2019 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Review | The Best ES Ever Made?

[@Joshrs97]

Fun fact: the rear seat cupholders/armrest assembly has been the same since at least 2002. My 03 Es has the same and through the years when my mom got Es loaners I’ve always noticed that it was the one similar thing from 03-19

[@jk5743]

JoshRocks712 Maybe don’t break if it aint broke!!!

[@louisrushbrook7923]

I love Lexus’s, and car channels, so this channel is perfect for me!

[@KirkKreifels]

Welcome to the Lexurious fleet!

[@luptonpittman6520]

Lexus’s’s

[@Turtlemilk]

Just came out of Lexus of San Diego with a brand new Lexus ES F Sport! I’m loving everything about it!

[@KirkKreifels]

Congratulations! Which color and interior?

[@BMW-pk6nh]

The Car looks very sporty and beautiful it’s a true beauty in every angle and direction job well done 👍🏾 Lexus

[@seanhenderson2498]

My father just brought this exact same car and surprise me. It’s look very nice in person. Very luxurious looking. 👍

[@zmir813]

Hello Kirk, great video. You are one of the very few that actually points out the creases and the design flaws in the seat. I am debating on whether to lease the new ES 350 or just purchase a used 2016 2017 model. I’m still a fan of the prior design interior.

[@alanhumphrey4198]

My 2017 ES 350 that I bought CPO has been a great vehicle!!

[@sweetlemon9499]

how can this get any thumbs down??!! Reviewer is so humble and down to earth! subscribed for him! thanks for the review!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks mate!

[@kgisabeast]

This looks absolutely amazing, just gonna be sad if they kill the GS

[@teezee1000]

Exactly :-(

[@scm3294]

As nice as the ES is, I prefer the GS F, it's a beast!

[@teezee1000]

For 80k+ it should be more beastly

[@scm3294]

True, but the ES is a step in the opposite direction in my opinion. They should have invested the new looks and tech into a new more powerful GS. Then again, there are those that liked the GS for its more measured, usable power output as compared to the M5's "nutter tools" approach.

[@jxmar_]

They most likely will.

[@genebigs1749]

Spectacular car! Stunning looks, and as a Lexus owner myself, you can't beat the quality. This may be my next car. Thanks for a great job on the video!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks man! I'll be posting the review for the 2019 es 300h on Friday afternoon. Stay tuned!

[@josephdlonewolf9155]

My car now and still loving it since 2021 when I bought it!❤️❤️

[@jbm0866]

I totally understand why Lexus went with 19" wheels and 40 series sidewall tires, (looks great and even top trims of non luxury badge cars have this) but 18" with 45 series tires not only wouldn't hurt whatever sporting intentions this car has, but provide a slightly better ride and every day practicality. You may get away with it around your city if you know which streets to avoid etc...but for a roadtrip I'd definitely step down to 18" or even 17" and leave the pretty wheels and low profile tires safely garaged. Just my .02, but it's from experience with 2018 Mazda 6 turbo and a road trip that lives in infamy😉

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

Looks a lot like a facelift of the current generation GS Very good looking Imagine if they make a new GS how good that would look

[@jbm0866]

Sadly American luxury car buyers never really appreciated the RWD platform and old school Japanese build quality and attention to detail enough to make the GS sell well enough to keep in the lineup. With the EV apocalypse drawing near, if the GS does indeed come back it will be in name only. RIP old school Toyota/Lexus😢

[@vchhasatia]

The seat wrinkle you show is not a design flaw, it’s a probably supplier process flaw but I’m surprised why TMMK plant RI (Receiving Inspection) didn’t catch it. Btw Nice review - From Engineer where we make Lexus RX.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks for clarifying! It is definitely not something I've seen in a Lexus before...makes me think they're being rushed out due to demand, still no excuse. Are you up in Ontario?

[@vchhasatia]

LEXUriouS Kirk You welcome, These cosmetic defects usually happens during the first few months of vehicle launch, because processes at Toyota plant and supplier plant are still being tuned, seats are one of the most complex interior components to get ready in time to launch, that’s why probably lots of seats are coming in with such defects and one odd may escaped the plant. RI needs to do a better job at containing such cosmetics defects.

[@donaldfortitude6239]

Ever since they starting making lexus in America it's all downhill

[@KirkKreifels]

@@donaldfortitude6239 if you truly feel that way, buy the IS GS LS NX UX GX RXl RC LC or LX...plenty of Japanese options from Lexus.

