*REFRESHED* 2022 Lexus ES 350 Review

[@keithcrandall1369]

I just took possession of this exact same car several days ago. The only difference is mine is white on the outside. Freaking love this car! You have to drive one to understand how buttery smooth it feels driving around. The ride and handling is perfect for me...I am 40 years old and want a comfortable, plush ride with just a little bit of sport handling for everyday driving- this knocks it out of the park! This is not gonna win any speed races with any corvettes, but is more than adequate to have a little fun on your daily commute. The throttle and brakes are super smooth as well. As you can tell my #1 adjective for this car is...SMOOTH!!! BTW, the Mark Levinson sound system is amazing too! Look forward to many years and miles of worry free reliability.

[@stephendibari5010]

I’ve owned a 2013 Lexus ES 350 for 2 years which I just sold in April of this year and bought a 2002 Lexus ES 300 with 161,000 miles. The quality and craftsmanship on the older model is amazing and I love it better. I just installed new struts and the car rides like it just came out of the showroom. solid and quiet. If you closed your eyes in the 2002 ES300 you would think you were in the newer version it’s amazing !! 19 years old and drives like new. No creaks or rattles. Quality control and craftsmanship are unparalleled!!

[@stephendibari5010]

@Dutch Berry yes Scotty was one of the main reasons why I bought both ES’s !!

[@donniebunkerboi9975]

Post 2006 the quality goes into the toilet

[@stephendibari5010]

@@donniebunkerboi9975 that’s a stretch. Unless you’re being facetious, my 2013 ES350 was flawless. Had it for 2 years, bought it in April 2019 with 30,009 miles and put 12k miles on it and sold it in April 2021. Had ZERO problems, except for one TPMS on one wheel when i rotated the tires last year. I can say my 2002 ES300 is more fuel efficient, i got 32 mpg on the straight highway with 93 octane Shell, the best i I ever got with my 2013 ES350was about 27-28 mpg highway with 91 octane BP… could be the gas, Shell Premium 93 is premium quality but nevertheless i did get about 5 more mpg. From what i read the 2002-2006 ES300 was the best quality ES ever made and I believe it.

[@donniebunkerboi9975]

@@stephendibari5010 I'm talking about quality in general. Older lexus just like Toyota goes to 300k miles without serious problem. So you're putting 12k for total of 42K your lexus just laughed at you. Post 2006 their quality went downhill. My friend returned his 08 IS350 as lemon. Btw nothing wrong with your gas consumption, ES350 has bigger engine and more power. Of course it drinks more.

[@stephendibari5010]

@@donniebunkerboi9975 of course, I sold that ES350 for financial reasons. Didn’t need a big monthly payment. Yes 6000 miles a year is nothing for a Lexus. I’m happier with my 2002 ES300 no question. Quality is much better for sure

[@gengstar09]

My dream configuration for an ES would be the ES300h F sport with eAWD (available in Japan). Future updates I’d like the ES to receive would be: - heated/reclining rear seats (available in Europe) - wireless AC/AA - ambient interior lights - “Teammate” trickled down

[@toddgersh]

I don’t understand why 4 wheel drive isn’t an option on all models? Is there a mechanical reason? When I take car in for service I always ask for an ES and I love it minus the wheel chirp when I press in the gas a little to hard. Properly programmed 4 wheel drive would remove that one flaw.

[@MrTresto]

AWD takes space. V6 takes space (more than an inline 4 for sure). Hybrid takes space. Since the ES is built to try to maximize cabin space and has a relatively small engine bay, they don't seem to have figured how to package it all together. I currently own a Acura TLX 2018 V6 AWD. It's a great car, and it has both V6 and AWD - however, even though it's the exact same outside size as the ES, the inside is smaller, particularly the rear seat space... I'd really like an ES350 AWD (I need AWD because snow in the winter that becomes mud in the spring), since it's a much more luxurious car than the TLX, and smoother, particularly its transmission, and nicer build quality inside with nicer materials... By the way, while eAWD is better than nothing, and can something help a bit with snow, it's not comparable to real AWD. I experienced that with the Prius eAWD where I had to tow it out of a dirt road that the TLX has absolutely no problems with, and a RAV4 (so Toyota AWD) has no problem with either. No I'm not off-roading with sedans, it's just that some roads are dirt in the Northern part of the US, and while they're fine most of the year, spring season is also called mud season when the snow melts...

[@MrTresto]

@@toddgersh packaging. it takes space in front and back of the car, and so does the V6, until they figure how to put both in together...

