The 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD F-Sport is an All-Weather Underpowered Luxury Sedan

It's been over 30 years since we've seen a #LexusES250 nameplate in America, but for 2021, it makes its return with an #ES250AWD which marks the first-time ever that we are seeing AWD on a #LexusES. The #ES250 cost the same as the #ES350 but you'll lose 2 cylinder and nearly 100 HP to get the all-weather traction.
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[@theredline]

We lucked out by getting the new ES 250 AWD right as a winter storm dumped 6-9" of snow on the ground. Did Lexus make a mistake by removing the silky smooth V6 from the ES 350 to finally give us an AWD Lexus ES?

[@bneyens]

Softyan is a big fan of 6-9 inches

[@preciadoalex123]

@@bneyenslol

[@Matt2023]

For $52k, yes they made a mistake not giving it a turbo at least.

[@gengstar09]

Correction: ES offers a panoramic moonroof. Just on non hybrid or F Sport models.

[@M67v]

They could’ve at least give an option to upgrade to a V6 AWD. Apparently they couldn’t fit the V6 because it shares the AWD driveline components with the RAV4, but they still could’ve used a turbo. I guess they chose not to use a turbo because Toyota/Lexus tends to avoid forced induction, although the IS/GS/RC/NX 300, the new Supra, and the LS 500 all use turbocharged motors.

[@michaelboehne4075]

I think you might be missing the point with your review of this car. When it is driven in the way it was meant to be driven, it remains very quiet. You shouldn't be gunning the engine, especially in a snowstorm, and it is sufficiently powerful to merge onto freeways and start cruising. A Lexus is built to a higher standard than a Toyota, with more sound deadening materials and better paint. For someone who lives in the Midwest or Northeast or Canada and wants a beautiful, comfortable, reliable car that will last almost forever, the 4 cylinder AWD makes a lot of sense

[@satanicrepublican4781]

Lexus reviews always miss the point, because they're tailored to BMW shoppers.

[@davidwan247]

Take a drink every time Sofyan says “which is nice”. Lol

[@vlad1889]

I'm wasted, which is nice.

[@dam30707]

Deal!!😂

[@snacking5908]

You will die sir. He says it like 6 times in less than a minute while doing the interior

[@panafrocanam2100]

I took a sip.... Which is nice

[@eddiew.6485]

I’m Drunk……

[@f181234]

Toyota’s 2.5 4 cylinder doesn’t belong in a Lexus especially at 52k USD that’s just ridiculous imo

[@v60polestar88]

I agree. Lexus knows they can get away with it though because this car is marketed toward the Buick generation.

[@centripetal25]

It sounds and feels so unrefined it would only be OK with those with hearing decline

[@stefanb.5154]

Meanwhile bmw puts a 4 cylinder in the 5 series at the same price 🤨

[@v60polestar88]

@@stefanb.5154 Turbo!!! Big difference

[@stefanb.5154]

@@v60polestar88 ok but it’s still a 4 cylinder. Y’all act like they market the ES as a sports sedan or something 😂. It’s marketed perfectly for what it is and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. Y’all get mad when cars are pretentious, but then get mad when they try to be what they actually are.

[@KirkKreifels]

What luck to get this snow! This is the exact reason why this AWD ES exists... Still wish they would have made an eAWD for the es 300h

[@davidlusk4350]

Hold on..... it sounds like they could in future per motoman review

[@arslan479]

I must admit compared to the x drive from BMW this awd system seems really good.

[@Emissary52]

Kirk, miss the snow? Enjoy your new warm home! 😊

[@khronin]

AWD is just superior.I sprung for it on my 2020 KIA Stinger after a test drive and it was the only one in the color I like.Even with sportier tires it is superior in wet weather or inclement weather then a any 2 wheel drive car by far. I came from a Honda crosstour which was prob at the top of the line for FWD cars and handling weather and the stinger is better--it is also better on the track.AWD is definetly worth the money and they do not have the issues they had in earlier cars.

