The 2027 Lexus ES 350h gives a familiar sedan a considerably bolder outline. Its eighth-generation redesign, introduced for 2026, brings a sharply defined nose, a sweeping roofline and a single rear light bar with illuminated Lexus lettering. The changes are particularly visible in profile, where the rear cabin tapers sharply. The proportions have changed, too: The body is roughly 6.5 inches longer than its predecessor, with about three additional inches between the axles. That growth makes room for a more accommodating cabin, while a higher seating position eases the daily business of getting in and out. Lower window frames and slimmer seats help open up the interior visually. The result is a sedan with more room to stretch out on a longer trip and a clearer design identity when parked outside the office.
The hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assistance for 244 horsepower, up from the previous ES hybrid’s 215. Lexus has revised the system to make greater use of its electric motor, keeping engine speeds lower during everyday driving. Front-wheel drive earns an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined, a useful consideration for a workweek spent crossing the Valley. The Premium+ buildout adds a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a panoramic camera view and Advanced Park with Remote Park. A 14-inch touchscreen and heated and ventilated front seats round out a cabin equipped for both the commute and the miles between appointments.
MSRP: $56,000
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-electric hybrid
Power: 244 hp, combined system output
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable
City: 48 mpg, EPA estimate
Hwy: 44 mpg, EPA estimate
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Images courtesy of Lexus USA
Did You Know: The ES uses its audio speakers for more than music. Active Noise Control plays counteracting frequencies to reduce engine booming inside the cabin, helping keep the hybrid’s mechanical soundtrack from dominating a conversation.