[@toddgersh]

@@MrTresto so there is physically no space with the V6? Could they add a torque converter to stop the wheel chirp?

[@erikcarl_]

Go buy Mercedes. Those features will cost the reliable

[@bobsctx8166]

Great substitute for LS500 at more affordable price! Only competition now is European and their quality long term is suspect and maintenance costs are ridiculous. With Avalons departure (best designed years were 2013 - 17) ES sales should climb. Good video!

[@nunayobiznass]

Wish they had put awd in the v6. I would buy it immediately.

[@MrTresto]

Same. I hope they figure the packaging of it ... !

[@tom11zz884]

With AWD, it would be a GS clone...

[@nunayobiznass]

@@tom11zz884 gs isn't made anymore so wouldn't cannibalize sales.

[@gianniclaud]

My perfect ES would have the F-Sport package with pano roof, V6, AWD and a retractable rear seat. But no such thing exists - and therefore I'll have to make due with the NX.

[@rebwarakram1289]

Hello LX! Another reason why I like my Lexus. Living in a small inland city in Australia, I don't find many lexus IS (my car) around as compared to BMW 3 and Benz C class. I am not only Lexus enthusiast, but also like unique things!

[@lion3014]

A close to 400hp twin turbo v6 awd ES-F would definitely be a game changer, im enjoying my old 2is 350

[@SergCarReviews]

Dang mate the quality of the video is amazing 😄! I still reckon the ES is best in the Sports Luxury, I found the F-Sport to be unnecessarily hard on the road. Anyways see you on the next video!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Serg!

[@alengreen589]

3.5 L V6 TT with 420 HP + 10 speed Autom. + AWD + 20 inch Wheels = Perfect F Sport Dynamic ES.

[@naveenthemachine]

It would be even better with their 5.0L V8 😀 and 10 speed combo.

[@alengreen589]

@@naveenthemachine also good but I like more Turbo engines.

[@MrTresto]

@@alengreen589 why? I hate turbos because of the lag and the sound and the unrefined way they deliver power. And their mileage is actually not too good outside of an EPA cycle... I find the experience of a small displacement engine to be overall inferior...

[@alengreen589]

@@MrTresto it´s Ok if you don´t like Turbo engines, I drive myself 33 years cars with a NA engine and now for 3 years a Turbo and I knew the differences.

[@baldheadlogic]

For the ES, I would like to see an AWD V6 and an E-AWD Hybrid.

[@peterphucphan6042]

I would definitely love to have ES 350 F sport with RWD or AWD. Not FWD!!! I truly hope that Lexus will bring out the one with AWD or RWD instead of the FWD like they have done so for many years for this ES 350 series.

[@t8polestarcyan22]

I still prefer a proper chassis like a RWD GS.

[@bikerz3857]

I have the 2020 ES350 F Sport and I love it. Do you prefer the ES350 over the IS350? As far as comfort and ride quality??

[@blexy350]

I drove a fairly new ES350 FSport and I own a 2018 IS300 AWD FSport. The ES is so much smoother and quiet whereas the IS offers a more engaging drive and a firmer ride. The IS300 is able to provide you with a soft ride if you don't hustle it. They both are great but for me, I prefer the nimbleness of the IS and the firmer ride quality.

[@bikerz3857]

@@blexy350 thanks. I prefer the smoothness and comfort then.

[@blexy350]

@@bikerz3857 Yes, you cannot go wrong with the ES.

[@ZS-xi4xk]

the 2021 IS has retuned suspension. and the awd models with the V6 have always been the worst riding. the RWD 350 with the adaptive dampers is incredibly smooth in comfort mode.

[@philipggaitherpa-mvprealty1028]

Love your videos Kirk!! The part with the guy jumping the curb is so familiar, I'm a Realtor (and a Home inspector) in Naples see this all the time....

[@joelcleare]

I was this 🤏🏽 close preordering a 2022 ES. Loved test driving tge 2021. Then I found a mint 2019 LS500 Awd w/lux for a tiny bit more.

[@SteveBwondering]

I’m heading to Lexus of West Palm on Tuesday to pick mine up. 2021 ES. Literally this same car

[@edcain3676]

My Main Touring Sprt.Coupe is my 17 RC350 F Sprt.,Best handling car I have Ever Owned,w/ the Rear Whl.Steering & the 8 Spd.Auto Works Great w/ the 306.h.p. Eng.V6,is as Powerful as a V8 in Sprt & Sprt.+ Mode.the 2022 ES350 4 Dr Seems to be a 4 Door. RC 350 w) a Real Back Seat.