[@chavitavb]

Kirk Kreifels my nx has the same wrinkle on my driver seat, it drives me crazy

[@gauravramasani9395]

Hey there! Awesome video! Do you think this would be a good first car for a teenager? If so which trim would be best? Please let me know! Huge fan of your Lexus vids!

[@mrmm7322]

If any human being on the planet of earth did not like this Lexus it has one meaning get your eyes checked and get you brain checked

[@DarkOrion27]

Absolutely right! Just look at the front headlight design.. just damn

[@Toyota4Life]

Matt from the smoking tire said this new ES is the smoothest car he has ever driven. That being said this car is best in F Sport trim. This car is the best FWD luxury car on market

[@KirkKreifels]

This is the best FWD luxury car ever made. When all - wheel drive is added in a year or so, look out!

[@johndrake2729]

@@KirkKreifels So they are planning on AWD?

[@KirkKreifels]

@@johndrake2729 Coming in 2021

[@dmf30]

and adaptive suspension on the hybrid with AWD would be ideal especially at this price point

[@mrmm7322]

This Lexus IS just perfect 👌 💯 %

[@netman88]

Good Video but I rather get a GS350 (better quality) or Camry XSE (similar quality as ES). Don't see value in ES 350 F Sport. IMO.

[@PLATINUM2U]

Another good looking styled vehicle 😎 other manufactures need to wake up and take note *cough* Honda/Acura *cough*

[@costantineyoussif6679]

Very beautiful throughly review I did notice you sport + mode 🤔, mind same year f sport but I don’t have the sports + mode do you know how do I activate it ? Thanks

[@major0888]

What's crazy is I did not know you was moving that car is so quiet and smooth

[@flamingguy21]

The steering wheel is not heated on the upper part because the non-F-Sport models have wood in the upper part. F-Sport models have basically the same steering wheel, just without the wood, and more leather instead. Also, if I’m not wrong, that metal trim is aluminum, so it’s real metal.

[@KirkKreifels]

I thought they fixed it in the new 2019 steering wheels. They do have wood but it's majority leather with a strip of wood. Oh well, auto heated steering wheel is pretty awesome.

[@b3r15ky]

Hey Kirk, As a Lexus salesman, would you recommend this ES 350 F Sport over the RX 350 F Sport (in terms of comfortable, interior space, and car seat space)?

[@KirkKreifels]

car seats I prefer the RX - so much easier to get kids in and out.

[@b3r15ky]

Kirk Kreifels thanks for the response Kirk!

[@jaiizwaii89]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 I’m getting a Lexus when my lease is up

[@Turtlemilk]

jaiizwaii89 which model babe

[@m.b8257]

I agree with you, I think the Lexus grill is the best in the industry.

[@PhiCongDoan7587]

Another nice review Kirk! But yeah I was a little surprised by the flaws in the seats and steering wheel. I’ve never seen that before. I wonder if they will also offer Hybrid F-Sport like the RX?... they also offer the Panamera roof for the F-Sport in my opinion. White always looks good with the black out package if they offered that. I remember they did that for the IS a few years back for the F-Sport. I think it was called the Black Line Edition. Question: if you upgrade to the triple beam does the lights still move down and then back up when you start the car? That’s Lexus signature!!!

[@KirkKreifels]

I don't believe they swivel when you turn the car on :(

[@markusbertolozzi406]

It’s going to sell! Great videos! I follow you!!

[@kyleh6516]

I got my 2020 ES 350, but unfortunately, the steering wheel has the same creases you post. Is this a problem on all units you saw?

[@KirkKreifels]

Some creases are normal

[@c3piano]

Those with the wrinkles should be rejected by the quality inspectors at the factory. Lexus charges a lot for these steering wheels. Plus it confirms that the quality will slip when it's made in the US.

[@comments7335]

in Singapore the only ES coming in is the ES250 executive and luxury.no ES350 or F-Sport marketed here.probably because of the price.our cars are the most expensive in the world.but you still can get the IS and GS in all trimmings.

[@KirkKreifels]

Fascinating! The 250 has the 2.5l v6? Or is it the hybrid?

[@comments7335]

@@KirkKreifels both variant available but it comes with 2.5 inline 4 cylinder vvt-i rather than V6.

