Lexus ES 350: The Eighth-Generation ES and What Replaced the V6

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Lexus ES 350 with its 302-hp V6 ended after the 2025 model year. The redesigned 2027 ES comes as a 244-hp ES 350h hybrid (46 mpg combined FWD) or as the ES 350e and ES 500e electric models, with up to 307 miles of range. MSRP runs $47,610–$59,010 before a $1,395 delivery fee.

Type
Midsize front-wheel-drive luxury sedan (hybrid or battery-electric, AWD available)
Price (MSRP)
$47,610–$59,010 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,395 delivery, processing and handling (Lexus lists $49,005–$60,405 including DPH)[1][2]
Powertrains
ES 350h, ES 350h AWD, ES 350e, ES 500e · 221–338 hp
Current generation
Eighth generation (ES 350h, ES 350e, ES 500e), 2026–present

2027 Lexus ES price and trims

The eighth-generation ES was all-new for 2026. It rides on a multi-pathway platform derived from TNGA-K that takes hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, and it is larger than the seventh generation (3.1-inch-longer wheelbase). Every ES has a 14.0-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital display and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. The 2027 model carries over unchanged. Prices below are 2027.[20][21][22]

Lexus ES trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
ES 350e Premium$47,610excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $49,005 with DPHFront electric motor (221 hp), FWD, 74.7-kWh battery[21]
ES 500e Premium AWD$50,610excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $52,005 with DPHDual electric motors (338 hp combined), DIRECT4 AWD, 74.7-kWh battery[21]
ES 350e Luxury$56,010excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $57,405 with DPHFront electric motor (221 hp), FWD, 74.7-kWh battery[21]
ES 500e Luxury AWD$59,010excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $60,405 with DPHDual electric motors (338 hp combined), DIRECT4 AWD, 74.7-kWh battery[21]
ES 350h Premium$49,805excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $51,200 with DPH2.5L I4 hybrid (244 hp combined), FWD, CVT[20]
ES 350h Premium AWD$51,205excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $52,600 with DPH2.5L I4 hybrid (244 hp combined) with 54-hp rear e-Axle, AWD, CVT[20]
ES 350h Premium+$54,605excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $56,000 with DPH2.5L I4 hybrid (244 hp combined), FWD, CVT[20]
ES 350h Premium+ AWD$56,005excl. $1,395 DPH (2027 MY); $57,400 with DPH2.5L I4 hybrid (244 hp combined) with 54-hp rear e-Axle, AWD, CVT[20]

Every ES trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Lexus ES engines, horsepower and mpg

Hybrid output is net combined system horsepower. EPA range ratings: ES 350e 307 miles (19-inch wheels) or 292 miles (21-inch); ES 500e 276 miles (19-inch) or 272 miles (21-inch). The 2026 EPA efficiency ratings with 19-inch wheels are 127 MPGe combined for the ES 350e and 114 MPGe for the ES 500e. Lexus does not quote system torque.

Lexus ES powertrains with Lexus-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
ES 350hPremium, Premium+2.5L four-cylinder hybrid (sixth-generation Lexus hybrid system)[1]244—Electronically controlled CVTFWD48/44/462027 MY[1]
ES 350h AWDPremium, Premium+2.5L four-cylinder hybrid + 54-hp rear e-Axle[1]244—Electronically controlled CVTAWD47/42/442027 MY[1]
ES 350ePremium, LuxurySingle 221-hp front electric motor, 74.7-kWh battery[2][3]221—Single-speedFWD—
ES 500ePremium, LuxuryDual electric motors (221 hp front + 118 hp rear), 74.7-kWh battery[2][4]338—Single-speedAWD (DIRECT4)—

Output is as rated by Lexus; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

ES 350 (2025) vs ES 350h vs ES 350e vs ES 500e

How the outgoing V6 compares with the three eighth-generation powertrains.[8][18][1][2]

ES 350 (2025) vs ES 350h vs ES 350e vs ES 500e
ES 350 (2025)ES 350h (2027)ES 350e (2027)ES 500e (2027)
Powertrain3.5L V62.5L hybridSingle-motor EVDual-motor EV
Output302 hp244 hp221 hp338 hp
DriveFWDFWD or AWDFWDAWD
EPA rating25 mpg combined46 mpg FWD / 44 mpg AWD307 mi range (19-in)276 mi range (19-in)
MSRP before DPH—$49,805–$56,005$47,610–$56,010$50,610–$59,010
  • The ES 350h gives up 58 hp to the old V6 but nearly doubles its EPA combined mpg.
  • The ES 350e is the least expensive 2027 ES.