[@NoHypebeastZay]

My guy Kirk is everywhere!

[@lordkent8143]

The fact he ain't shivering doing this review is amazing.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Must be be a warm jacket

[@jxmar_]

Cant believe they put a 4 cylinder In this car..

[@ShohruhShamanov]

Yet alone, n/a. Super slow.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

4 cylinder is not a problem as long it takes you there where you need to go. Complaining about performance? Get yourself Charger

[@IIOctaneII]

@@edwardvalivonis23 4 cylinder engines don’t belong in luxury cars 🤡🤡🤡 just get the regular ES350

[@edwardvalivonis23]

@@IIOctaneII tell that to Germans

[@kromahj]

@@IIOctaneII wait untill they all go EV, what you say

[@disturbed4everluke]

Incredible fuel economy. 34 highway on a large heavy sedan with awd used to be unheard of.

[@4utoomchz]

Got 37 on our vacation trip to Florida from Virginia in August. Wife and I are very pleased. People complain about this cat being underpowered but how damm fast are people trying to go??? 99% of driving is cruising and maybe 1% is accelerating up to speed.

[@tapper701]

As a former upstate NY'r, do NOT miss the cold, snow & ice ... FL sunshine is much preferred ... Well done vid Sofyan ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@curiosityredpill7030]

No wonder they say the craziest ppl come from New York and Florida it’s because got New Yorker crazing up Florida 🤔🤗

[@wileecoyote5749]

Yeah but Spring Break your city is worse than the Bronx

[@parthjain8184]

“the guy’s stuck in the snow…. haha” that’s perfect

[@Cory1029445]

I’m glad you pointed this out, the under power is why I’m waiting to buy

[@ryanshannon7703]

8.6 when you're *trying* to run 0-60 is just too long. Can you imagine dailying this thing and merging on the highway? I don't know about you, but I can't remember the last time I've floored it in my car just trying to merge on the highway, aside from my Rx7 from like, 15 years ago. That was just because I wanted to, though. It would probably take you normally 10 seconds just to approach highway speeds from a stop light in this thing. That's nearly dangerous in my opinion.

[@snacking5908]

Proud of Lexus. Toyota knows how to make vehicles that will last a long time. They are still into building a quality product. This 2.5L is going to last longer than the turbocharged 4 cylinders. Yes, For more power, get the NA 6 cylinder. But some people want an all wheel drive 4 cylinder. Lexus did not cut corners by using a NA 4 cylinder. They’re catering to their customers who want a long lasting sedan. Not everyone wants to switch out their cars every 3-5 years. Some people want 1 car that would last 10-20 or more years. This will last.

[@terence4427]

I've owned three Camry's and recently test drove a Lexus ES250 and there is a BIG difference between the two vehicles. The majority of people commenting in this chat about how underpowered the Lexus 250 is have never driven one, but you should because it isn't bad. The car isn't meant to be fast, and it is by far more comfortable than a Camry. If you drive the car how it is intended to be driven, you won't hear much road noise. I appreciate the time and effort reviewers put into their reviews but keep in mind their opinion is subjective. However, keep in mind the test vehicle in this clip is ES250 F-Sport with 19inch wheels. The larger wheels and tuned suspension are, of course, going to affect the ride.

[@autonewstv86]

*I was genuinely impressed by the interior of this car, not crazy flashy, but looks comfortable and refined.*

[@checkdilevels1180]

Confused, not sure how they delivered the car yesterday before the snow and a week worth of testing is done in one day, how ya average the gas mileage? btw great vid.

[@danieljohnson4418]

Love the interior and exterior styling. 😎

[@Goo225_]

Is there a big difference between the 2019 and 2021?? I’ve been looking and they all seem close to the same until you get to the 2022 version.

[@DrSteveIB]

Uphill in Snow: Great demonstration in the snow, thank you! A true rarity. We live in a hilly neighborhood - one slope is about 50 feet in length at a 7% grade to get up and out of our lakeshore drive access street. Do you think this vehicle would traverse uphill with all season tires reliably with a 6" snowfall (the county plows come well after their coffee time - which is well beyond the time we have to leave for work)?