[@Unplugged704]

Beautiful Lexus! Would love to have HP be around 340-350’ ish.. and RWD or AWD

[@UAEM4]

Honestly In my opinion, this face-lift is so unnecessary, they should've held it another year or two, and added the New Infotainment and the new 2.4l Engine..

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

You are right but es wont get the 2.4 I for few years so at least this update will keep it fresh

[@hockey1freak]

Ya wth this big ass tablet with tiny ass screen lol

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

@@hockey1freak es is a legend so I won't mind that tiny detail.

[@UAEM4]

@@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961 The gears on this car are so long, I see them better suited for a turbocharged engine. It keeps lowering gears so often on a slight increase on the throttle, as I drove this car for almost 3 years now, this is thing annoys me too much

[@UAEM4]

@@hockey1freak the 12 inch screen is quite big but the infotainment is pretty much just a navigation screen

[@pulie2330]

We in Europe only get ES from the Saloon line of Lexus.... Rest only SUV.... SO ANGRY WE DONT GET THE NEW IS V8

[@InternetDude]

I think you can thank your government for the elimination of big gas engines.

[@rayarmani5160]

Sounds like Kirk does not like head up display. However, many people including me and my wife, love this feature. It is quite selfish to say just because I don't like certain feature, others shouldn't like it either. Head up display is a safety feature and prevents fatigue in long drives.

[@riddler2222]

If Toyota can offer AWD on the Avalon and Camry, and the ES250, why can they not offer AWD on the ES 350? Those of us who experience snow during the winter would really like that option. Lexus leaving the door open for the Genesis G80 3.5T AWD to eat up market share.

[@beekaye1496]

Very nice and detail Kirk of the ES. It’s not my choice of sedan. The GS should have be their Sedan along with the IS and LS. I think as Toyota dropped the Avalon, they should fully redesigned the ES to compete across all luxury lines in style and performance. Keep up the updates!!!

[@kgisabeast]

I just recently saw on my local Craigslist not one but two 07 ES350s with 350 and 360k miles

[@AllEyezOnRod]

Great car! Still love my 2018 GS 350 F Sport RWD

[@HighAltitudesCO]

How many sales is Lexus missing out on not having AWD on this thing? I mean, the RC 350 can do it and there's a lot less room for AWD in that.

[@naveenthemachine]

Imo thr infotainment software could be better and also the gauge cluster could be bigger Also the Es should be the one that offers heated rear seats, 4 way lumbar for the passenger, folding rear seats and sequential turn signals Also the only competitors to the ES I think are the maxima, and even the Camry XSE v6 or XLE v6

[@naveenthemachine]

@@paladin3116 yeah but these days most mainstream sedans are adding more luxury and tech than ever. So of course it’ll get pricier My Camry XSE v6 I bought cost nearly 40K

[@bradcolby3624]

Don’t like the new triple beams and running lights. Have the 2019 F sport with everything you had on your vehicle. The best ES I have ever owned. The touch pad is easy for me never a problem. Guess too much for some to adapt to. Love the scenery and the typical drivers on 41. Thanks for a great review my friend. Take care

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Brad! Enjoy your ES!

[@TheBjjones]

Brad Colby The dated touchpad controls might be fine for some, but the new touchscreen is more user friendly & a worthy addition to the 2022 ES.

[@chuckkerber4735]

Such exceptional cars- totally reliable.

[@user-lj5ri3gp5o]

Nice review Kirk Felt bad for you with the shape of the headrest... looks like it was stabbing the back of your neck the whole time. Hope this changes on the next model.

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

4-way lumbar, seat extension, semi-aniline leather, lateral dampers, +$180(noise reduction wheels), rear sunshade.... maybe a few other things in the "Luxury" which is only about $2k more than the base with the "premium' package + 18'' wheels. I've checked the incoming stock for several regions (west coast, midwest, south) and seems no dealers ordering Luxury package, just the ultra-lux which is a lot more... or the base+premium+18''wheels+660 - isn't much less than Luxury, which seems like the best value - probably lowest profit margin to them would be my guess?

[@joeyhuang3716]

Hi, it seems the yellow turning light in the front is updated in 2022 too, right?

[@drktaskforce8024]

I feel like the ez is going to compete well against the e class and the 3 series in my opinion

[@Mahan.M]

E class and 5 series, I'd say the 3 series is more of a competitor for the IS

[@carlharper9720]

Hi Kirk: One member of the Original 7 partners at Tesla went out on his own and has developed what I think I heard.is a 'solid state battery' that can propel the car for 9,200 miles on a 8-minute charge (not 8 hours). The technology to this battery is being rolled out to manufacturers at this moment. Battery will last for 12M miles. Is this the same technology Lexus is working on?

