true. It's all about the Value and Reliability
Its based on a avalon platform yes but they literally took the frame of the Avalon and built an entirely different car out of it. Thats coming from a certified Toyota master mechanic whom I watch here on TH-cam. The car care nut. He says critics always complain how Lexus cant compete with competing cars. Yet JD Power and Consumer Reports rate lexus #1 in reliability year after year with toyota not far behind often number 2. I gladly chose the trade off as I just purchased this vehicle used one owner in 2024 with 40k miles on it! It just sets next to my 2006 lexus is 250 with 240k on it that still runs like a sewing machine. 💯
face it. people only buy these for reliability....
Acura took It’s so silly that I wish the others just stay. Kia’s change spots in reliability at Toyota’s or Lexus..continuing to change spots in that there closest rival just stay in their areas. I wonder what’s with all the I read that there not long that will be. Lexus must have a secret to continuing to change.
Sweet! I’m buying this car in a couple of months. My first car!
The replacement for this car will be unveiled this year. I like how your reviews film the cars in an urban setting, which is rare and how it should be. Keep it up.
I drive very aggressively but also need to put 15K miles a year on my car. My ES has delivered the bulletproof reliability but yeah, it's a bore. I kinda have a love-hate thing with this car.
What! No two minute rant about how it's ridiculous that it has no Apple Carplay or Android Auto?
Elliott Manning Apple carplay is coming to the next gen soon.
South Carolina Dashxam I don’t care that it has it or not. It’s just interesting that it’s so expected nowadays that every car have it, and if a car doesn’t have it, it’s a legit dealbreaker.
Elliott Manning 😂🤣😂🤣
i always install aftermarket head units anyway
Just because it's fwd doesn't mean it's slow. I know from experience. It'll surprise you
Why you are making review for this car since you are going to give all negative comments?
Exactly!
Wasn't the ES just redesigned in 2016? It is only a 2 year old design. Plus when it looks that good, who can complain?
I agree that the interior could use some better materials for the center console though.
I personally love the infotainment controller, but it could be better organized. It definitely needs some android auto and apple carplay though.
I would also kill to have an electronic parking brake or at least have it not be a foot brake.
Isaiah Scott it got a refresh in 2016, but its still the same design / platform / overall interior :)
Ah, makes sense. Thanks
Most bland car on the road
The new Avalon is getting CarPlay. Since this ES is based off the old Avalon, the new ES will probably have it.
The design dates back to 2013
I always thought the GS competes with the 5 series and E class. Every time I think of the ES I think of a entry level Lexus because of the platform and how unlexus the interior is compared to GS, RC, IS, etc....but nope the ES not entry level Lexus the IS is shockingly. But the IS to me looks more Lexus than the ES which means it looks more luxurious. Ik the IS competes with the C class and 3 series, but if the ES competes with the E class and 5 series, then what does the GS competes with? Cant be the 7 series and S class cause Lexus got the LS for that.
The Acura RLX and the Cadillac XTS seem like comparable cars to this since they come standard with FWD.
Yabby Gideon To answer your question, the gs still competes with the e class and 5 series. It's just a more sporty midsize sedan than the es.
It comes with leatherette??? Seriously I’m in. One of my reasons why I love my Mercedes is because the interior looks like new mainly because of the MB-Tex (leatherette)
Easy to see this guy didnt like the car from thecjumpstart
Great sedan,much improvement over the 2013 model and even more stylish and beautiful.Well done Lexus.👏👏👏👏👏.
Where is Carlos?
YOU DO NOT KNOW THE HEADREST HAS 5 ADJUSTMENTS FORWARD TO BACK??????????????
Reliability...Period
Was this video sponsored by Audi, BMW and Mercedes lol
The new ES 350 for 2019 does not ride as good as the previous generation
Why review this car if you don’t like it??
Why do "reviewers" keep talking about qualities such as 0-60 times, steering feel, and driving excitement when it comes to the ES. You can say the same thing about a Rolls Royce; it's numb as heck too. But that's not the point! I'm not a "Lexus guy", yet even I can understand that people interested in this car could not care less about those aspects. In fact, I'm certain that for those buyers, the more removed from the road and vehicle, the better. It's equally as ludicrous to criticize a Ferrari for lack of cargo room, or having a rough ride, or for being too loud. Reviewers need to talk about how removed from the driving experience you are in a Lexus as a positive attribute... because that's what it is! That's exactly what they were trying to accomplish and that's exactly what their client base wants!!