[@princesslopez4335]

Lmao at all the negative comments. They made this car for me, single mom of 1 looking to purchase my first Lexus. At first I was set on the Nx 300 but being in my early 30’s not ready for an suv but I was looking at it because of all the features Im looking for. Will purchase this vehicle next year!

[@quaterfield]

Hey sofyan not sure if they’re going out with a v6 awd. Are they?

[@danielfeldman7913]

Thank you for commenting on the powertrain. I had a 2018 Camry with the same engine...and honestly, I don't even think it's appropriate for the Toyota name. It's loud, buzzy, and drones like you said. Even Toyota is known for quiet and smooth in their 4 Cyl, and this motor doesn't accomplish that for both Toyota AND Lexus. I hope they make updates soon!

[@naveenthemachine]

Yeah I agree. The 2017 and earlier Camrys w their 178 2.5al i4 was very smooth, actually one of my favorite 4 cylinder engines. When I drove the 4 cylinder Camry I immediately knew that it was worth the extra cost to get the v6. Night and day in engine smoothness

[@occckid123]

Use the manual mode in the 2021 sienna and release o$ the gas pedal while in a high rpm scenario and it sounds like a blender. Much much worse than my altima with a cvt. Wayyyyyyy worse.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

0:43 im also expecting to get 6 to 9 inches tonight

[@patriot8087]

I think your review is spot on and just the way I see it. I would not bother with the AWD in the ES with that 4 cylinder in it. For me I will just keep my Acura MDX with torque vectoring.

[@vedishghunasham2154]

That thing is gorgeous idc about the power

[@msmith4700]

Since there was snow on the ground how about showing the actual all-wheel-drive working.. did all 4 tire spin when you drove off ?

[@hualant]

Totally agree. Lexus skimped out. There’s no reason they couldn’t couple AWD with the six. It would still sell well.

[@Andre30006]

Waiting for u to review the 2022 Stinger!

[@f181234]

Can you do a Elantra N line vs Jetta GLI comparison in the future?

[@sumatralex250]

It's nice to see this car under rating in the snow. The cabin size seems to fit the taste of maintaining comfort ride in wary surroundings.

[@iMidnightMonster]

honestly if i was going for a 4-cyl i’d go Camry all day long. Cheaper, and it’s not like the ES250 is a lot nicer. Plus you can still get AWD on base Camry

[@inangekah2090]

Or an Avalon

[@MrMustangrick]

Lexus blew it by not offering the V6

[@ryanshannon7703]

They offer AWD on Camry and Avalon, now?? Holy Sh*t. I've been waiting so long for that.

[@inangekah2090]

@@ryanshannon7703 Yes they do

[@wompa70]

Great review as always.

[@TheHoth1]

I wonder if it can it go uphill from a dead stop when the road is covered with snow and ice.

[@Gggggg172eyeyeurhuwue]

will lexus be redesigning their infotainment system any time soon?..any update on that.

[@JolliAllGenGamer]

F Sport all show for this ES250 for sure. Reminds me of the old IS250 all show and slow and it was a V6 instead of an I4 the ES250 has. Glad they ditched that for the IS300 at least.

[@daciai2201]

Feel nice to see the red car turned turn in snow, round round. Can’t believe it with 4 cylinder engine.

[@devongee1776]

8.6s.... that's hilarious Send us your customers Lexus. #TeamGenesis

[@NMRH258]

This AWD package seems perfectly fine to me, especially for a common Lexus. The ES is built to be a comfortable executive cruiser so I don't understand why "auto journalists" think every luxury vehicle should be overly powerful, sporty and harsh riding.

[@betrapvideos]

Woah I realized at 2:59 that the snow added an inverse image of that "L" design on the headlight. It looked like an refresh upgrade and sick design....the headlights look like they have white mascara or white eye lashes...Give it a try Lexus!

