6 Reasons Why the 2024 Lexus ES is The Best Luxury Value (What's New?)

A luxury car that's both practical and cheap to run is tricky to find, but they do exist. In today's video, I'll highlight my favorite luxury cruiser on a budget and why it deserves your attention over a wide variety of alternatives like the Audi A4 or A6, Mercedes C Class, Acura TLX, BMW 3 series or 5 series or Genesis G80!
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[@alanbaxter5897]

Every time I park mine i take a look back at it to admire just how beautiful it looks

[@oceanhedonist265]

What exterior color did you get?

[@alanbaxter5897]

@@oceanhedonist265 white looks great with the black grill

[@Another_User_Name_]

I do the same. And I'm coming out of a BMW M340 that I leased. I like the look , comfort and ride so much more in my ES 350. No it's not as quick and doesn't handle as well, but I'm over that.

[@theark.123]

So true ! I do that too 😅

[@richaquila2655]

You know you love cars when you do ;)

[@genzigzag]

Nice comfortable luxury car that will probably last forever.

[@Another_User_Name_]

As long as it lasts the 36 months I leased it for, I'll be happy.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

That will probably definitely last forever😂

[@miguelbaeza65]

The hybrid Powertrain is considered more reliable than the V6. Sounds crazy but it's true when it comes to real world reports. As long as you keep maintenance on it, the battery will last a long time

[@mark_u]

This gen ES still looks so good. It will be hard for Lexus to top the exterior styling of this one.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

Looking at what they did to the Camry I'm guessing it'll be minor

[@ekimandersom4478]

The rear looks hideous

[@Fudge_Fantasy]

2024 Hyundai sonata did

[@chucko31499]

“glosses over imperfections like a desperate employer” 😂

[@alphaleaugebrick9001]

I have a 2024 Es 350 ultra luxury. I agree with the video but i love this car. It's amazing! I do agree with the brakes, they do stop of course but it's not as sharp as i'd like them to be. Fuel economy on this car is amazing plus no premium gas unless you get the F sport. I had a BMW X2 and will never purchase another BMW again, complete money grab. I recommend this Lexus and the sound system is amazing.

[@oceanhedonist265]

I can't stand BMW's.

[@thabangsomo2383]

lol, I drive a BMW and looking at the Lexus, I’m not in the states, but the BMW has the same reputation globally I suppose 😂

[@naturelover2292]

What type of fuel do you use in your 2024 es350 ultra luxury? Regular or premium

[@bacoth41]

Well described pros and cons. Love the car but also wish it felt more planted in curves or at slow speeds on bumpy roads. Still I was blown away by the smooth drive.

[@Quran16789]

Hello What camera you used to film you ?

[@Andrik333]

Love it!!!👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@europec2082]

Will wait to see the redesign

[@davidwolf226]

I've had my 2020 ES300h Ultra Luxury for 3 1/2 years and it is, by far, the best Lexus model I've ever owned. The mpg's are excellent. My family and friends really enjoy the occasional ride in this beauty, too. Such a quiet and confident ride.

[@davidnguyen8941]

Great review. Thanks. Can you review 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid?

[@Realistick]

Ill give it a go on my next rotation of press cars in January/February!

[@davidnguyen8941]

Great. Thanks

[@theark.123]

Amazing review ! Can you please compare the ES300h with the MB E Class (2024) ?

[@HiddenWen]

I own a 2022 ES 300h Ultra Luxury. It's just so good. Comfortable, reliable, extremely fuel efficient, and easy to use. It's got a touch screen, but it's also got buttons where you need them the most. In fact, it's even got a CD player. The ML speaker system is superb. 31k on the odo, and not a single issue. Wheels still look like they'll last another 40k. This is the ultimate quiet luxury car out there.

[@shawnbl2048]

What is your real world MPG ?

