Over the years, Lexus has cemented itself as one of the best luxury car manufacturers. As a result, the 2023 Lexus ES is KBB’s pick for the best luxury car in 2023. So, it’s no surprise that the Lexus ES has received this award for the past five years. With incredible value, rewarding driving experience, and unparalleled reliability, the 2023 Lexus ES stands above the rest. Here are three reasons why it ranks above the competition.

What engine is in the 2023 Lexus ES?

In total, there are three engine packages available for the 2023 Lexus ES. Starting with the base model, you get a four-cylinder engine pushing 203 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive in the ES 250. Then, moving up to the ES 350, the sedan now houses a 302 horsepower V-6 engine to hurry you down the road. Last but not least, you have the option for the ES300h, a hybrid drivetrain. 

The 215-horsepower hybrid drivetrain utilizes a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, giving you a more economical but powerful option. For each model, you can choose the F Sport edition. The F Sport edition adds some zest with a rear spoiler and blacked-out trim. On the ES 350 and 300h, F Sport Handling editions benefit from adaptive suspension.

Is the 2023 Lexus ES reliable?

Toyota, vehicles have always been synonymous with reliability. Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota, making it a safe bet that their higher-dollar vehicles are just as reliable. When it comes to luxury cars, you may think of the large repair bills usually attributed to them. However, Lexus’s cars run for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance. As a result, Lexus and Toyota took KBB’s awards for the lowest 5-year cost to own.

The 2023 Lexus ES is still fresh on the market but based on its current reviews and previous models, it is the same in terms of reliability. Furthermore, judging from the 2022 Lexus ES, which received an 83 out of 100 overall from J.D. Power, the 2023 model year will be no different. Therefore, there is peace of mind when purchasing, as the newer models have been a top choice for half a decade.

The 2023 Lexus ES has surprisingly great value

One of the biggest reasons KBB chose the 2023 Lexus ES is its surprising value. Luxury cars are rarely associated with value. However, the Lexus ES breaks the mold by providing incredible features and opulence for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. The 2023 Lexus ES starts at a mere $41,340. That price point is almost $8,000 less than any new car on the market. The Lexus ES is over $20,000 less than some of its competitors.

While the price point can seem like you aren’t getting all the benefits, the ES is still packed with luxurious features. The base model ES 250 still comes standard with 10-way power seats, a moonroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, and dual-zone climate control. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance system, and lane-keep assist. Wrapping these features in a mixture of premium leather and aluminum trim gives the interior a six-figure feel for less than half the cost. 

Is the Lexus ES worth it?

Overall, the 2023 Lexus ES is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get a luxury sedan without breaking the bank. Not only do you have outstanding performance, but you get a slew of luxurious features in a price bracket that is reserved for basic vehicles. Combining all these positives with unrivaled reliability and safety ratings makes the Lexus ES hard to beat when considering what car to purchase next.