[@timvibes]

More expensive and has the same engine as the Camry. Regardless, these will still sell because it's Lexus. I'd go V6 all day!

[@BeingMe23]

It's just a rebadged Camry AWD that's why it seems to be a Camry.

[@davidlusk4350]

Nothing wrong with the camry, my 2017 xle is all about the previous generation es330. But lexus has v6, and more comfortable seats, and more sound deadening and better warranty. Other then that it is very similar to that and avalon. And size is very close as well. But awd across those e only come with r cyl...... ugh

[@JAY-JAY74]

We need the ES350 AWD.

[@lamboevo474]

So much snow when did you film

[@RamSlow]

Do you get an AARP membership by buying this car? Where could you be going with AWD other than over a curb with this car? Why not put the AWD + more powe and call it ES-F?

[@carycoller3140]

Thanks to the snow now we know what you'll look like when you turn gray some day 🤣.

[@vaby100]

Well, people will miss this drone sound after few years when there will be electric vehicles everywhere.

[@motaz1975]

perfect grandpa cruiser.

[@davidlusk4350]

Finally someone tested it out in actual snow. TFL could of but decided to just drive it around their office complex. I'm debating on if its worth the extra cash vs csmry or avalon.

[@joemcdonough7509]

So brand new this costs about $52K. You could buy the flagship 2018 LS500 with the V6 and AWD with only 3,000 miles on it for $55K. That to me, is a much better value.

[@chinoyhouse8247]

This Lexus ES250 AWD is hidden gem. Yes, it is underpowered but for most people driving this to work and picking up groceries and the kids is actually enough. It is very comfortable and will be very reliable and cheap to maintain in the long run. The V6 is great but wait until it hits 60,000 miles and it needs a brand new spark plugs and coils, the labour cost is gonna get you. Plus that V6 is quick but guzzles gas. the 2.5 A25-FKS engine is fuel efficient especially if you drive a lot. This is a great car in 2024. This car is like a family piano, you buy it, maintain it and 20 years later it is still there. Weathered but functional.

[@ckalnicki]

It’s a beautiful vehicle... Fast enough for me. You don’t need an Indy car to have a great vehicle.

[@Emissary52]

Save $20K and get an AWD Camry. Probably the reason that they use the 2.5 is because it's built on the same assembly line as the Avalon and the drive train is "right there"! 😁👌

[@madclone84]

Keep driving that daily or move up for 25k and get an IS 500 👍🏽👍🏽 cause this ain’t really worth it

[@Toyota4Life]

Can we pause and talk about those sculpted interior door handles for a second it’s beautiful

[@baoanprounited]

Hi Redline, i love ur videos, and one recommendation is it would be nice if your future videos r in 4k. I watch KZbin on my iPad and 1080p is a lil grainy. Its still watchable, but 4k is crisper

[@2AbleFly]

Lexus wtf, this powertrain is horrible. Just put the awd on the v6 smh why is that so hard

[@Trav990]

I can agreed with this. Why would i get a 2.5 4cyl engine in a lexus with awd capability. When i can go get a camry for less the price. They should have at least made this v6 or v8 awd

[@chooseymomschoose]

Almost there. Just need a turbo (or the Prime hybrid system) and a touch screen.

[@billyalexander7302]

If they threw in the 2.0t from the nx and still made it awd, I think it would be better. I think they should figure out how to make a v6 awd version though.

[@MrMustangrick]

Only 200 HP in a heavy sedan? What a joke Lexus, should have paired the AWD with the 3.5 V6.

[@donnad3133]

Even the camry should bc the v6 is a gd luxury downgrade over thess stupid turbi 4s

[@davidfelter3552]

Well, I respect your opinion, but I actually own that car. I’ve had hot rods and sports cars. Truthfully, I like the car and the defects you cite, are not dealbreakers for some of us. No turbo, port and direct injection, and I am happy after coming from a German turbo vehicle. Not the most objective review.

[@terence4427]

I totally agree with you. Not everyone wants a turbo engine or overly complicated luxury car when it needs to be repaired.