Stop complaining. It's a Lexus. I'll be happy with a Toyota. Obviously there is a reason people are getting the car.
FYI the plastics used in this lexus are top notch..wayy better than other luxury cars. Go sit in a Cadillac Escalade and see how cheap the plastics are...
Great comfortable car to drive , enough power when you need to go .
There is no such freeway in America, so no wonder why this is the best selling Lexus sedans in America! Don’t underestimate the Japanese car manufacturers
Most reliable car on the today. Also will be my next buy way over any german car out there. Lexus in my opinion is luxury and reliability while Mercedes and BMW and Audi are straight money pits...
With awd incorporated, itll steal the hearts of many new englanders
The 2019 and later model ES350s are almost 196 inches long. The 2018 ES350 remained at 193 inches long. A good length for our garage. The later models got longer, and we need a car that would allow my wife to easily walk past the front bumper into the kitchen from the attached garage. Her 1997 ES300 is 190 inches, and we fear the 2019 and later ES350s would just be too long.
I prefer the GS 350 myself. I'm not a bad fan of the ES for one of the simplest facts that AWD isn't an option for the ES. Honestly I'd consider it if it just had that ONE feature (AWD).
Buy a good, used LS430, pocket the huge difference in price and you'll be happy for many years.
If you can find one.
Isn't the E class and 5 series competitor the GS?
Is a $45,000 Lexus dealer-certified 2018 Luxury package ES350 with 22,138 miles on it a good deal?
No
Also the next ES will mostly have an FWD based AWD system according to the rumors all around.
I think this video pretty much showcases why the ES 350 is the best selling car in the segment. The host keeps blabbering on about how it's not engaging, it doesn't have a ton of power, it's not exciting, blah blah blah. If you want luxury, in a relaxed sense, you don't give a crap about that stuff anyways. I think a lot of luxury manufacturers make the same misinformed assumption that "power" and "sportyness" equal luxury and that's simply not true. In my opinion, when a Ford Fusion rides smoother, is quieter, and has effectively the same practical features as a BMW 5-series for nearly half the price, it's game over in a heartbeat for the BMW. Sure, it'll do the 0-60 faster, but I don't give a crap. Obviously, I don't represent all luxury car buyers and some buyers legitimately do want performance thrown in the mix too, which is totally fine. I'm just speculating that the reason the ES 350 is the best selling mid-sized luxury car is because the majority of luxury car buyers prioritize comfort over performance on a day-to-day basis.
Seems like it does what it supposed to do very well then
this is the same as a 2013 to 2018 avalon, not camry.i have an avalon
Maybe the headrest is not the problem. Maybe your head is too big 😂
Technically, this car doesn't really compete in the same class as the E and 5, that job goes to Lexus' own GS. Its starting price is barely above the highest-trim Camry and optioning it up barely gets it to the base price for an E and 5. In many way, this car is somewhat redundant with the Avalon, but, being from a luxury brand, has very few true competitors. The V-6 TLX and Lincoln MKZ are the closest. The Genesis G80 is spot-on with price, but is RWD.
Little did he know the head rest was 4-way adjustable.
the car is a 2018 and you reviewed it in 2018? And its an old car?
What is the price of that car?
Geez Will, why are you comparing this to a luxury sport sedan? It's a luxury car meant for daily driving in rush hour traffic. I am seriously considering getting the 2017 model year of this car, because of two reasons; road conditions where I live and traffic. Riding around in a car that handles like a sports car on roads that are riddled with potholes on the way to work isn't fun, especially when you're driving back home in rush hour. The last thing that most people want to go through is getting jostled about roughly all the way home. And then traffic. Most of us want to be in a comfortable place when we are heading home, and to me the design in the interior of this car looks comfortable to be in, and still modern enough to where it isn't an eyesore. Two major factors as to why these seem to sell well. *shrugs*
The front headrests are 4 position modifiable. (Thick book in the glove box) Push it full forward and then back and adjust to your (small) head. Soon, you can realise that Toyota has things hidden but your not a person who reads the the "Thick Book" that is hidden in the glove box. Like the tire monitoring system.. after a cold front comes in it may flash, but after reading the "Instruction manual (in the Glove box... a thick book)" there is a button just near the hood release, that if pressed for 3 seconds will flash and reset the system.