Is there still a Lexus ES 350?

Not as a gas V6. The ES 350's 3.5L V6 made 302 hp and 267 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, and EPA lists it through the 2025 model year, along with the ES 250 AWD and ES 300h. The redesigned 2026 ES dropped the V6 entirely.

The closest replacement is the ES 350h hybrid. It makes 244 hp combined (up from 215 hp in the 2025 ES 300h) and, for the first time in an ES hybrid, offers all-wheel drive. Shoppers looking for a 2025 or older ES 350 are buying the seventh-generation car.[8][9][18][19][1]

The eighth-generation ES (2026–present)

Lexus calls the new ES its first core model rebuilt on a multi-pathway platform: the same basic car carries either a hybrid or a battery-electric powertrain. Compared with the seventh generation, the hybrid's wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer, and the car is 6.5 inches longer, 2.2 inches wider and 4.5 inches taller overall. Rear legroom gains 1.4 inches.

Every 2027 ES has a 14.0-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. All three models are assembled at Toyota Motor Kyushu in Japan.[1][6]

ES 350e and ES 500e: the first electric ES

Both EVs use a 74.7-kWh battery under the cabin floor. The ES 350e has a single 221-hp front motor and an EPA-estimated 307 miles of range on 19-inch wheels. The ES 500e adds a 118-hp rear motor for 338 hp, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and a 0–60 mph estimate of 5.1 seconds, with 276 miles of range on 19-inch wheels.

Lexus quotes about 28 minutes for a 10–80% DC fast charge at up to 150 kW, and about 7 hours for a full Level 2 charge on the 11-kW onboard charger. Both cars use a NACS charging port.[2][5]

Lexus ES generations by year

Every US Lexus ES generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Eighth generation (ES 350h, ES 350e, ES 500e)2026–present2.5L four-cylinder hybrid (244 hp); 221-hp single-motor EV; 338-hp dual-motor EVLexus's first multi-pathway platform, an evolution of TNGA-K that carries either a hybrid or a battery-electric powertrain. It is longer, wider and taller than the seventh generation. There is no gas-only V6.[1][2][5][6]
Seventh generation (ES 250, ES 350, ES 300h)2019–20253.5L V6 ES 350 (302 hp); 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid ES 300h (215 hp system); 2.5L four-cylinder ES 250 AWD (2021–2025)Built on the GA-K platform, with the first-ever ES F SPORT. Refreshed for 2022. AWD arrived for 2021 through the ES 250.[7][8][6][9][10]
Sixth generation (ES 350, ES 300h)2013–20183.5L V6 (ES 350); 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid (ES 300h)Introduced the first ES hybrid, the ES 300h. From 2015 the ES 350 was built at Toyota's Kentucky plant, making it the first US-built Lexus.[6][9][11]
Fifth generation (ES 350)2007–20123.5L V6, 6-speed automaticThe first ES 350. It went on sale in 2006.[6][9][12]
Fourth generation (ES 300, ES 330)2002–20063.0L V6 ES 300 (2002–2003); 3.3L V6 ES 330 (2004–2006)Went on sale in 2001 for the 2002 model year.[6][9][13][14]
Third generation (ES 300)1997–20013.0L V6All-new ES 300, on sale in 1996.[6][9][15]
Second generation (ES 300)1992–19963.0L V6 (automatic or 5-speed manual)Introduced in 1991 as an all-new ES 300.[6][9][16]
First generation (ES 250)1990–19912.5L V6 (automatic or 5-speed manual)One of the two sedans Lexus launched with in 1989, alongside the LS 400.[6][9][17]

Lexus ES problems and recalls

The best-documented Lexus ES problems are a VVT-i oil hose service campaign on the 2007–2008 ES 350, Takata passenger airbag recalls on 2007–2012 cars, the fuel pump recall for 2018–2020 ES 350 (20V682), an engine-block recall on some 2020 ES 300h hybrids (20V064) and occupant-sensor recall 23V865 for 2020–2022 models.