[@ronaldarambulo6450]

Still looking forward to the halo super car of Lexus as replacement of LFA.

[@MrTresto]

I think the LC is a great halo car

[@Julianvanderheijden]

Have it and love it

[@santillbrezon2161]

I can't see the sense of having a f sport with the es, its not a sporty car its a luxury car and i must say a very good luxury car. But i think if someone wants a sporty car they will probably look elsewhere, well with the hybrid version anyway which is the only version of the es we get in Australia.

[@KinkssNCoilss]

It’s more of an appearance package. I prefer the f sport because I don’t like the grill on the non-f sport trim levels. I like the spindle grille on the LS, but not a fan of ES’ version. And even though the leather is faux in the f sport, I like the 2 tone seat color options. That’s why I’d choose it.

[@vampyrelycan99]

If the Dynamic Handling Pkg included upgraded vented disc brakes (All round) and front performance helical LSD then this ES350 would've been great......

[@ronnardkoay570]

anything girthy in my hands feels good :D

[@InternetDude]

I’m all over a PHEV version if they put one out. But also needs the new software.

[@UAEM4]

The thing is, this refresh, would it bump up the sales ?

[@thomascarrier9974]

@Kirk Kreifels It would be nice if Lexus could fit a larger fuel tank from a 15.9 to at least 18 gal. Not so happy with current range. Structure may not allow larger capacity.

[@dennisgreene5885]

Nice ride for nice folk. Not so much for Harley riding bad boy wannabes, but that's not the point. Good to see Lexus capture and retain the whatever market remains in this segment.

[@GaganGrewalf095]

Did Lexus add a LIDAR in side the headlights unit ? There seems to be a sensor in there which appears to be a LIDAR. Are there any improvements to LSS ?

[@KirkKreifels]

No lidar in this car

[@telepathyah]

The ladies will definitely appreciate the girth.

[@SimornM]

Why doesn't Lexus put an AC button instead of us having to go into the screen to turn it on? 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@KirkKreifels]

Hmm my guess their studies probably show less than 1% of buyers would use the AC button regularly

[@SimornM]

@@KirkKreifels That is a stupid study then lol

[@dboyq329]

Geezzz, the descriptions..... 💯

[@dhawthorne15]

The ultra luxury has a 360 camera?

[@tonysterbenc]

Yes.

[@Croatian-1989]

Most reliable sedan, really wish AWD was an option or Lexus needs to make it standard on all the vehicles.

[@philipbaio2237]

ES When are they going to come out all wheel drive in a six cylinder

[@dylanw890]

This one of those cars that may not be the most luxurious, but it will run forever...

[@othman0077]

unfortunately, you don't get the adaptive high-beam system

[@libsstry8551]

Current gen Avalon has only been out for 4 years and they are canceling it?

[@spyderlogan4992]

Yup...I've got a brand new(last month) 2021 Avalon Limited trim and for way less money have 90% of the standard trim ES 350.

[@justinsmith368]

Did they bring back rioja red for f sport or is this the new brighter red?

[@KirkKreifels]

Circuit red

[@simoncquach]

I prefer the Nulux leather. They actually wear better than real leather.

[@bobbyzipp9947]

Can barely tell the difference. I have a 19. Lexus needs to step it up.

[@kevinbarry71]

I love that car, but there is no way to get a limited slip differential. That is absurd

[@janes5653]

THe front bumper and headlights style just looks like previous LS model

[@gametechbuilds3755]

no hybrids mannnnnn or electronic cables to charge it that would suck

[@JerrlEvans]

I’m glad I got my 2019 F Sport, I hate those black wheels.

[@gianniclaud]

Whoa no more Avalon. Wow. Times are tough

[@WHERESSS]

so sad about the GS. The ES doesn't do it for me. I need RWD. In 10 years after my daily 4GS has 150k miles, looks like I'll be looking at the LS as my daily.

[@joskjj3625]

I love Lexus quality

[@castronautmusic]

I love my F Sport but they should drop the ttv6 and rwd from the ls into this. I would pay 60k for that.

[@ascott2168]

I had a 2012 for a year and then a deer jumped in front of it and totaled the car ! ! Peppy & sonorous engine, quality material usage & comfort ! …and IDC what anyone says, Matador Red is thee best color. Why? Because it’s vibrant and you rarely see an ES in that shade !

[@TheBjjones]

At the ES price point, there's too much hard plastic throughout the interior.