[@jcabrera8425]

Lexus has some balls by putting their Camry engine on this “luxury sedan”. 🤦‍♂️.

[@mike_wellington_]

Why do people hate the infotainment setup? The system and the trackpad is a breeze to use and very relaxing once you know it. Like any other vehicle and it’s layout, it takes a few days to get used to. This will illuminate nasty fingerprints all over your screen! I think people hate it because they are trained to hate it/tell themselves they need to hate it. I think if they actually had an open mind and found the positives and drove around with it for longer than a day, they would love it.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Rebadged Toyota Camry at double price Joe Biden: hold my fart

[@YasssStitch]

8.6s to 0-60, those are some blistering, serious numbers to be reckoned with. If you're in a 1997 Toyota Previa.

[@naveenthemachine]

The previa I’d argue would be more fun and sound better than the ES AWD. I remember hearing it had a supercharged mid engine layout which I though was very unique

[@sirjim777777]

Where did you get that jacket ? I like it....I want one ! Your biggest Fan... Jim in NY

[@jbarrera6638]

Japanese brand "Super Dry" but their sizes run small. Japanese sizes basically.

[@demetriusjohnson6827]

52 grand. I’ll stop there again

[@y2ktube]

A GREAT COMMENT FROM : @SnacKing - "Proud of Lexus. Toyota knows how to make vehicles that will last a long time. They are still into building a quality product. This 2.5L is going to last longer than the turbocharged 4 cylinders. Yes, For more power, get the NA 6 cylinder. But some people want an all wheel drive 4 cylinder. Lexus did not cut corners by using a NA 4 cylinder. They’re catering to their customers who want a long lasting sedan. Not everyone wants to switch out their cars every 3-5 years. Some people want 1 car that would last 10-20 or more years. This will last..."

[@mervinprone]

What an embarrassment! The original ES250 had a very legendary engine, praised by critics for its smoothness, a 2.5 litre 24 valve V6 developed with Yamaha for the Camry in its inaugural V6 Camry in 1988. It wasn’t particularly quick but it was exceptionally smooth.

[@garren588]

I’d rather go with the ES 350, and slap on some good winter tires. This, with that weak ass 4-cylinder is not it. Sounds so economy grade

[@johnholst]

I don't know why Sofyan is surprised about the pricing or power of this car. The ES is just a fancy Avalon, and as such, I love it! I'd pay the 5 grand premium because it's so much nicer than the Avalon. It's not competition for the Germans or Genesis. But a great car at a reasonable price, imo.

[@terence4427]

You're paying for the practicality and reliability.

[@johnholst]

@@terence4427 No, you're not. The Toyota also has those things. You're paying for the premium look and feel that the Lexus provides over its Toyota sibling.

[@nav6593]

can the seats fold down?

[@harrybosch8972]

4 cly is fine for a young person Gas will be affordable for him/her.. The Turbo helps these vehicles tremendously...Have the amenities so seems like a good buy.

[@EYUK1]

I think you nail it. Lexus should put AWD in the V6 model. Too much torque steer on the V6. If they want to lower the sticker price and offer a smaller engine as the entry model of ES, it is fine. However, don't cheap out on a 4 cylinder. They need to overhaul their marketing department. 4 cylinder and Ultra Luxury package? They should offer 4 cylinder model with lower trim offering and V6 to start with Luxury trim. AWD should be made standard on V6 model.

[@kyleau4353]

There’s the LS model

[@wardellward]

Its been a long time since lexus brought back the ES 250 AWD

[@jonathangoldberg7423]

Very underpowered!

[@naveenthemachine]

I generally like Toyota’s 2.5L i4. The 2017 and earlier with 178hp is one of my favorite 4 cylinder engines. The latest dynamic force 2.5 is rather noisy and unrefined which is why I opted for the v6. Night and day difference in smoothness refinement and quietness

[@terence4427]

Have you driven one?

