2019 Lexus ES 350 Test Drive Review: All The Luxury You Need

[@carbuzzcom]

Ask us any questions about the 2019 Lexus ES 350!

[@haha81Looc3bolt]

I read that if I buy a 2017 model I can get it with all of the safety option standard so why would I buy this model instead?

[@carbuzzcom]

@@haha81Looc3bolt This 2019 model is completely new. Old one drove like a sloppy fish, this new car is WAY better. Nicer interior, more horsepower, better looking.

[@carbuzzcom]

@@Bada_Boom78 Thank you! We appreciate that.

[@joseortiz7638]

I read that the F Sport does not have an ambient lighting package.... can you explain to us what the ambient lighting package is, where are the lights in the interior, and whether only the luxury/ultra trims come with it? Thx

[@carbuzzcom]

@@joseortiz7638 That's an interesting question. Without driving the F Sport, we can't say for sure. Maybe go into the dealership in the evening and check out both interiors. Sorry we couldn't help more.

[@AndyHaque]

Majority of the reviewers talk about how “SPORTY” the car is and how it “HANDLES IN THE CORNERS”. You are one of the very few who spoke the truth. 99% of the people are not going to drive like a maniac. I live in Los Angeles and drive over 20K miles a year. When I buy a car, I care about how comfortable it is, the fuel economy and longevity. I could care less about sportiness and handling in the corner. I have subscribed to your channel. Thanks for a good review. I plan to buy a 2019 ES 350 in a couple years or so when it comes into the market as Certified Pre-Owned.

[@carbuzzcom]

Smart decision on buying it CPO. You will get a better deal. We appreciate you subscribing!

[@resa2327]

My 2008 still runs like new and the model still looks current. Kicks butt all day. The Lexus models started to look the same when the grill changed, but this is niiiice.

[@JaredRosenholtz]

Those were nice. My mom had an '07, but she got the only lemon they probably built, LOL.

[@theaajourney9872]

@@JaredRosenholtz What made it a lemon?

[@JaredRosenholtz]

@@theaajourney9872 Constantly threw codes for tire pressure and a bunch of other annoying quirks.

[@MiguelRPD]

I just bought a '08 in Blue. My first luxery car and I love it !

[@claypool0]

The Lexus you have is alot better than the 6th gen that came after it. I haven't driven the 7th gen reviewed here but sounds like they improved it alot. You made the right move skipping the 6th gen.

[@mahmoudnassar3135]

I've seen plenty of reviews on this car... this one is by far the best even with less no. of cameras or equipment ...keep up the good work

[@carbuzzcom]

Thank you!

[@qasimchaudry6063]

I drive one of this non hybrid version. Love it powerful smooth 8 gears and don't get tired even after 16hrs of drive

[@claypool0]

What year do you have and have you had an Es before?

[@stedye]

Loved the commemt ; " ES runs in the family" and well done review!

[@joeygagliardi7380]

You did an Awesome description of what all of the assets this vehicle is deserving of. There are a couple changes from the 16 Lexus, but a Lexus will always be a Lexus, with the same great resale value,, thanks for the Video, Well Done. with a High 5

[@carbuzzcom]

Thank you!

[@tedmingolla2847]

Excellent review, covered all the bases, Now it's time for me to buy one.

[@carbuzzcom]

Go for it!

[@vapeking466]

I absolutely love my 2018 lexus es 350. I bought it used one owner with 38k miles for 25k. However my old lexus is250 is a 2006 and I have never driven the 2019 and up es350.

[@easternpa2]

Nice review! I've started to look at these now that they can run OpenPilot for hours of hands-free highway driving. I was chuckling at first based on how much you talked about your Mom and aunt having them but I became more impressed the deeper you went into the review. Yours was also the first review I saw that mentioned the kick sensor for the trunk on the Ultra Luxury trim level. Pretty cool!

[@ag4eng]

Great review with a good perspective on the target audience for the ES.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thanks!

[@jeffchiqui2642]

Just bought a fully equipped es350 for about 49,000 after discounts. This model even fully equipped gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Was considering an audi s4, but costed 10,000 more without even getting all the options. Mercedes probably gives you the least for your money, and The 3 series BMW didn't seem to appealing either. Great review.

[@carbuzzcom]

Thank you! The Germans are more impressive dynamically, but you get a lot less comfort for more money. To most people, comfort is more important.

[@RANDsreviews]

Good choice! You'll have this car for 20 years 200000 miles no problem! I hope your car isn't this yucky green color in the video. LOL!

