2019 Lexus ES350 Review

2019 Lexus ES350

MSRP: $39,600

Engine: 3.5 Liter V6

Horsepower/Torque: 302/267

MPG: 25 mixed as observed

Text: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Geoff Dennis

This is the 2019 Lexus ES350.  What is it?  It’s a car made for people who don’t want a crossover.  Let me explain.  

In every tangible way, the RX350 is a better choice.  It’s bigger on the inside, easier to get into, better to see out of, holds more cargo, holds more people and almost just as efficient.  So why get the ES350?

Well, believe it or not.  There are people out there who just want a car.  And for those people the ES350 is the ultimate answer.  It’s a sensory deprivation chamber on wheels.  The ES350 designed to eliminate the outside world and to completely encapsulate you around leather, wood and your thoughts.  

If you are a looking for 0-60 times, skidpad numbers and top speed…this is not your car.  It is a bit more engaging than the last generation but that is not saying a lot.  Most people will not notice the difference at all.  Don’t get me wrong.  The ES350 is not a bad car, it will get up and go when you want it to, it will brake, and it will go around a corner.  It’s just not part of its DNA.  

Size wise the ES350 is more like the GS350 but the GS drives with more feel, character and charm.  Unfortunately the GS is not long for this world and the ES will be taking over the midsize category in the Lexus lineup.  There is a F-Sport variant of the ES but if you’re looking for a sporty ride, get another car.  The ES is made to get you from point A to point B in the most quaint way possible.  

So what do I think of the 2019 Lexus ES350?  Calming isolation mixed with a cushy ride make it a refreshing alternative in a world filled with ‘sporty’ everything.