[@HiddenWen]

Summer time, I'm getting 4.8L/100km, now during the winter, it's risen to 5.1L/100km @@shawnbl2048

[@shane6115]

@@shawnbl204847 mpg

[@theark.123]

The quietness and unhurried ride is renarkable !

[@LetsgoPavi]

I agree

[@tonysterbenc]

"Even with the performance handling dampeners of the performance and Ultra Luxury specs." Generally fine review, but I think you got this rather confusing feature set slightly confused. The "Yamaha Performance Dampers" are on both those trims, but they're not a handling feature. They're horizontally mounted additional small-diameter shock absorbers bolted to the front and back of the frame to absorb low-frequency resonances for lower NVH. The F Sport Handling alone has Adaptive Variable Suspension, which IS a handing feature (firmer adjustable shocks, engineered by KYB); they're not available on any other trim. Also, the non-folding rear seat is a minus for sure, but it's a decision that all ES's have had for 30 years; Lexus has always felt that luxury buyers would value the greater chassis rigidity of an additional rear-seatback brace over the additional cargo-carrying flexibility of a Camry or (previously) Avalon. I think of it as an acceptable compromise in exchange for what Lexus has accomplished in coaxing luxury-sedan behavior out of less costly, less complex family-sedan bones.

[@alvarobarrera6014]

Is the increase chassis rigidity desirable for less vibrations/quieter ride or it is for crash safety? I like that the seat doesnt come down as I live in the bay area so I would hope that would stip thieves from getting into the trunk so easily.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@alvarobarrera6014 For less vibration and a quieter ride.

[@alvarobarrera6014]

Oh wow how thoughtful. I wonder how much of a difference it makes! I noticed it was so smooth and quiet so if that takes a non folding seat to achieve I'll take it! Got a truck for when I need it. Someday hope to get one!

[@vasyls1767]

Wish this interior was available in the new IS 350

[@michaelmoore4937]

Love the lexus es and is, once i get a better job the IS 350 f sport is in the bag.

[@mitch20003]

they never updated the interior for the IS, they will probably discontinue it in a few years. the ES is their best selling sedan, of course RDX is the best selling suv and the nx sells well

[@mycitymyboston]

the ride is very comfortable. if you like more stable ridr, go to IS

[@alanpinney2557]

😂😂 It glosses over small to medium sized imperfections like a desperate employer 😂😂

[@veritasfan11]

is the ride of the fsport es350 that much different than the base?

[@LetsgoPavi]

Yep very sporty handling

[@markcarpenter1703]

You’re wrong about the 360 view camera only being on the ultra luxury. It’s available as an option on the luxury model.

[@KCSuave]

it's on my 2024 ES300h F-Sport as well

[@kgisabeast]

Wish you could get the f sport exterior with the lux interior

[@snowfox7739]

Isn’t that what body kits are for? lol

[@zainbaig76]

You could get the F-Sport design package which doesn't have the adaptive suspension and I think you can spec it with like a tan interior or other normal luxury type colors. That has an F-Sport exterior.

[@thebig12conference73]

Engineering Background here coming form my reliable Toyota Camry. What are the advantages of going with F Sport Handling vs the luxury non F sport? I don't mind $49,000 but I might get it a couple of years used so I could get it for $35,000. If I get the Luxury it will be cheaper but it will come with leather seats and wood grain. I would have to put in leather seats and wood grain if I go with the F sport handling. F sport won't make your ES turn into a Maserati or a Porsche. I do like the front and rear stabilizer bar on the F sport handling. It is financially feasible and it is the IVY league Toyota Camry it's the refined older brother who went to Priencton.

[@johnalvea.r]

THEY USE REGULAR FUEL??!!!! THANK YOU FOR ENLIGHTENING ME

[@damilolaakanni]

0:17 is it? I thought the Lexus ES had been based on the Toyota Avalon since 2013.

[@Realistick]

Same platform as camry and deceased avalon!

