2022 Lexus ES 350: Test Drive Review

We fully review the updated 2022 Lexus ES350 mid-size luxury sedan to see how improvements look and feel, how it performs and handles and what it's like to live with.
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[@christhornycroft3686]

It's so hard to find a comfortable AWD sedan these days. The fact that Toyota makes one of the most comfortable is shocking to me. Lincoln and Buick, who used to be near the top in terms of comfort, don't even make sedans anymore. I hate the car market these days.

[@nicholase.9195]

Bought this car three days ago. So far incredibly impressed.

[@k9lightsy]

Any updates? Do you still like it?

[@nicholase.9195]

@@k9lightsy Indeed I do. I’ve used all the drive modes and they’re all unique and as I expected (hoped?) not a single mechanical issue save for squeaky brakes for a day or two that went away.

[@kokopuffs5789]

How is your mpg on the highways? 32mpg sounds too good to be true.

[@nicholase.9195]

@@kokopuffs5789 No that’s about right. Not so good in the city but I get 30+ on the highway. 24.7 avg. according to the car’s computer.

[@kokopuffs5789]

@@nicholase.9195 great to hear that. I do a lot of hwy driving so this car is an excellent choice and it only requires regular gas is even better.

[@ccroy2001]

Very classy. I'd get that color and interior, probably the hybrid model. I think it shows you made it, w/o screaming look at me!

[@MrMustangrick]

Yes hybrid is the best choice for the ES.

[@xFlared]

What I love about this car is no gloss black and use of premium materials on almost all touch points. In the same price bracket not even BMW, Audi or Mercedes come close. They all use gloss black and plastics excessively with much cheaper materials in the back seats and on lower panels. In addition this V6 has been known to hit 500k miles with basic maintenance. All turbo charged german competitors start having serious issues with the engine past 100k miles. It is pretty crazy to me how much effort has been put to make this vehicle a long lasting luxury vehicle with no compromises yet in the mainstream is seen as "unworthy" because it doesn't have cutting edge tech or newest power train like the German rival. To me the value here is insane, especially considering that luxury aspect of lexus vehicles including soft suspension and no creaking lasts into hundreds of thousands miles while the Germans start creaking and crashing suspension after the lease period ends.

[@mana9000]

Thank you Sam for the review, I just bought the same car, it worth every penny I paid. One of the most comfortable cars I had. It worths to mention that the Lexus safety systems are very important and helpful.

[@hazwell6811]

How much is your insurance?

[@mana9000]

@@hazwell6811 In my country (Saudi Arabia), it costs me around USD 1,800 per year

[@rarehunter14]

الله يبارك لك للاسف انا لسه انتظر من اكتوبر ومافي ولا سيارة عند الوكيل DD

[@mana9000]

@@rarehunter14 انا شريتها من معارض الرياض بعد ما مليت من الوكيل

[@Karma-hy6ki]

And how is the FWD? Is it annoying? Is it manageable? Does the car oversteer? Or u notice the wheel drag or tires spinning when suddenly accelerating or the torque steer?

[@williamterraciano8873]

I have a 2019 F Sport with all the options, Mark Lev. etc . Silver lining met, beautiful car, nice ride, music like my home stereo. Service is great. This is my 5th Lexus and maybe 6th soon...

[@Richard_Fouts]

If you're an audiophile, you must get the Mark Levinson sound system, it's incredible.

[@jaredmethuselah5813]

Excellent. Very excellent, straightforward review. The manner you explain about the car you instantly became my favorite car reviewer. More power to you and this channel.

[@Richard_Fouts]

and what a soothing voice. Could listen to it all day.

[@TalismanPHX]

Terrific review Sam. Always been a Lexus fan, since the original LS was introducred

[@progkcp]

Cool to see a wild donkey strolling alongside the rode - 9:24.

[@WhiteMouse77]

Excelent car! Lexus is not leaving market share to Genesis for free and plays high cards in this tough game used to compete with Acura.