Motoring Journalism in the USA has become a disgrace. Move with the times or raise chickens.
what happened to the GS?
Is a top trim camry a better car than a base es350?
One is brand new and the other is a few years old.
Reliability
i love it when i get it as a loaner, i cant complain
. . . put the headrest up
"Only" 286 HP.lol.He obviously has never driven the older Town Cars or Buick Park Avenues with roughly half the HP,which was plenty of power to get them moving.
It's a luxury cruiser,not a race car,and has enough torque (even if it had only 180 HP) to take off fast enough from a stand-still at a traffic light.
Love the color combination!
just hate how its a 2018 but looks so similar to my 2013 es 350....other then that...amazing vehicle and reliable
I love my ES-350!
another attempt to diminish a Lexus product, starts by wondering why people buy the ES, rips it for reasons Lexus owners could care less about, then spends the rest of the video comparing it to cars costing much more and ripping the ES for not being their equal.
E-Class for me.
Watched the whole video and still don’t know why it’s America’s favorite luxury sedan ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Favorite car and I have a 3 Mercedes’ 1 cadillac 1 infinity
The engine is so quite oh....i got family of 6 so i got gx460 or i would go for this. The door oh more solid then gx460. Its serious car i got a replacement today.
yea new camry with 3.5 l V6 makes 301 HP... so why does this make less power
Dr Afzal Probably because the Camry is all new?
5:20... Base E Class is not available in the USA - some crappy 2-liter engine that is way slower than a US Corolla!
US markets gets the top end engines.
Yes, the euro-centric reviewer, head over heels with German cars, all cars have some plastic, even an S class, but never mind, the reviewer seems to be lost why the ES outsells all other entry models in its class, he never figured it out!!, he was too busy trying to come up faults, The ES is just an extremely reliable, luxurious and smooth riding vehicle, but wait it's a half second slower than an e class, wow, now that's really profound, think anyone will notice? gotta love these bone-headed reviewers. I have an 09 ES and my car drives like the day I bought it, never had any issues, except having to replace my battery once 10 years, can we say the same about the competition? . Here's food for thought for those who are dumb struck on BMWs, Audi's and Mercedes, those are the cars you lease, Lexus is the car you buy. The car lots are full of BMWs and Mercedes, because the smart owners dumps them before the warranty runs out.
Not sure how a base E class is faster than this at only 241hp 4 cyl. Should be pretty comparable in terms of accel, this but should be must more refined.
Because this uses a very old Camry/Avalon engine while the E Class uses a turbo engine. The turbo provides more low end torque than this so it is a lot quicker than this.
Another example would be the new Honda Accord 2.0T. Although it has less horsepower than the outgoing Accord V6, the torque makes it a lot quicker than the old V6.
Yes, I would agree, but I actually own an E300 and I dont think its a full second faster than the v6 3.5 in Lexus and Toyota models. I think the stated time is around the same by the manufacturer too. Regardless, this was a stupid comparison because the ES and the E/5 doesnt even compete in the same league.
Very thoughtful review, but next time how about putting on some decent clothes and shoes?
Carlos Lago, this guy needs some car advise, lexus ES is not rival to BMW 5series, LEXUS GS IS!!!!!!!!!
I’d rather buy the new Camry XSE. They killed it with it since it’s beautiful.
Where are these “backroads” that all reviewers talk about. I drive in the city and on the highway. No backroads.
5:32...what u talking about? Put it on sport mode and its porche. I drove it ready for ticket and its fukin fast fast fast.
Thanks for sharing
This nice car.
Every other statement made in this review, or lack there of, contradicted the one before it. I was like, wait...what?!!??!!
You don't buy an ES to compete with an E-class.. why can't petrol heads get that?
New 2019 lexus looks better
Thank you
Cheaper and valued reliability then Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
thank god micah isn't reviewing this.