[@wurly164]

​@@RealistickNo it's not, it's on a stretched frame, so it's bigger

[@Realistick]

@@wurly164research the tnga-k platform

[@wurly164]

@@Realistick yes 2 different wheelbase.

[@Realistick]

@@wurly164 yes! All i said was that it is the same platform as both. I compare to the camry because that’s the closest relative to it that’s still around as it shares the platform and engines.

[@alphabeta8403]

8:00 Downsides 8:55 Smooth Luxury

[@kpsher367]

When you said "its luxury toyota camry" that killed it for me.

[@storyofmylife7080]

It’s not. He’s completely wrong

[@storyofmylife7080]

I’ve owned both by the way. It’s a major difference!

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

I just recently purchased a 2023 ES 350 ultra luxury coming from a 2014 Honda Accord, I feel like I'm driving a spaceship. However I'm not used to driving a car with an automatic transmission. if I had any gripes about this car and trust me it would be a very short list, it would be the 8 automatic transmission hunting for gears at lower speeds and coming to a rolling stop let's say in a parking lot or at a stop sign it will be jerky. Also I thought that a 300 horsepower V6 engine would be much more powerful but this car is a boat and I do love it. Maybe somebody here can answer this question, my Honda has a CVT transmission and has lasted 10 years with no issues at all now that I have eight speed automatic transmission should I worry about reliability since the more moving parts? I sometimes regret that maybe I should have got the ES 300H so I could not have to worry about the transmission because the e CVT transmissions are supposed to be rock solid but I may have regretted that decision too because that engine is anemic to push this big car.

[@tonysterbenc]

No worries at all, IMO. The usual worry is that the belts inside a CVT will fail. The traditional torque-converted automatic box with defined gear ratios is considered the gold standard for reliability, although in all honesty I'd trust the previous ES's extremely proven six-speed even more for other reasons.

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

Thanks Pal@@tonysterbenc

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

Thoughts on the es350 vs es300h?@@tonysterbenc

[@tonysterbenc]

@@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex Both are good, but different. The ES 350's V6 is faster and smoother. The ES 300h's hybrid drivetrain is very smooth around town, somewhat harsher when you put the whip to it, but gets remarkable gas mileage. Both are very reliable. I chose the V6 because its smooth power is becoming increasingly scarce, but it's all in what you value.

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

@@tonysterbenc I'm having a bit of buyers remorse with the v6 because of all of the wonderful reviews of the 300h, but damn that v6 pulls beautiful on the highway. I may actually miss that if I went to a hybrid. I didn't do my research and never considered the hybrid because this car is pretty big and I thought the V6 was a solid choice. I think a daily beater would be better for a hybrid. Something about that v6 is just wonderful.

[@thebig12conference73]

For those of you who have driven the new F sport performance and handling is it worth the $49,000 sticker? I’m coming from a 2015 Toyota Camry the reason why I love Lexus and I come from an engineering background is because it’s reliable and you get good gas mileage 22-31 combined 25 mpg. The sport is not gonna turn your Lexus ES into Maserati or a Porsche but it will give us sporty feel and it’s the next best best . I am just waiting for ES to come out with AWD. When they put AWD in the Camry, they will put it in the ES. They have it for the IS but I don’t. Like compact cars 6f1. So if you are 6’3 and it fits you. Too and toe things that are wrong no AWD and no foldable back seats or heated back seats. I say go with the F sport performance and handling for a sportier look and feel

[@123antimiro]

I did not get why you compared it to Audi A4? It is A6 category and it is is even larger than A6!

[@Realistick]

Price.

[@storyofmylife7080]

I wish you all would stop comparing the Lexus to the Camry. It was built on the Avalon base and in terms of a Camry, it’s a NIGHT and DAY difference.

[@wurly164]

People keep comparing it to a camry. It's on a longer frame than the camry, so it's bigger inside.

