The 2026 Lexus ES Might be the Best Priced Luxury Car Right Now
Sleek, low-slung and filled with the delights, the biggest decision is electric or hybrid; which one is a better deal, though, will surprise you
There are two types of luxury: loud and proud, and quiet and demure. The Lexus ES is decidedly in that second camp, an under-the-radar luxury sedan designed to intuitively deliver everything a luxury sedan should be, with two exceptions: Price and emissions.
For 2026, Lexus-branded luxury moves out of the loud-and-fumey line of cars—and I can attest, once I got used to driving hybrids and EVs, inhaling a car’s emissions is a shock to the system—and into stealth mode thanks to a big change: The 2026 Lexus ES sedan is now only sold as a hybrid or an EV. From there, its future-forward new design is simplified with two levels of luxury and is nicely appointed, as a luxury sedan should be. And its simple price structure makes buying a luxury sedan an easy proposition.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was a guest of Lexus for this test drive but all opinions, as well as research, drive impressions and photos, are my own.
The 2026 Lexus ES Is Offered in a Choice of Two Powertrains
Lexus, taking a page from its parent company Toyota, is on a march to make all its vehicles as fuel-efficient as possible and to avoid the use of fuel altogether when it can. That means that for 2026, the newly redesigned Lexus ES is now only available as a hybrid and an EV.
The Lexus ES 350h (h for hybrid) comes in two trims: Premium and Premium+, and buyers can add all wheel drive for $1,400. Both front wheel drive and AWD versions generate 244 HP are estimated to get about 46 MPG.
Lexus ES EV Buyers Have More Power Options
EV buyers can opt from two different power levels based on the single or dual motor options. The all-electric 350e is powered by a single motor, is front wheel drive and delivers 221 HP; it’s estimated to have a range of about 307 miles and can replenish about 80% of its charge at a DC fast charger in about 28 minutes.
The 500e is, naturally, AWD thanks to its dual motor system and delivers a more satisfying 338 HP, but it has a lower range of about 276 miles. It also can charge to 80% in about 28 minutes at a DC fast charger.
Both are Tesla Super Charger ready with a NACS power port hidden behind a novel new power door; just push the button and it lowers for port access.
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Accessible Pricing and an EV Priced Less Than the Hybrid??? Yup
One of the nicest things about the Lexus ES is its pricing structure. It’s simple and you get what you pay for; there is not a huge difference between the battery and hybrid models. And, even though this is a luxury car with lots of luxury features, pricing tops out about $60K.
Most shockingly, the entry EV models are priced less than the hybrid—even the more powerful AWD version—for a very comparable model in both features and power.
Here’s how the hybrid is priced:
- Lexus ES 350Hp Premium $51,095
- Lexus ES 350 Premium+ $55,895
- Add AWD for $1,400
And here’s how the EV version is priced:
- Lexus ES 350e Premium FWD $48,895
- Lexus ES 500e Premium AWD $51,895
- Lexus ES 350e Luxury FWD $57,295
- Lexus ES 500e Luxury AWD $60,295
I’ll give you a minute to let all that pricing sink in. An EV that’s priced less than its gas-powered counterpart is practically unheard of and considering the bump in power that the EV delivers, it seems the one to get. But, what do you get? Glad you asked.
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A New Exterior Design Defines the 2026 Lexus ES
Not being one to scream luxury, the Lexus ES cuts an elegant silhouette on the road. It’s low and aerodynamic with a roofline that gives more hatchback vibes than ‘sedan,’ but a look in the trunk shows that it’s all sedan inside.
The side panels are marked by a split panel accented in gloss black that adds a bit of interest. Gone is the mesh-ensconced hourglass-shaped spindle grille on the front; in its place is a flat front face that insinuates the spindle grille without mimicking it. A new take on the L shaped daytime running lights lend familiarity to the front end, and the Lexus name spelled out across the rear tail light bar cements it. This is the first time Lexus has had its name in lights across the sedan’s rear end, and it looks good, in a smallish, low-key way. The Lexus name, too, is more demure than loud.
One key detail that will no doubt spark a discussion are the turn signals; they are lower “L” shaped lights that frame the rear end and flash amber, adding a clever and distinct look.
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The ES Interior Feels Edgy and Modern
Inside, the modern feel continues. Probably the detail that stood out to me the most is the new driver’s display: It’s sharp and stands out on a stage of microsuede. As you’d expect, it’s customizable, but it’s also crisp and clear and its half-hex shape feels very modern.
At the cent of the dash is a 14” touchscreen multimedia system that is not only the first in the ES, but the most updated and functional Lexus has in its fleet. The system now works faster and uses AI to deliver a more intuitive experience; and the navigation system in the EV allows additional functionality to help you find, or plan for, charge stops along your route.
The center console features a dual phone charge pad and a small storage space underneath, and the dashboard under the screen has embedded haptic controls, one of my very favorite design details in any car these days.
Our model was outfitted in leatherette which is standard across the lineup in all but the 500e Luxury model, which is delivered with leather seating.
Upgrades Add Only a Bit to the Experience—and Price
Surprisingly, there are not a lot of upgrades to be had in the Lexus ES. The hybrid Premium + model and the Luxury EV model add head up display, a digital rear view mirror, enhanced park assist, phone-as-key digital key and premium Mark Levinson sound.
There are a few packages for a few more goodies, but most everything you’d want in the Lexus ES, either hybrid or battery powered, is included in the entry model.
The Lexus ES Drive Experience
I was utterly shocked to learn that the car I’d been driving around in all day delivered only … 244 HP. I guess in a world where we expect hundreds and hundreds of horses under foot that number seems small. But in reality, it’s quite capable thanks to the instant torque of hybrid or electric power.
Even on the hills leading down to the beach and back up again in SanDiego, where we took the ES out for a day of driving, the hybrid powertrain felt entirely competent. And, it was silent and comfortable, as you’d expect.
In the 500e the experience was even a bit more luxe. With the truly instant acceleration of an EV we never found ourselves in the company of other cars; we quickly and quietly zipped away from every traffic light.
Out on the roads the Lexus ES handled with the competence and comfort that you’d expect; no surprises here for good or for bad.
A Unified Design Lends to a Roomy Cabin Thanks to the Battery
The 2026 Lexus ES, both the hybrid and the EV, are nearly identical. In fact, the only way to tell which one is which is by the moniker on the rear of the car—350h, 350e or 500e. This is all by design and a trend we’re going to see more of as carmakers design a car and accommodate it so it can run on gas or electric, or both in the case of a hybrid powertrain. That means more focus on design, features and comforts, and no compromises.
This design approach also typically means more interior space due to the battery pack that sits under the passenger cabin. In the case of the 2026 Lexus ES, the overall length is 3” longer and that space is evident in the rear seat, which is quite roomy. My drive partner Stephen found plenty of leg room for his 6’4” frame, but he didn’t love the sloping roofline for the lack of headroom.
This also means that if you need to install child car seats you’ll have plenty of room and probably won’t have a little one kicking the back of your seat.
Are Sedans Back?
The Lexus ES will find its people, and they are not everyone. Buyers who love to get more for the money, who like something lower to the ground, something that rides with an air of refinement rather than an appetite for adventure. You know who you are.
And so does Lexus, which made deciding which 2026 Lexus ES to buy easier than ever: electric or hybrid. The entry model delivers a lovely amount of luxury and the upgrades that increase the price tend to be just that—upgrades, not must-haves. But the fact that the battery-powered EV at its starting price is less than the hybrid? That’s a stunning fact. This might just be the best deal on a luxury car right now, and maybe for a long time to come.
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