[@cheegaqi5786]

I wish Lexus introduces an AWD es, i will definitely buy one.

[@KirkKreifels]

They are. You will have to wait until 2021, but it is 100% coming.

[@cheegaqi5786]

@@KirkKreifels if 2021 is around the corner, lol, just another year, I will buy one car that could last for 10 years

[@KirkKreifels]

@@cheegaqi5786 Two years. It will be a 2022 model I believe.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

Hello, I hope you are doing great. How much average leasing for exact car monthly?

[@KirkKreifels]

Im doing great. Too many factors can change the price such as months, miles driven, and state tax. If seriously interested in this car, stop in to your local Lexus dealer and they can give you the numbers you seek.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

LEXUriouS Kirk I want to lease because I’m very disappointed with the value I got in my car for trading it to the new Es. I’m not going to buy car cash again because no matter how you take care of it the depreciation of it was too much. I have 2013 Es 350 with 55k miles and the best value I got was 18k$.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@Ahmad-yw5hl Dumping loads of cash into cars isn't how I'd spend my money either. Leasing makes a very strong case unless you plan on driving your car for 10+ years.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

LEXUriouS Kirk of course no one would drive their car for ever and nothing better then new car smile.

[@TakedaKenshi]

Saving the best for last (ES300H) eh? Can't wait.

[@KirkKreifels]

We have none currently and none on the way. Could be December before I am able to review the hybrid. We do have a 2019 es 300h...but it's our service loaner 😓

[@TakedaKenshi]

Dang, thanks for the heads up. Still will be looking forward to it. Keep up the good work.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks man! I'll try to post some good content in the meantime!

[@edcain3676]

@@KirkKreifels Does the ES300H Have Any Extra H.p.From the Hybrid Addnt.?

[@elizabethlehman3830]

Love this Lexus but maybe 456 HP it would be a beast and a V8 !!! Of course on only sport F Sport models :)

[@KirkKreifels]

We can dream!

[@FrederickGFX]

Those quality issues are surprising. If that’s by design, it’s certainly not reflected in the promotional photos. It will be interesting to see if the Japanese made 300h has it as well. I was thinking this car would be a replacement to my GS, but now I’m not so sure! It’s definitely more modern, but doesn’t seem to have that Lexus feel.

[@KirkKreifels]

This was posted below by an engineer at the RX plant in Ontario, "This cosmetic defects usually happens during the first few months of vehicle launch, because processes at Toyota plant and supplier plant are still being tuned, seats are one of the most complex interior components to get ready in time to launch, that’s why probably lots of seats are coming in with such defects and one odd may escaped the plant. RI needs to do a better job at containment such cosmetics defects."

[@closg9309]

Made in the US and not JAPAN, quality will diminish.

[@c3piano]

The car owner should be offered compensation for the flaws. If the seat costs $2,000 to make give $1,000 in free service. No owner wants to hear the worker was rushed, but did his best. Obviously, this can't be good for the Lexus imagine of quality. We can see two flaws with this car. How many others are we not seeing?

[@dorranrobinson6207]

Oh toyota lexus on fire.burning up all the others..

[@MaceWindu7]

What’s the exact sticker price including taxes and options for this car?

[@KirkKreifels]

It's around 51k without taxes.

[@jinchen5161]

For full loaded 45-49k dude I did research turn in dealer so desperately sell me one lol I even ditch his offer.

[@jinchen5161]

For drive out price when I talking about price

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Zero issues if built in Japan!

[@KirkKreifels]

Less issues 😅

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Kirk Kreifels I mention your reference to the leather blemishes on the seats and steering wheel (these cars are manufactured in Kentucky, aren’t they?). I would be very surprised if they passed quality inspections in Japan. Kaizen and Takumi spring to mind! Have you seen similar issues with Japanese built cars? Cars made by Lexus in Japan are the holy grail for me in terms of quality and reliability above any other brand even though I’m in Europe and drive a Japanese built Mazda6 which I do love and has zero imperfections or issues in 18 months of ownership since new. I know that all Lexus cars sold here in Ireland are manufactured in Japan which is a massive positive for me and why I drive a Japanese built Mazda. I hope to own a Lexus some day (they are far better than any of it’s overrated unreliable German competitors) unless Mazda becomes on a par with or surpasses Lexus in every single aspect of ownership with reliability being by far the most important factor for me. Love your videos as always! Thanks

[@adrianalsina3435]

Does the new es have any type of ambient lighting?