[@njackson18]

People still thinking its the same as the older ones. This new one is closer to the Avalon but still has many traits of the Camry. Thats a good thing for maintenance. I bet This is the last year for that V6. I suspect the next Gen will be a 4 cylinder Turbo to replace the 6. it will be more complicated, expensive and less reliable. This is the last of the great 2GR

[@snowfox7739]

@@njackson18 I know turbos have their issues, but from my research hybrids are actually more reliable than conventional vehicles. So maybe if they got rid of the turbos and used electrification as boost then it should have minimal issues in theory.

[@njackson18]

⁠​⁠ @@snowfox7739i would agree that since Toyota has been making Hybrids since 97 they are the best at it. like a turbo, it will have its issues with life. Hybrids can go over 10 years though. I doubt these weak modern Turbos will last 10 years before the bearings are shot even with proper maintenace. I bet the vast majority will not let a turbo spool down either. Id buy a hybrid over a Turbo Anyway but neither is better than a NA engine except in fuel. U cant beat a Hybrid for that. Remember if a hybrid battery fails for whatever reason the car will not run so that's one downside. They are expensive but replacing them is easier since they are usually under the back seat. you still need to know what you are doing though. Its not like changing a car battery.

[@PaulHo]

Damn dude, you've been working out?

[@tonysterbenc]

@@droiddevx03 If he is, so what?

[@storyofmylife7080]

@@tonysterbencCan he not acknowledge him working out?! What’s it to you????

[@JayCapo]

I'm in the market for a high end sedan and am curious about the European brands that come close to Lexus in terms of reliability. Which top European competitor should I consider?

[@tonysterbenc]

Short-term, probably BMW. Past the 3-5 year time horizon, none compares.

[@oceanhedonist265]

Forget about European cars. They're over engineered. Too many things to break.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

​@@oceanhedonist265if they were over engineered they wouldn't break.. they'd be Lexus and Toyotas

[@rufinamolina8086]

@@JamaicanMeCrazyOverengineered means that the tolerance for wear on many components is too tight, which means that the car will constantly throw errors (usually after the warranty has expires) as soon as a part deviates slightly from said tolerances. This leads to “code chasing” where even after a part is changed, a new cascade of codes soon follows, leading you on some Scooby Doo investigation to clear the fault.

[@rexseven93]

My wife has an EX300h from 2021. It is a wonderful luxury car. However, that info-torture device on the dash would veto that car for me. It is AWFUL. I hate it. The trackpad should be outlawed. I hope the new, touch screen one is a lot better. The mileage rating on the hybrid is also conservative. It gets better that advertised. Sometimes, quite a bit better. In warmer seasons, we push towards 50mpg. 48 is common.

[@tonysterbenc]

The touchscreen is much better.

[@jimmylackey]

We purchased the 2024 ES 350Ultra Luxury, and my wife loves it! Adjusting from stepping up into a 2004 Trailblazer to sitting down into the ES, took a few drives, and learning all the bells and whistles is ongoing, but she loves driving, and riding in her ES!

[@tonysterbenc]

@@jimmylackey Most people who buy an SUV will never venture off the road. If they don't need the hatch for cargo, many are better served by a sedan-and at a better value for money.

[@tommarinevet]

You lost me when you compared the Lexus ES350 to a Camary....2 different vehicles

[@williamwang1123]

Oh wow so it takes regular fuel 87?

[@Realistick]

Indeed!

[@johnconnors5123]

We bought 2024 Es350 Ultra Luxury model . Car is awesome, V6 302HP fit and finish Top Notch! We went with Night Fall Mica with Acorn Interior . Car came with every option . And we got to pick the port installed options illuminated door sills , illuminated trunk sills, dash cam, door edge guards, floor liners ect….

