2026 Lexus ES 350h AWD Hybrid First Test: What’s the Big Rush?
Key takeaways
- What the ES 350h hybrid’s Motor Trend-tested performance says about its place in the midsize luxury sedan segment.
- Pros Comfortable ride Big back seat Reasonably priced Cons Low-speed brake feel Bulky design Some vibration through pedals A BMW 5 Series pulls up next to you in your 2026 Lexus ES 350h at a red light.
- As it has for decades, the latest and greatest Lexus ES offers comfort and space at a lower price than its rivals.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
What the ES 350h hybrid’s Motor Trend-tested performance says about its place in the midsize luxury sedan segment.
Pros Comfortable ride Big back seat Reasonably priced Cons Low-speed brake feel Bulky design Some vibration through pedals A BMW 5 Series pulls up next to you in your 2026 Lexus ES 350h at a red light. You exchange glances. As the light turns green, the BMW rockets away—and you couldn’t care less. Because the hybrid version of the new Lexus ES is for people who aren’t bothered that the BMW will reach the next red light three seconds quicker. It’s a car for drivers who would rather turn rush hour into a more relaxing hour.
After putting the 2026 ES 350h through our full battery of MotorTrend tests, it’s clear that a couple things keep this unhurried and unworried Lexus sedan from being even more compelling than it already is, but its 0–60-mph time isn’t one of them. Here’s what we found.