[@KirkKreifels]

Not really.

[@nathanmaxwell2188]

Its definitely a nice looking car, but it's too reminiscent of a fully loaded camry. The GS 350 is alot nicer looking, has AWD, more hp, and doesn't look like anything else out there. The ES should definitely be AWD or just get a camry.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

2:30 when I went to the dealership to see it that what I said about it.

[@dmf30]

Unfortunately the commentator keeps saying "leather" and the interior is NOT leather unless they changed it in the last couple of weeks. Take a look at the sticker. Nevertheless, it looks great except for the buckling at the seams.

[@instasingingvids3529]

David Friedman what is it? Is it fake leather?

[@KirkKreifels]

It's called nuluxe. It's a synthetic leather on this f sport. However in luxury builds the car will have leather trimmed seats and finishes.

[@aaronprice2654]

@@instasingingvids3529 they call it ultra leather. it's vinyl but feels like leather. doesn't need the constant leather treatments. usually holds up better. especially if it gets wet. leather drys out and cracks after time

[@sicilylive2203]

Gorgeous

[@Edward-jn6bp]

Hi do you know why the es does not feature auto power folding mirrors?

[@KirkKreifels]

Lexus chose not to include it in the US spec. I believe you get can an ES with power folding mirrors in other markets.

[@Edward-jn6bp]

LEXUriouS Kirk yeah I think it it’s really stupid especially for the price ur paying

[@msshepherd3324]

@@Edward-jn6bp More than 20 years ago, power mirrors were "standard" in Japan. When I came to the U.S., no cars in this country had these, and I was so shocked. Now after owning Mitsubishi, Honda, Acura here in the U.S., and recently purchased this ES 350 F-sport and the vehicle still does not have power mirrors. I gave up! But you know what, I really do not need them on a daily basis living in the U.S. since I do not have to park in a tight space or garage.

[@adrianperez-ei6qz]

It’s crazy how Lexus has been milking the same cars for so many years and just giving face lifts. They rx350 drives the same it did 10 yrs ago. It’s insane the amount of money that have made never having to change the chassis 🤔

[@KirkKreifels]

A 2016+ Rx drives a lot different than a 2010-2015 model. The RX was redesigned in 2016 and shares little with the previous model.

[@vinrave]

I love Lexus! But still there’s something about ACURA that makes it look more Manly.

[@KirkKreifels]

Acura is a sportier brand. Lexus is a more elegant brand.

[@michaelking4578]

Hybrid is a mistake. It will require a head gasket replacement at 130k.

[@Jesus-eb8yk]

Wish it was 4wd...

[@KirkKreifels]

Give it 1-2 years and it will have it

[@dmf30]

I agree with the comment that AWD would be ideal both in the F sport and in the hybrid. . It would be an instant buy for me. I have a GS now but i have a hunch that it will not be around other than the GS F by 2020. And BTW, I believe the seats on the F Sport are NOT leather buy a new type of nylon type. That is a shame as I would want the semi-analine leather as well as want a selection of interiors. Hopefully they change things over time.

[@ליהיימליך]

wow, that's a great video!

[@Noposwowskis]

here in Los Angeles, we're still in Summer.....

[@KirkKreifels]

It's always summer in LA!

[@mrmm7322]

Hi there again and again and again ok. When Lexus make there cars they make them super smooth and quite and its excictive And fast enugh these cars by Lexus IS made for vip customers and qulity and reliable cars if you look for speed then get the ls 500. This is a comfort ride for rich customers that why only Lexus brand has a true loyal customers It's always win win with Lexus. You will never lose thank you Japan for delivering the best of the best Lexus IS number 1 before and present and the future. LEXUS LEXUS LEXUS

[@EagleWolfSparrow]

dam he just Slap worker's face on Steering wheel.... But I think it's bad job too..

[@clydeinverness1197]

Lexus from Kentucky!?!?!?! I thought they were made in Japan 100%.

[@KirkKreifels]

Most ES in america is assembled in kentucky. Most RX in america is assembled in Ontario.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

This is what happens when its made in Kentucky and not Japan.

[@ajithvikram123]

i hear the whole red interiors are not leather at all...only the non Fsport get leather

[@KirkKreifels]

Only the luxury builds get leather. The rest are nuluxe.