[@jeffchiqui2642]

@Andrew Atm It was 52k All in out the door

[@mgmcd1]

Plus the parts don’t cost a fortune if it ever needs repairs.

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

I’ll bet that 20 years down the road this 2019 ES will still be running while whatever Buick this compares to five years down the road will will be in a scrapyard in 20 years..... if Buick will even be alive in 5 years 😂

[@xxsilver_gamingxx389]

Rajkiran Natarajan 20 years is that possible?

[@JesusIsLord7773]

XxSilver_ GamingxX yes. My Toyota Camry 2002 still running. 335,000 kms very smooth.

[@danklelock]

Love that you mentioned the target market for the ES, some people just like quiet comfortable sedans at the 40k to 50k range. I have that car, the fully loaded non F sport package, and I love it. my question is how does the kick sensor for the trunk work? It's super inconsistent for me and idk if I'm using it correctly.

[@giaruso]

My "kick sensor" rarely works. Perhaps a service call is required. (2019 UL ES350, loaded)

[@danklelock]

@@giaruso Dude I know right? It makes things very hard for me when I'm trying to show off to my friends.

[@carbuzzcom]

We got it on the first try in the video. But all of these systems are typically annoying to use.

[@jamiemcgrath1292]

Han Wang Lexus isn’t known for quality features unlike German cars. I’ve also heard of people complaining about automatic climate control. It never sets itself to the right temperature.

[@joneswon8094]

I have ultra luxury trim and 300H too. Both don't work kick censor. It works very rarely......

[@giaruso]

Great review. I have the exact, same UL 2019 Lexus ES350 car with all the same features; except mine has the Atomic Silver exterior color. The most exciting feature of the car is the head up display; I absolutely love it. The lane following feature is awesome too. You nailed it about ride, comfort, power, features, and cost: PERFECT! On a one to ten, I'd give it a 9.5. Here are some ever so slightly negative comments: 1. The navigation system does not include GPS Coordinate entry--just address or phone number; my 2007 ES350 did have that capability. 2. The navigation system does not include altitude. 3. The "Kick Open" trunk lid only works about 1 time out of 10 (possibly requires a service call). 4. The touch-pad input device takes a lot of getting used to. My suggestion, be sure your car is stopped before using it. 5. Last but not least is the BSM (Blind Spot Monitor). I really miss an audible sound when there is a vehicle in either side lane in my blind spot. What Lexus has provided is a bright flashing light in the outside, rear view mirrors. OK, but the addition of a sound would help. I know, I have the BSM audio-light feature on my 2015 Hyundai SUV and it is much better.

[@carbuzzcom]

Check the settings to see if there's an option for sound on the blind spot monitoring.

[@giaruso]

Checked! Absolutely NO option for sound notification available for the BSM system on the 2019 Lexus UL ES350.

[@carbuzzcom]

@@giaruso Interesting. We typically HATE audible BSM alerts anyway. Much prefer the visual ones.

[@JetSetBubz]

Great comprehensive review, thank you!

[@carbuzzcom]

You're welcome!

[@bobmiller6974]

I own a 2012 ES 350, I like the older body style, inside and out, thanks anyway.

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

True, most Lexus drivers don't care about RWD vs FWD. That said nothing compares to the feel of RWD especially at 302hp it makes a diffidence.

[@mgmcd1]

I got my 2019 h because I commute between two cities, and, traffic. Comfortable, quiet, excellent stereo, and the car will do about 80% of the driving. Interestingly, I never have seen anyone get the tail out on my commute. 🤓 I average 42mpg.

[@carbuzzcom]

Some people care because internet journalists tell them so. Most people don't care.

[@ms3173]

Beautiful color, I like the green

[@keithchhieng44]

I have a 2016 ES350, love it!!!

[@RyanDoonan]

We have a 16 ES300H at the dealership I work at and I absolutely love it and drive it everywhere that I need to go anywhere and I would literally get it if I could they are so amazing love Lexus brand

[@bm3turbo10]

Nice review. Love Lexus

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Me too! I just picked up a 2019 IS300h 3 weeks ago and love how silent it is :) Do you drive one?

[@bm3turbo10]

@@CarsofGlasgow Yes I have 2016 IS350 F sport. just love it especially the handling

[@adreanagh]

Excellent explanation good job!