[@Mattdog45]

I test drove this car with the 3.5L V6, I loved it. My only complaint is no AWD option with the V6

[@alanhumphrey4198]

Hope to pick up one of these CPO in a year or two; my 2017 ES 350 has been just a fantastic ride!!

[@stedye]

Enjoyed your review .

[@kris_roro]

Very informative review. Thank you!

[@BryanChance]

The exterior and interior color is very nice. It changes color from angles..

[@Dangelo1000000]

Will definitely be leasing one of these this year.

[@macoy321]

I still can’t wait the refresh for this car.

[@843swart_]

Im a 23 year ole that just bought a 2016 es350 & i can say its the smoothest thing i ever drove but i wish i went with the GS after all for the more sporty drive

[@tonysterbenc]

The GS is definitely much more capable. But it should be mentioned that the 2016 ES is on a completely different, softer and older platform than the 2019 and newer. You'd probably find the F Sport in particular would fall somewhere between the GS and the old ES in handling.

[@MARS__ARIES]

@@tonysterbenc Do you think the 2020 Lexus ES is more comfortable to ride than the older generation 2017?

[@MARS__ARIES]

@@tonysterbenc I tried driving the 2022 Avalon and the ride was firm, not smooth

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MARS__ARIES I have not driven the 2013-2018 ES. Reviewers say the older car rode a little softer, but was much more clumsy handling and cornering. The 2019 and newer are on a completely new chassis for the first time in over 20 years, even though they look similar. I see you mentioned in another comment that the similar new Avalon was too stiff for your liking. My guess is that you'd like the 2013-18 better, and they are extremely reliable used car buys.

[@MARS__ARIES]

@@tonysterbenc I own a 2017 Camry and I tried installing “shock absorber” supports and springs for the 2017 Lexus ES and they were very soft and comfortable. Now I got springs or what are called front springs for the 2020 Lexus ES and I would like to try them in fact and I will experiment and see if it will work or not 🤣 but I’m afraid That the new Lexus is as solid as the Avalon is very sad

[@swampylad13]

So…the major difference between 2021 and 2022 is the touchscreen?

[@MrMustangrick]

Front grill design is different and some trim items and wheels.

[@tonysterbenc]

Mostly. That, and the availability of the F Sport as just a cosmetic trim with neither the V6 engine nor the adaptive suspension.

[@swampylad13]

@@tonysterbenc I see, they don’t have the blackline edition either this year sadly.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

it is missing an AWD option. The AWD option on the 4 cylinder Camry is excellent. Still love the ES.

[@tonysterbenc]

It now has the same AWD option as the 4-cylinder Camry, with the same 4-cylinder engine. But reviewers have criticized it as coarse and slow, okay for the mass-market Camry but unworthy of a car costing 50% more. Try before you buy.

[@Funexpected]

@Tony Sterbenc Lol, you're everywhere, Tony! I've watched dozens of ES videos and your helpful comments are in most of them. Thank you.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@Funexpected Thanks for the kind words, Paul. Clearly I need a hobby! :.D

[@shannonjude1]

this car is not for me but it is as close as you will come to perfect daily driver.

[@Mr21scott]

"Perfect daily driver, just not for me. I prefer crappy cars".

[@Tinrs80]

Was that a Donkey on side of the Road @ 9:26 ?? hahah In or about 2014 I was looking at used 2008 ES and every used one i found has similar prices to a new one.LOL I ended up getting a Jeep but wanted a ES cause i heard how reliable they were.

[@alphabeta8403]

7:40 Smooth, floaty ride 10:05 Luxurious value 5/5

[@mustang201068]

what is the exterior color of that car? Iridium or Titanium?

[@markroopchan1140]

Hold up! Am I the only one that saw the donkey at the side of the road? 9:23

[@TestDrivenTV]

You win!

[@greedestroyseverything825]

I can't wait for the next gen ES when they finally get rid of the touch pad and maybe a phev option hopefully with solid state batteries

[@tonysterbenc]

You'll be glad to know they ditched the touch pad for '23.