[@KirkKreifels]

To be honest I can't tell the difference between nuluxe and leather.

[@ajithvikram123]

@@KirkKreifels agreed the present vinyl clones are so leather like but the important q is does the customer know its NOT leather? Also do they long last?

[@ajithvikram123]

Since last one month i longed to buy an Fsport and gave a token amount to a nearby showroom but they could not get me one since they had banged the car while bringing it from another place. Hence i had to buy an Audi A5 sportback

[@KirkKreifels]

@@ajithvikram123 if they ask, I'll tell them. Most people don't care what it is, as long as it looks and feels quality.

[@closg9309]

Made in USA and NOT JAPAN, quality will diminish unfortunately.

[@KirkKreifels]

Sad but true. They'll get better with this car as time goes on.

[@aaronprice2654]

@@KirkKreifels yeah here in America the guy probably smoked a blunt on lunch break and stitched the steering wheel right when he came back. the seat flaw is in the installation of the seat cover and could have been fudged around a little to take care of that. he probably was hittin the bluntvwith the steering wheel guy.

[@c3piano]

The quality inspectors should be Japanese from the factories in Japan, or train the American inspectors in Japan. The person that checked this car should be fired.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

I really want to see Lexus makes it AWD because for the price doesn’t worth it with FWD.

[@KirkKreifels]

I assure you it is worth it for fwd. It's one of the best cars I've ever driven.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

LEXUriouS Kirk I drove it last week and it has to much much power for FWD. when you give it gas you can see the steering has to much torque. It needs to be AWD so you can get the power right. I honestly prefer the way my 2013 drives more then this and that’s why I want to go with RX 450. Don’t give me wrong I love Lexus and I only drive lexus but this car needs to AWD.

[@Ahmad-yw5hl]

LEXUriouS Kirk also please do not exaggerate by saying that is the best car you have driven in ur life. So are you saying it drives better than the LC 500?

[@KirkKreifels]

Not exaggerating. I've never driven the LC 500. I have driven the LS 500 and the ES is about 90% as good, yet 50% less expensive. My favorite Lexus might still be the LX 570 for everyday, all situation usage.

[@KirkKreifels]

Also, how often are you going to max accelerate from a stop in the ES 350 to induce torque steer? I have tried to induce torque steer in this car during my training in Kansas City and was unsuccessful at doing so.

[@corpnupe85]

4 cylinder

[@Stefin770]

I knew it... these ES's made in the states are poor quality

[@KirkKreifels]

No they are not. This issue was only on the first batch. ES F sport was something new and pushed on them. I haven't seen any issues since the first early models of the ES F sport. ES made in KY runs circles around the camry and avalon in production quality. ES takes 5x longer to make than a Camry...for quality purposes

[@fryske.tynster]

dont trust suits explaining cars

[@TheExotich1]

Camrys rear looks much better!

[@KirkKreifels]

They both look good!

[@jinchen5161]

TheExotich1 Camry SE out design Lexus even interior totally agree. Exact badge . That why I switch to bmw and Mercedes-Benz or Audi for now

[@c3piano]

Isn't the ES based on the Avalon?

[@clobbohead]

11:33 Why would we ever want to look UP at you like that? This is a bad review. You are too nitpicky. I own one and found no flaws as you did.

[@KirkKreifels]

You have an awesome car my friend. I look forward to your review since you own the car :)

[@clobbohead]

@@KirkKreifels Very funny, Kirk. You do a fairly good review. What I didn't like was looking at you when the camera could be aimed down the road, or even on the dash. I'm not a reviewer, just a critic. In fact I haven't even driven our new ES as it's my wife's car. I'll get around to it, but my Subaru is just fine for me.

[@KirkKreifels]

I totally agree with you. I have better equipment now, however I am no longer doing car reviews ☹️

[@bngr_bngr]

Thats an ugly grill. I rather have the standard grill.

[@kgisabeast]

bngr bngr I feel the opposite I think the f sport grill looks a lot better.

[@Toyota4Life]

Nah the F sport looks better

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

Naa most of Lexus normal grill is ugly But f sport they look so good

[@c3piano]

Then get the Avalon, but the interior appointments are not as nice and has less features such as memory seats. You won't see the grill when you're driving but you would miss the inside differences.

[@holylady2697]

@@AHMEDMOOSAJI AGREED