[@zm4242]

You’re awesome Sophian

[@naveenthemachine]

They could have used the torque vectoring AWD from the rav4 in the Es. That would be very unique.

[@twilliams8041]

Could get ya to Costco faster!

[@JohnAvantiBK]

Reason why Lexus didnt use the 3.5V6 is beacuse its going to be droped from production and the 2.5 i4 Turbo will replace the V6. Lexus is working on a Toyota Crown Lexus version in the sedan lineup replacing the GS350 spot.

[@calvinnance6432]

It’s just sad they discontinued the GS without giving the ES 350 an AWD/RWD version

[@tupapi6989]

Very good move on lexus and don't why you . wanna go fast on snow condition. The car is perfect

[@takusungjung3894]

why are you filming a video when it is heavily snowing wtf?

[@h3c70rm.8]

They had the opportunity to charge more over the avalon awd if they had used the v6...

[@naveenthemachine]

I’m surprised they couldn’t use the v6 awd combo from say the Toyota Highlander

[@h3c70rm.8]

@@naveenthemachine right? Is not like they aren’t the same platform 😆

[@kromahj]

@@h3c70rm.8 That why you get the 350, it V6

[@TheSportsPROgram]

If you don't care about acceleration but need the AWD for winter conditions and good gas milage with regular gas, plus Lexus reliability, seems like an ok choice.

[@Haoi1216]

Might as well get the Ilx if I have to choose between these two. Better transmission, lighter chassis, just without the awd. 50k compared to a 30k car, are you kidding me? It’s a lot of car to get from the Acura if u compare these two. If I were to really need an awd vehicle, I would just go for a suv. Where in the world are you? Snowing in April?

[@JimiMiki]

geez this is 2k more than the TLX with the SHawd and turbo I4

[@ShohruhShamanov]

I like Lexus. But this car is complete joke for its price, it should not exist like this... I'd get camry with awd + 4 cylinders or v6, or even avalon. And the performance is way underpowered

[@ShohruhShamanov]

And there are so many better cars that give so much value for this price

[@kromahj]

Toyota Camry V6 don't have AWD , only the i4 have AWD.

[@yk6474]

why lexus doesn’t offer V6 AWD? As a luxury car, decent power is a must.

[@preciadoalex123]

9 seconds to 60 in a luxury sedan.. weak , I want my v6!

[@cb9137]

Lexus would still make sales on this

[@wileecoyote5749]

If the new IS500 comes out AWD that might be interesting

[@andrew2332]

Lexus should have given it the e-awd, strange that they didn't

[@cyruspolentschz1165]

can you do a 2022 kia carnival

[@dynasty6932]

Finally Lexus (ES)

[@BrownBoyCanadian]

Finally us Acura TSX customer can go for Lexus Yayya 4 cylinder

[@rakebquraishi4584]

Please review the 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Agree

[@jeholloway2]

Take a drink every time the word nice is used.

[@jessiegoodman9380]

where is this in North America, being still snowing?

[@jpetm8520]

Welcome to Nunavut, Canada. We have a ton lol

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

He said Pennsylvania.

[@97I30T]

This was probably filmed back in the winter.

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

@@97I30T Feb 18th

[@diamondhobbs6852]

I love lexus i own a 2002 Lexus GS300 Legendary Z engine

[@raynmusic6011]

Today we're gonna get 6-9 inches, i laughed so hard !

[@Asoka-great]

those are hard earned inches..😀

[@jamaicanlovrboy]

Why in the hell does toyota ALWAyS make their customers have to sacrifice something for something......why is it if a customer want an AWD ES, they have to settle for a lackluster 4cyl in their over $45k luxury sedan. Same crap they(toyota) did with the Avalon

[@Vandantcyclone]

Why didn’t they just use the 200t or whatever

[@janoycresnova9156]

Wish they'd give AWD to V6 Camry or V6 ES. Would be a perfect car.

[@awilson72]

I believe this is a demand AWD much like the RAV4 that kicks in when slip is detected. Just get the TLX.