[@othman0077]

Lexus ES300H 😍😍

[@philipbaio2237]

What do you think about the ES F model The comfort and the ride could you let me know or make a video thank you

[@Jt-dw4bn]

The GS is actually smaller but more sport driven and tuned and more tech but not larger just more expensive smh how don’t u know that

[@mustang201068]

Any version comes with All Wheel Drive instead of FWD?

[@jermainec2462]

Es 250 is all wheel drive but 4 cylinder only ...

[@xFlared]

The 250 4 cylinder is way to loud and rattly and defeats the whole purpose of ES as a luxury vehicle. Trust me this V6 is the heart of the powertrain smoothness and quietness. The 4 cylinder will kill the whole point of this car. Just get snow tires. Here in NJ/NY area there are like 1 or 2 days of heavy snow, and the roads get cleaned up so fast that even the all seasons on 2wd vehicles is more than enough.

[@robertmercer9117]

I don't recall you mentioning if the ES350 has a Head Up display.

[@TestDrivenTV]

Sounds like we didn't need to.

[@hiimunranked8663]

is that the DD?

[@Kingman422]

What is that interior color called?

[@theoneandonlyslickrick4132]

Why is my 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport only get 12 MPGs in the city? How can I get my car to get 20 plus MPGs? Thanks

[@benbruno6656]

What type of tyres do you use? Or you can swap it for the hybrid 300h

[@ilc-nl3yy]

Does the 2019-2021 have the auto stop/start?

[@tonysterbenc]

Blessedly, no. The 2022-23 doesn't either, in America at least (unless you choose the hybrid).

[@tomfaz4193]

Can’t get over the gigantic front grill . Makes a stunning car look like a clown car.

[@DreamConundrum]

Has an auto journalist ever reviewed a base model ES 350? In history?

[@TestDrivenTV]

Unlikely. Manufacturers usually don't hand base models of anything out for review.

[@DreamConundrum]

@@TestDrivenTV Understandable. Thanks. Even dealers don’t put videos of base models out there, probably because they don’t sell a ton of them.

[@chunzheng6037]

need help deciding , ES 350 or G80 2.5

[@MrMustangrick]

Lexus all day long. I have had 2, bullet proof and great dealership experience and resale value. JD Power #1.

[@franzvanjulio5523]

Another factor is dealer network support where you live. If you have a dealer nearby, then the Genesis brand certainly makes a compelling option. I think the ES is a greater draw for those wanting a simpler car focusing on comfort and relatability. The Genesis, on the other hand, offers more tech and a fresh brand approach. I think a comparable Genesis will likely be more expensive and also feature more tech and creature comforts. If you’ve got Lexus LS budget, then the Genesis really is at another level. If your budget really is around $50k, you’ll find that the G70 and ES really are two cars with vastly different missions.

[@user-mo9xq1lb1c]

The entire reason I will not buy an ES is due to the fact it is fwd. I think Lexus made a mistake getting rid of the GS for this reason.

[@jermainec2462]

Nobody was buying the GS so why keep it around ... And to be honest most people could care less about whether it's front wheel drive or rear wheel drive... I do miss the GS though

[@MrMustangrick]

They have awd , the ES 250, but it is a sucky 4 banger.

[@MrMustangrick]

@@jermainec2462 I will keep my rear wheel drive hot rod GS F V8 until it fails (maybe forever).

[@jermainec2462]

@@MrMustangrick Lexus needs to go ahead on and give us some type of ES f sport with a real electric motor in the back in the V6 in the front like almost 400 horses that would be nice since we don't have the GS anymore

[@tonysterbenc]

Lexus is in business to make money. Nobody bought the GS, excellent as it was. They sold about 10 times as many ES's as GS's.

[@chinoskateboardv]

9:24 - Random donkey/horse cruising through

[@SV-zd6gx]

2:23 I thought you were sitting inside a vehicle with shattered windows

[@blueb4829]

Does the ES 350 F Sport also have a panoramic sunroof?

[@Bgh192007]

No I doesn’t only on the ultra luxury package gets that. The f-sport just comes with that standard sunroof

[@philiporourke7896]

Why do they always say its a good value. Its friggin 55 G's. The interior is gorgeous though.