[@njackson18]

That is incorrect as well. The back suspension up to the gas tank is exactly the same as a Camry. If u have the F sport it has the actuator. That's the only difference. The brakes are simple single piston calipers. Suspension uses aluminum and steel parts. Yes, keys, infotainment parts, mirror motors , etc will be more for sure but the general car is a Avalon/Camry. Go underneath one and work on it as i do and you will see. A lexus dealer charges you more per hour so you will spend more even for an oil change but this car can be worked on at a toyota dealer with a cheaper rate. There is nothing really unique to this car. thats what makes it a gem. it is simple. Nothing to program much. As mentioned the F sport is nonsensical for this car. When i work on my ES it's like working on my Camry for the most part ! My LS 430 that i own since new and the new LS500 that i do not own is a different story. those cars are not Camry cheap and shares almost nothing with any toyota. For the most part though people are not aware of this since they do not work on cars. Your review though is pretty much spot on. I say get this car while you still can before the 2GR FKS is gone in 2025. You see what happened to the Camry. the ES is next! I just hope no Turbo to replace the 6 cause reliability will go down.

[@Realistick]

Hey, I’ll take your word that is cheaper to service than other lexus models due to the similarities but everything ive read does not recommend switching out ES suspension parts with camry units. It may be possible to do so but the Lexus has different parts with a different ride so it wouldn’t be the same. I see your point though, it’s a nice aspect to the ES that I didn’t describe to its fullest.

[@snowfox7739]

Wouldn’t the LS share some components with the likes of the LC the RC, the GX and other higher tier Lexus vehicles? Just like Apple, I would expect them to reuse certain components to bring down cost at scale so they can put the build cost into other areas.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Would you rather have this os Acura TLX?

[@Realistick]

This! Comfort, reliability and efficiency are big for me with a daily driver. The TLX is undoubtedly the better performance car so if that’s what I was wanting, id skip the Lexus!

[@njackson18]

Back seat is tiny on TLX

[@Another_User_Name_]

Looked at them both and got the Lexus. The Acura TL Type S was about $250 more per month in a lease price. The TL A spec was about the same as the Lexus but has a 4 cylinder and is smaller. That's why I went with the V6 Lexus. If money wasn't an issue, I'd probably have gotten the Acura TL Type S.

[@1Springloaded]

You should have your own show. Oh wait a minute I guess you do. Life is like a unfamiliar mountain road we don't know what's around the curve. I plan on getting an ES in a few years as the retired hopefully it will last until they pry my driver's license out of my hands car But EVs may offer a long-term ownership experienced by then far better than todays. Changing my attitude about EVs, opening my options.

[@Realistick]

Hopefully lexus can make an ES-like EV soon, I think it would do well!

[@CubanBBQ]

Please do the IS!

[@mnikolov11]

It's nice but I can't get past the Camry Plus part

[@njackson18]

How is that a bad thing? Its not a Camry but shares the same Engine and many parts but the luxury parts are not even a comparison. The interior fit and finish is night and day.

[@chucko31499]

Seems like youre driven by optics or opinions of others over what value and experience you get

[@rottendubstepro7298]

The cars is USA are so cheap comparatively with EU, here in EU Lexus ES starts from 61k euros which is equal to 66k $.

[@wholeNwon]

I'll keep my almost perfect companion of 25.5 yrs. now, a '98 LS400. I did look at an LS500 and was happy to walk away from that monstrosity and to return to my elegant old LS400.

[@njackson18]

It would be a great companion for your LS 400. I have one for my 05 LS 430. I use ES 350 as a daily and LS for my weekend.

[@elmaav3542]

It looks like toyota if you remove the logo. It doesn't give me the luxury vibes. I still have to do a test drive but I doubt it I would choose this over BMW i4. Is this the hybrid model?

[@tonysterbenc]

This is the hybrid model. And the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid would be a much more direct competitor to this car than the all-electric i4 (even though the Lexus can't be plugged in).

[@storyofmylife7080]

It does not

[@MonkeyMonkeyMONKEY.]