[@leggomyweavo]

I really wish they’d offer this in awd or rwd. Hopefully the new GS will come out soon

[@JaredRosenholtz]

AWD is possible, RWD will never happen. We haven't heard anything about a new GS. It may be killed off.

[@tharinduprasanna]

Lexus all the way. Better than any Europiion car in this class.

[@DougsCars]

100% agree on the AWD option...not sure why they haven’t done that yet!

[@JaredRosenholtz]

None of the sedans on this platform have it.

[@jimv1983]

Rumors are a future ES will have AWD.

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

I drive on the worst roads in Canada during the worst winters and trust me, you’ll get by just fine with FWD and good quality all weather tires. Lack of AWD would not be a deal breaker for me lol given how comfy and cushy the ride in this car is.

[@Datsun7705]

the GS will lose sales since it’s lexus midsize sedans that’s meant to be sporty

[@sachamo100]

I love my is250, and think this new look it nice!

[@robertortiz8540]

CarBuzz, I don't have a problem with the Sunlight Green color, as long as if it's not that Bright Red color the Bright Red you can leave that for the Fire Department that's their color it belongs to them. The Lexus ES 350 is a nice vehicle Thank You for posting.

[@haha81Looc3bolt]

I actually like the green it's a really pale green almost metallic with the Finish i'd still probably get this car in white though LOL

[@carbuzzcom]

NO! Life's too short to drive a boring color.

[@ronshaw80]

I like the green too.

[@chiricochubee]

Nice review! How do you feel about the use of apple car play and storage space?

[@carbuzzcom]

Storage space is good. We didn't have an iPhone, so couldn't test CarPlay

[@stephancunningham2024]

I have a 2017 Elantra limited so this would be a big upgrade for me. Twice as much hp

[@shopwithaaron]

My 2017 KIA Optima has rear heated seats when I'm driven to dinner...Useful when the snow flies in Reno! Love the rear sun shades out back as well when temps rise to 100 degrees in the summer. No V-6 but not missing it when we get 37 MPG on the HWY on long trips! THX!

[@rajkirannatarajan9276]

Id rather wear a parka and then be driven in a more cushier quieter base model ES. THX!

[@davideselvi3906]

Kia sucks

[@jimv1983]

The hybrid doesn't have a smaller trunk. It's the same size.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Agreed! I made a video on the UK ES300h if you want to see it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3TLlKSKad1qidE

[@5thcomm]

Nicely done

[@bryannguyen1067]

how would you describe the LS, ES, and IS models like which type of people or audience would get an ES from a perspective? IS and LS models as well? like i have a hard time deciding. and i have a height of 5.04

[@tonysterbenc]

You'll fit fine into any of them (the IS having the must snug interior). The IS is small, RWD or AWD, and competes (poorly) with driver's cars like the BMW 3 or Audi A4. The ES is the same price, much larger, but a soft FWD sedan made to ride rather than handle. The ES is nearly twice the price, slightly larger than the rather large ES but no roomier inside, but is a higher class of car in a way you can clearly see in its extremely luxurious interior furnishings and feel in its AWD and massive weight; it's meant to compete with the likes of the Mercedes S Class and Audi A8, but most feel it falls short in both room and performance.

[@joneswon8094]

I just bought few weeks ago 350. But milage is so bad.. Maybe its brand new or something wrong. It goes only 15-16 mpg now. What kind problem I have?

[@carbuzzcom]

Reset the fuel economy and go on the highway. May have been the driving you did.

[@joneswon8094]

thanks. i will try and let you know

[@Alex-qy8ur]

If you idle hella the car will count that 0 into the average gas shit to dramatic and shit

[@asianmanrules6]

LS 500 video review soon?

[@carbuzzcom]

Sadly not. We reviewed an LS 500 not too long ago but didn't make a video. You can read the review here: carbuzz.com/reviews/2018-lexus-ls-500-test-drive-review-can-it-continue-the-ls-legacy

[@JaredRosenholtz]

We may do an LS500h soon. We'll keep you posted.

[@rclarkrep100]

GS all day and twice on Sunday

[@djxsquizit]

Discontinued GS lol

[@shadygarage519]

Nice!

[@crxracer805]

I don't like the Shrek knobs.

[@MrSinobi52]

The leather quality dropped when they start using their version of synthetic leather.

[@reynoldjohn4544]

Good

[@humbertorodriguez7906]

That car is way better than a crap three series and a shit C class ,

[@MrMustangrick]

Rather have the GS 350 for just a few bucks more, better performance And interior with rear wheel drive.