[@truyng]

That backup camera is so old.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yuuuup. It's the Lexus way...

[@alanhumphrey4198]

At least it now has touchscreen!!

[@tinhinnh]

I like the mid 2010 ES - clean and classy

[@astrogen1960]

Jay Leno is a girthy steering wheel detractor . . he likes the classics. 🧐

[@dingalodingalo8447]

This thing is so quiet your voice is clear no tyre/road noise

[@opukar2043]

Lexus should put RWD for ES line up.

[@alpappalardi7044]

The more I see of what they are doing and what they have done. I’m so glad to see my Gs Blackline in my garage . It’s all nice , but just not for me .

[@AdrianDmax]

Pls make a video about the toyota hypercar is now axed

[@Imissflipfones2005]

Beautiful car. Enough said.

[@kevinbarry71]

Looks like you are surrounded by Florida man

[@mistilowe421]

sir help us out get these guys to make us a nascar edition camry gsf tech wtf dude

[@christianalvarez7799]

Wish we got this in Australia

[@deko29]

Your love for the E S is hilarious and I completely agree

[@brandonclark8745]

I want to like this car so much, its just something about it, I cant get with. The car just looks so skinny and Camry like were as the IS, LS and even the GS all looked so beefy.

[@Lovebk98]

Nice car but Lexus should make AWD version of this car and increases the HP around 360.

[@vampyrelycan99]

300hp on an FF platform is pretty much the max you can get from the transverse-mounted 2GR-FKS, anything more would be unrealustic... Plus there's no performance AWD system tuned for FF platform these days......

[@naveenthemachine]

@@vampyrelycan99 Acura? The type S with a turbo v6

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

My favorite mid size executive cars are e class cls 5 series a6 a7 es.

[@aerohk]

Good luck finding one with chip shortage

[@siimojapalu5266]

Sadly, Toyota is cutting global production 40% because of the chip shortage.

[@btceth4714]

too bad the rear seats don't fold down.

[@KirkKreifels]

Right!? It'd eat into NX or RX sales a tiny bit if it did hahah.

[@naveenthemachine]

The rear seats fold down in the Avalon… oh and the rear seats in the Avalon limited and touring are also heated lol. You can’t even get that in any ES

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

So awesome.

[@spyderlogan4992]

1) Those Red trim seats are going to get old, they will become an eyesore every time you get into it in the morning... 2) My 2021 Avalon Limited(loaded) Blueprint/Black is just as nice for a lot less $$$. Same powerplant. Buttery Smooth... 3) The Avalon was poaching sales, by a very small number, from the ES350. 4) Freeze Frame @4:09.

[@desimoruyesok9135]

1. no they wont lmfao 2. ok... 3 what 4 what

[@RnBFAN06]

This was cute and everything, and you have nice feet lol.. But we're waiting on you to get your hands on the 2022 GX 460. It looks like the first batch is being reserved for customers very quickly but hopefully you can get us a video!

[@stevewise1656]

I think the ES is dead as well as the Avalon. The SUV craze is making these large sedans obsolete unless they’re an EV.

[@naveenthemachine]

I hope that doesn’t mean that the Camry or Corolla will eventually die… they are huge sellers for Toyota even with suvs

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

This or Toyota Avalon TRD

[@jpizel1070]

This for sure. The Avalon's front end looks hideous.

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

@@jpizel1070 Yes and Camry is Not Front Like Lexus ES But Camry Based & Front is IS 350

[@setok.7134]

It still looks like a cross between 2009 Camry and 2019 Camry. Why can’t they make it look as masculine as the LS and IS.

[@jehadwadi4554]

If only Lexus stuck the supra b58 and all wheel drive in this thing it would be perfect

[@vampyrelycan99]

B58 I6 is for FR platforms only. The ES however rides on FF snd this reality cannot be challenged......

[@naveenthemachine]

@@vampyrelycan99 the b58 is great just wish it was built to withstand the conditions and be that engine that can go 300K miles or more all original everything.

[@caleb-dx7yd]

IS>

[@niishamo1]

How does this not have the bird’s eye view??? It’s pretty much in every 2021 luxury sedan…. Come on Toyota… Deal breaker for me.

[@tonysterbenc]

Ultra Luxury trim level has it.

[@John-di2hz]

Very slow. F sport not really worth the extra cash, does nothing in terms of HP to make a difference. If you are over 80 and have no where to go, this is the perfect car for you. You will never get a ticket or get anywhere fast. Good great grandparents car.

[@cardiacresp]

Underpowered and overpriced, would rather get a 5 series, do better Lexus.