The 2019 Lexus ES is a luxury car that makes a lot of sense. When it was new, critics raved about the ES for its creamy-smooth ride quality and relatively lower ownership costs. These qualities make it an excellent used car too. Could this luxury car be the one for you?

2019 Lexus ES performance specs

Lexus completely redesigned the ES for the 2019 model year. The current generation has a bolder look and offers more power than previous model years. The entry-level ES 350 features 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a refined eight-speed automatic transmission. This Lexus is front-wheel drive only. 

Critics appreciated that the 2019 ES 350 provided a quicker experience and recognized it for its fuel efficiency. The ES has an EPA rating of 26 mpg overall, one of the better ratings in the midsize luxury sedan class. For more fun, you might want to shop for the new-for-2019 F Sport version that adds a sport-tuned suspension. Though, many reviewers noted that the updated ES still fell short of being a true sports sedan. 

“Shoppers who are drawn to the ES because of its reputation as a cushy cruiser won’t be disappointed. The cabin remains hushed and the suspension steadily smooths out rough roads. At the same time, the new car handles better than its predecessor, with responsive steering and restrained body lean. That said, it’s still not in the sports sedan league of, say, the BMW 3 Series or Infiniti Q50.”

Consumer Reports (2019)

Available cabin comforts 

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From a design standpoint, the ES has a near-perfect cabin. Reviewers at Consumer Reports said this Lexus presented an “indulgent.” Car and Driver highlighted that the ES is as “quiet as a library at midnight” on the inside. Additionally, the ES earns praise for its generous room for five. It’s also a standout in the class for its trunk space. Base models have synthetic leather upholstery. 

You may want to explore the Luxury trim for more amenities such as genuine leather, wood trim, heated and cooled seats, and ambient lighting. The F Sport variant has a fiercer interior with red leather. If you go for the Ultra Luxury model, you get more helpful features, including a power-activated and hands-free trunk. 

What about tech?

As you might have heard, Lexus’ infotainment systems are a need of an overhaul. Lexus’ touchpad system works like a traditional computer, which isn’t the most intuitive way to keep you connected on the road. On the bright side, the ES comes with desirable features, including a wifi hotspot and Amazon Alexa. Upgraded versions will have Apple CarPlay. Lexus didn’t add Android Auto as an option until 2020. 

Another bright spot is the advanced safety equipment that the ES provides. All models come with gadgets, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Some versions will have blind-spot monitoring too. 

How much should I pay for the 2019 Lexus ES?

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Lexus’ strong reputation for reliability translates into higher resale value. However, you can still score a deal with the 2019 model—the average price for a 2019 Lexus ES 350 ranges from $34,700 to $37,400.