[@tonysterbenc]

It's a bad value if you compare it to the mechanically similar V6 Camry. It's a good value if you compare it to the less spacious, less loaded and less reliable 3 Series, A4 or C Class.

[@philo5096]

Plz, no touch screen while your driving. That's great no stop or start , now if they could get rid of the paddle shifters.

[@tonysterbenc]

You don't have to use them. I don't, ever, and they never get in my way.

[@MrMustangrick]

Too bad it is not rear wheel drive. I will keep my GS F V8 until it blows up.

[@simonscowled9925]

Can I fit inside if I'm NBA sized

[@tonysterbenc]

Yes, in the front. Back lacks some headroom and thigh support for taller passengers.

[@kpmmsupervision1297]

Lets see

[@tomfaz4193]

Beautiful car, horrid front grill. To bad rear seat back doesn’t come down. Running on regular gas is a big plus.

[@DaGoook]

Weird to see you in a Lexus when that haircut screams Charger Hellcat.

[@TestDrivenTV]

That's the problem with judging people by their appearance ;)

[@pconsolegamer]

Front grill is super ugly on cars

[@ms3173]

Lexus are cars are built like tanks….. it’s like the car is fake lol. It’s too perfect.

[@ericssonerick6972]

Not as perfect as you think. I have this car and will probably trade it in a year or two.

[@MrMustangrick]

@@ericssonerick6972 What don't you like about it? Thinking about a hybrid ES.

[@ericssonerick6972]

@@MrMustangrick ES Hybrid is sluggish it lacks power. As far as mine wind noise is apparent and I am not a fan of ML sound system. Not sure if the F sport will make a difference but who knows.

[@alanhumphrey4198]

@@ericssonerick6972 I have 2017 ES with only 40,000 miles. Hope to get 2022 CPO in a few years so that I'll have touchscreen..although mine now runs and drives flawlessly...

[@shitvalancheofdivercity14-.-88]

Nice looking guy. Great review.

[@Karma-hy6ki]

Can you please speak on the FWD? Is it manageable? Is it hard to control? Is it even noticeable? Do u see a diff between the FWD and the AWD? That’s my only issue when it comes to finalizing this car

[@tonysterbenc]

The FWD is manageable and controllable in normal use. It decidedly lacks traction in sporty use, especially on any wet or frozen surface. This car's FWD is definitely inferior to the best AWD systems, but it's important to note that the ES's own AWD version is way inferior as an overall car because of its coarse and underpowered 4-cylinder engine. I own the V6, and the first thing I did was replace the slippery gas-mileage special OEM tires. I suggest Michelin CrossClimate II's.

[@Karma-hy6ki]

@@tonysterbenc thanks for ur input. I’ll keep that in mind

[@tonysterbenc]

@@Karma-hy6ki Best of luck in your shopping. I don't know what your automotive priorities are, but I'll guess that you're looking for sedans and you value Japanese durability. If so, it's why many people cross-shop this car with the Acura TLX. That car has excellent AWD much better than Lexus's, but it's a basically different car with less room and ride, more handling. A car more similar in personality to the ES is the Genesis G80, whose base version with AWD and a Four prices out roughly similarly to an ES Ultra Luxury. Its appearance is much more opulent than the ES (although you don't get real leather at that price), but it falls far short of the ES in reliability and dealer/manufacturer support. Hope you find what you're looking for.

[@Karma-hy6ki]

@@tonysterbenc I just want a nice looking luxury sedan that can last me a while. My budget is from 50-60k. I was considering the Lexus because I liked how the exterior of the F sport looked

[@tonysterbenc]

@@Karma-hy6ki Well, the F Sport sure checks all those boxes. One suggestion if you go that route: Hold out for the Mark Levinson stereo. They're very scarce right now, but in my opinion quite worth it.

[@thelastninja4825]

Lexus havent made a luxury car since the LS460/LS600h

[@tonysterbenc]

"Tell me you're a troll who hasn't driven the car without telling me."

[@tonysterbenc]

@@japanwatchconnection Thank you.