Documented Lexus ES issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Crankshaft pulley outer ring can slip (recall 11V539)[23]XV30 (2002–2006)2004–2005Recall 11V539
Transmission hesitation and light surge (service bulletins)[24]XV30 (2002–2006)2002–2006Minor
Accessory all-weather floor mat can trap the accelerator (recall 07E082)[25]XV40 (2007–2012)2007–2008Recall 07E082
VVT-i oil hose can leak (Limited Service Campaign)[26]XV40 (2007–2012)2007–2008Moderate
Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V340, 17V006, 18V024, 19V005)[27][28][29][30][31][32]XV40 (2007–2012)2007–2012Recall 19V005
Pre-Collision System can brake unexpectedly (recall 15V728)[33]XV60 (2013–2018)2013–2015Recall 15V728
ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V198)[34]XV60 (2013–2018)2016Recall 16V198
Right tie rod lock nut can loosen (recall 17V415)[35]XV60 (2013–2018)2017Recall 17V415

All 14 documented ES issues and 12 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Lexus ES.

More ES research

See how an ES was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Did Lexus discontinue the ES 350?

The gas ES 350 V6 was sold through the 2025 model year. The redesigned 2026 ES is offered only as the ES 350h hybrid and the ES 350e and ES 500e battery-electric models.

How much is the 2027 Lexus ES?

2027 ES prices run $47,610 (ES 350e Premium) to $59,010 (ES 500e Luxury AWD) before a $1,395 delivery fee. The ES 350h hybrid ranges from $49,805 to $56,005 before that fee.

How much horsepower does the ES 350 have?

The 2019–2025 ES 350's 3.5L V6 makes 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The 2027 ES 350h hybrid makes 244 hp combined.

What is the range of the Lexus ES 350e?

EPA rates the ES 350e at 307 miles of range with 19-inch wheels and 292 miles with 21-inch wheels. The ES 500e is rated at 276 and 272 miles respectively.

Does the new ES 350h come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. AWD is optional on the ES 350h, a first for an ES hybrid. A 54-hp rear e-Axle drives the rear wheels. EPA rates the AWD version at 44 mpg combined, compared with 46 mpg for FWD.

What generation is the 2026 Lexus ES?

The 2026 ES is the eighth generation. The ES nameplate dates to the 1990 ES 250, one of the two sedans Lexus launched with in 1989.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Lexus for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid Joins Battery-Electric ES 350e, ES 500e in Eighth-Generation ES Lineup — Lexus USA Newsroom
  2. 2027 Lexus ES Battery-Electric Models Return With Up to 307 Miles of EPA-Estimated Total Range — Lexus USA Newsroom
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Lexus ES 350e (19-inch wheels) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Lexus ES 500e AWD (19-inch wheels) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. Five Things to Know About the Fully Redesigned 2026 Lexus ES — Lexus USA Newsroom
  6. The History of Lexus — Lexus USA Newsroom
  7. 2022 Lexus ES: The Quintessential Luxury Sedan Is Refreshed Inside and Out — Lexus USA Newsroom
  8. What's New: 2024 Lexus ES — Lexus USA Newsroom
  9. EPA fuel economy model listings by year, Lexus (1990–2026) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2025 Lexus ES 250 AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Lexus ES 300h — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2007 Lexus ES 350 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2002 Lexus ES 300 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2004 Lexus ES 330 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 1997 Lexus ES 300 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 1992 Lexus ES 300 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 1990 Lexus ES 250 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. EPA fuel economy: 2025 Lexus ES 350 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  19. 2026 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid Joins Battery-Electric ES 350e, ES 500e in Eighth-Generation ES Lineup — Lexus USA Newsroom
  20. 2027 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid Joins Battery-Electric ES 350e, ES 500e in Eighth-Generation ES Lineup (Aug 10, 2026) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  21. 2027 Lexus ES Battery-Electric Models Return With Up to 307 Miles of EPA-Estimated Total Range (Aug 10, 2026) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  22. 2026 Lexus ES Launches With Battery-Electric Models, New Hybrid Coming Soon (Mar 18, 2026) — Lexus USA Newsroom (pressroom.lexus.com)
  23. NHTSA recall 11V539: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Lexus Update: Our Response to the Los Angeles Times on Lexus ES 300/330 Drivetrain Issue (May 23, 2010) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  25. NHTSA recall 07E082: ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Limited Service Campaign for VVT-i Oil Line (March 1, 2010) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  27. NHTSA recall 19V005: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. NHTSA recall 16V340: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. NHTSA recall 17V006: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. NHTSA recall 18V024: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. NHTSA recall 19V741: Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Toyota adds vehicles to Takata safety recall involving certain Toyota and Lexus models (Jan. 9, 2019) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  33. NHTSA recall 15V728: Unexpected Braking due to Pre-Collision System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. NHTSA recall 16V198: Brake Actuator may have a Damaged O-Ring/FMVSS126 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. NHTSA recall 17V415: Loose Lock Nut May Cause Tie Rod Separation — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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