Preview: 2026 Lexus ES Grows, Gets Electrified

Whenever we’ve had a Lexus ES in our test vehicle fleet, it’s usually signed out by employees who plan to drive long distances. That’s not surprising, because the ES has historically been one of the most comfortable places to spend a road trip. Although it could never be considered sporty, its cushiness never came at the expense of responsiveness, unlike land yachts of yore.

The new ES is built on an all-new design that promises an even quieter cabin with less vibration and more responsive steering. Although we’ve seen it only in photos so far, it looks a bit Toyota-like. Unfortunately, the interior seems to be lacking when it comes to physical knobs and buttons that are typically easier to use while driving, but we’ll reserve any further judgment until we try it out.

Where the previous ES was once a fancier version of the now-defunct Toyota Avalon, the latest ES faces some internal competition from the Toyota Crown, which is also hybrid only. We’re not surprised that Lexus is trying to differentiate the ES by adding additional luxury features such as an optional massaging rear seat. That helps Lexus better compete against some elite sedans from Germany and Korea. We wouldn’t be surprised if the ES sees a price increase as a result.

No matter what, the hybrid version of the ES will sit in a class by itself among luxury sedans because its only competitors are either gas-only, electric-only, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

The ES rides on a unique version of Toyota’s TNGA GA-K platform, the basic design and shared set of components that also underpins the current Toyota Camry. Although we’ve seen only the electric version of the ES, the family resemblance is clear, with the snubbed nose and thin headlights common to both models. It’s also similar to the Toyota Crown.

The major difference is that the ES is longer than any Toyota sedan. It’s also longer, wider, and taller than the current ES. 

The new ES also gets a distinctive character line across the side and tail lights that wrap around the rear of the vehicle. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, while 21-inch wheels are optional on the all-wheel-drive EV version.

The ES debuts a minimalist dashboard and infotainment setup that marks a departure for the Lexus brand. There’s new bamboo-inspired 3D-printed trim, along with real suede options, and Lexus says the window frames are lower than the outgoing vehicle’s for better visibility and an airier feel. Lexus also says the seating position has been raised a bit, which may address some of the issues we had about feeling like we were “falling into” the driver’s seat of the current ES model.

Controls consist of a 14-inch infotainment screen and a flat panel with touch-sensitive spots where buttons would be. A volume knob sits in the middle of the dashboard, and the EV version has a monostable gear selector. From photos, it looks reminiscent of the Nissan Murano’s controls, which look great but are difficult to use.

Buyers of the ES 350e can opt for an Executive Package, which is designed to pamper rear-seat occupants with reclining and massaging rear outboard seats. With Lexus’ reputation for reliability, we wouldn’t be surprised if Executive Package-equipped ES models become popular with upscale livery services that put a lot of miles on their vehicles shuttling other people around.

There are no longer any gas-only engine choices. However, the TGNA GA-K platform can fit both hybrid and all-electric powertrains, so the ES 350h gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The fully electric ES350e is front-wheel drive and has a single electric motor, while the ES500e is all-wheel drive, thanks to dual electric motors. There’s no word yet on horsepower ratings or battery sizes, but we’d expect the hybrid to achieve the 236 hp of the Crown with a similar hybrid drivetrain. The ES also gets a new multilink rear suspension with the promise of a smoother ride and better vehicle control.

Lexus says the ES debuts the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which will have updated hardware and better sensors. Further details are not yet available.