[@JaredRosenholtz]

This is actually larger than the GS, which is what most buyers will care about. The GS is more expensive but you can go get a huge discount on one right now.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Sad they are stopping the GS

[@MrMustangrick]

@@CarsofGlasgow They are not, I have been hearing this for years. Stop being a hater.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@MrMustangrick Haha I am not a hater as I own 2 new Lexus Hybrid cars. The GS is no longer available new, the ES replaced it :) www.lexus.co.uk/car-models/gs/#hero

[@2001COUPE]

@@CarsofGlasgow then you must live in Europe, the U.S is a way larger market for Lexus and Lexus was originally created for the U.S and they have not confirmed that the GS is gone. We can still build and purchase GS's on Lexus websites in America, so speak for Europeans only. Thanks!

[@faisalalmutairi6217]

Show more , talk less please

[@mrpmj00]

ARe u kidding me? You TOTALLY hear the engine when accelerating hard in the video at 4:00 minutes. Merc is smooth and quiet. You need a hearing check.

[@crxracer805]

The Merc will leave you on the side of the road.

[@currypac]

Show the car Not tuning in just to watch you drive

[@naugordon]

I think I am going to keep my 2016 ES and skip this generation. They lowered the vehicle too much and Lexus needs to move away from the 17-inch wheels after putting the vehicle on a bigger frame. The 18-inch wheels should be standard.

[@RyanDoonan]

How do u like your 16 es cause I have been seeing a 16 ES300H that I have at our dealership I work at and been looking at it and love driving it would even get it if I could

[@johnwalker2512]

The interior is a major step backwards. Looks like a Camry interior! What happened to the nice woodgrain trim from the old models? Not impressed at all...

[@carbuzzcom]

This interior is way nicer than the last ES.

[@johnwalker2512]

@@carbuzzcom Sorry, I cannot agree. Maybe that's what the press are saying but it looks extremely cheap to me.

[@Gforce000]

Looks like Camry interior? you should check your eyes

[@emmanuelcoleman6348]

currently driving this as a loaner and I can confirm, this interior is MUCH more plush than the previous generation. The car is also a LOT quieter than my 2013 es. I dont miss the wood on the steering wheel at all - I can finally have a FULLY heated wheel where I don't need to keep my hands on the sides to stay warm.

[@ladyj1254]

I agree when just looking at the video or picture. But I just test drove one. The interior is so much cleaner and more luxurious that, to my own surprise, I was okay without the additional noticeable wood grain. There is still some wood grain, but it’s a really rich color and mainly just well placed trim features and not “in your face” and all over. (I think there are strips on the dash board, doors, and steering wheel)

[@Djent_Djenerator]

2018 model is better than the 19

[@johnnygorena5318]

How explain, I just traded my 2018, for the 2019

[@tharinduprasanna]

Don't compare it with Germon rubbish

[@normt5463]

The Buick LaCrosse beats the ES in almost every comparison test.

[@shogunero3.6]

Yeah suuuuuuuurree. Reliability *coughs*

[@carbuzzcom]

Too bad the LaCrosse is being discontinued.

[@normt5463]

@@carbuzzcom yes offering torque vectoring AWD and 300 hp v6 is something only sporty cars offer but Buick offers it in a larger class.

[@normt5463]

@@shogunero3.6 Yup, Buick! "...when it comes to long-term reliability in particular, Buick has absolutely decimated their supposedly more fashionable family member. While most older Cadillacs rival old Kias when it comes to long-term quality, Buick is ranked #1 in our study when it comes to one important metric. Length of ownership. For active brands, the oldest trade-in on average in our study covering nearly 1,300,000 vehicles is not a Lexus or a Mercedes, it's a Buick. The reason is while a lot of premium brands try to pursue greatness to an audience that tends to have a more fickle and transient nature towards car ownership, Buick has been able to focus on what I would call 'fine'-ness towards a more conservative audience that simply looks for a car that can comfortably do the job. If you ask an owner of an older Buick what they think of their car, the answer you're likely to receive is someone in the realm of, "It's fine". There really isn't a lot of love for an older car that is created for conservative tastes. But for those who consider cars to be little more than a comfortable intermission between going here and there, Buick has fulfilled that reasonable expectation better than nearly everyone else...." thedrive

[@normt5463]

@@Joshea555 more like Edmund's earlier this decade. www.edmunds.com/lexus/es-350/2009/comparison-test.html