Naw. I’ll keep the 2000 ES300 I bought for 3500 bucks. Bet it will outlast these gens. 😂

[@tonysterbenc]

Bad bet. Every generation of the ES has proven to be very durable. Now, when they start using four-cylinder turbos in 2025, that's a whole new ballgame.

[@MonkeyMonkeyMONKEY.]

@@tonysterbenc it only has around 120k miles and well taken care off on the inside. Don’t feel the need to have another car payment. Especially in this economy.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MonkeyMonkeyMONKEY. You're wise. That's always been one of the very best reasons to get an ES.

[@doorsbh]

Design needs an update.

[@JerrlEvans]

Who's driving on those deserted twisty roads?

[@tonysterbenc]

Nobody. They're deserted. :.D

[@matthelms4167]

That sound. Like a Dodge Neon I drove one time. Non-starter for any car over $30k

[@njackson18]

Thats why you get the v6!! This car needs that 6 at 3800 lbs

[@njackson18]

That is incorrect. The parts for the ES is the exact same as A Toyota. the 2GR FKS is used in the Camry. The chassis is almost the same. Thats what makes the ES so nice. Many Toyota Dealers can work on it. The FSport handling ruins the ride on the car. U can never make an ES handle so why ruin it with a harsh ride. No one buys an ES looking for handling and the F sport does nothing. You are better off with the F Sport Design. You have the better looks and nicer ride

[@Realistick]

I said the powertrain was the same but the suspension is entirely unique as are most other components. Lose a key and you’re not paying toyota prices to get a new one!

[@wholeNwon]

Why are you at war with the work "are".

[@basemmarzouk7899]

Boring review for an outstanding car

[@anotheran]

I complain about the endless econo boxes and here comes a spruced up Camry. I guess I should’ve said too many boring cars.

[@Realistick]

A lot of the press cars that come with summer tires are taken out of rotation during the winter. Tis the season of sensible rides, when I have the chance to make a video with a fun or weird one, I do, but the ES is an awesome car and I’ll stand by that!

[@billbrimmer7047]

An honest review that touches all the important things.

[@mlo5083]

Stay away from anything "F Sport". This was a concept pushed on Toyota by a constant stream of baying motoring journalists. This "sport" thing is actually antithetical to what Lexus is all about. That's why all the F suspension options end up making everything worse. Stick to the originals and all will be fine.

[@stevenweiss2148]

Consumer reports did not have. Much good to say about this overcomplicated lemon

[@tonysterbenc]

That is not true. Their summary: "The ES is a rewarding choice for a road trip thanks to its absorbent ride and indulgent interior. But fussy controls keep this luxury sedan just short of ideal. As before, two versions are available: the standard V6-powered ES 350 and the ES 300h hybrid, which uses a four-cylinder engine. Lexus gave the V6 more power for 2019, although fuel economy stays the same at 25 mpg overall. The V6 accelerates smoothly, and shifts are hardly noticeable. We tested the hybrid powertrain in the similar Toyota Avalon and got an impressive 42 mpg." (Note the "fussy controls" comment was a carryover from the 2019 that lacked a touchscreen.) Predicted Reliability: Better than average. Owner Satisfaction: Better than average.

[@user-vp5oc6ff4m]

Absolutely not true. They rate it 87 out of 100 and #1 in its segment.

[@kenschneider2100]

It's a camary wth leather. Same with Audi, VW with leather. If it is not a stand alone luxury sedan it's got the same parts as it's cheaper sister cars. and that front grille is ugly AF. The only thing it has going for it is that it, like all toyotas are long lasting.

[@Realistick]

It used to be, new ones are a much more thorough rework.

[@Bromo_Sexual]

How much is Lexus paying you to shill for them?

[@tonysterbenc]

How often do you gutlessly make anonymous posts accusing other people of taking bribes with no evidence?

[@mwn7521]

ES is so boring and has ugly grille

[@storyofmylife7080]

Nah you’re just broke and can’t afford one