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Cars · Top 10

Best Lexus ES Model Years in 2027

By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
2021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)
Direct answer

The 2021 Lexus ES 300h is the best ES model year, with the 2018 ES 300h at #2 and the 2025 ES 300h at #3. The 2021 ES 300h makes 215 combined system horsepower, rates 44 combined mpg, earns 5 NHTSA stars overall and has 2 NHTSA owner complaints.

At a glance

#PickPowertrainBest for
12021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)2.5-liter hybrid with 215 combined system horsepower; new lithium-ion battery for 2021The best mix of mileage, safety record and age
22018 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid with 200 total system horsepowerA cheaper used hybrid from the last year of the sixth generation
32025 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)2.5-liter hybrid with 215 horsepower, front-wheel drive onlyThe newest seventh-generation hybrid, the last before the redesign
42026 Lexus ES 350h (XZ20)2.5-liter hybrid with 244 horsepower and a CVT, sixth-generation Lexus hybrid systemThe most efficient and powerful ES hybrid, nearly new
52021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (XZ10)3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft, 8-speed automaticThe fastest ES V6 with sport styling and a top IIHS award
62018 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a 6-speed automaticA smooth V6 ES at a used-car price
72013 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)2.5-liter hybrid with 200 total system horsepower; the first hybrid ESThe cheapest way into a 40 mpg ES hybrid
82013 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticA roomy redesigned ES with an IIHS award
92012 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticThe cheapest ES worth a look from the fifth generation
102007 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)3.5-liter V6 with 272 horsepower and a 6-speed automaticThe lowest-cost ES 350, with the first-year fifth-generation styling

Pick by what you want

Best overall
2021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)
Best budget hybrid
2018 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)
Most efficient
2026 Lexus ES 350h (XZ20)
Best V6
2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (XZ10)
Cheapest hybrid
2013 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)

The ranking

1

2021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)

2021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)
Answrs VerdictThe ES to buy.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter hybrid with 215 combined system horsepower; new lithium-ion battery for 2021Base price when new: $41,910 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 43 city / 44 highway / 44 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 2 complaints listed for the 2021 ES 300HNHTSA crash rating: 5 stars overall

The 2021 ES 300h pairs a 2.5-liter hybrid with 215 combined system horsepower, and for 2021 it gained a lithium-ion battery. It rates 44 combined mpg, earns 5 NHTSA stars overall, and NHTSA lists 2 owner complaints. It started at $41,910.

Go ifThe best mix of mileage, safety record and age
Skip ifYou want the 2026 redesign’s 46 combined mpg
Why #1 over #2: It rates 44 combined mpg versus 40 for the 2018 ES 300h, with 2 NHTSA complaints versus 5.
2

2018 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)

2018 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)
Answrs VerdictThe budget hybrid.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid with 200 total system horsepowerBase price when new: $41,820 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 40 city / 39 highway / 40 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 5 complaints listed for the 2018 ES 300HNHTSA crash rating: 5 stars overall

The 2018 ES 300h uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid with 200 total system horsepower and rates 40 combined mpg. It earns 5 NHTSA stars overall and has 5 owner complaints listed. It started at $41,820.

Go ifA cheaper used hybrid from the last year of the sixth generation
Skip ifYou want 44 combined mpg (2021 ES 300h)
Why #2 over #3: It rates 40 combined mpg versus 24 for the 2018 ES 350, and it has 5 NHTSA stars overall.
3

2025 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)

2025 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)
Answrs VerdictThe newest XZ10 hybrid.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter hybrid with 215 horsepower, front-wheel drive onlyBase price when new: $43,540 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 43 city / 44 highway / 44 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 5 complaints listed for the 2025 ES 300HNHTSA crash rating: 5 stars overall

The 2025 ES 300h is the last seventh-generation hybrid, with 215 horsepower from a front-wheel-drive system and 44 combined mpg. It earns 5 NHTSA stars overall and has 5 owner complaints listed. It started at $43,540.

Go ifThe newest seventh-generation hybrid, the last before the redesign
Skip ifYou want the lowest price (2021 ES 300h: $41,910)
Why #3 over #4: It is nearly new with 44 combined mpg, where the 2021 ES 350 F Sport rates 25.
4

2026 Lexus ES 350h (XZ20)

2026 Lexus ES 350h (XZ20)
Answrs VerdictThe new generation.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter hybrid with 244 horsepower and a CVT, sixth-generation Lexus hybrid systemBase price when new: $49,700 MSRP (Premium)EPA fuel economy: 48 city / 44 highway / 46 combined mpg (front-wheel drive)Generation: Eighth-generation ES, unveiled on 23 April 2025NHTSA owner complaints: 1 complaint listed for the 2026 ES 350H

The 2026 ES 350h is the eighth-generation ES, unveiled on 23 April 2025. Its 2.5-liter hybrid makes 244 horsepower and rates 46 combined mpg in front-wheel drive. NHTSA lists 1 owner complaint and no crash rating. It started at $49,700.

Go ifThe most efficient and powerful ES hybrid, nearly new
Skip ifYou want a crash rating (NHTSA lists the 2026 ES 350h as Not Rated)
Why #4 over #5: It makes 244 horsepower and 46 combined mpg, but NHTSA lists it as Not Rated for crashes.
5

2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (XZ10)

2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (XZ10)
Answrs VerdictThe driver’s ES.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft, 8-speed automaticBase price when new: $45,800 MSRP (F SPORT)EPA fuel economy: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg (F Sport)NHTSA owner complaints: 5 complaints listed for the 2021 ES 350IIHS award: Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021 ES 350

The 2021 ES 350 F Sport has a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic. IIHS gave the 2021 ES 350 a Top Safety Pick+, and NHTSA lists 5 owner complaints. It rates 25 combined mpg and started at $45,800.

Go ifThe fastest ES V6 with sport styling and a top IIHS award
Skip ifYou want hybrid mileage (2021 ES 300h: 44 combined mpg)
Why #5 over #6: Its 302 horsepower beats the 268 of the 2018 ES 350, and it earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
6

2018 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)

2018 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)
Answrs VerdictThe smooth V6.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a 6-speed automaticBase price when new: $38,950 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 5 complaints listed for the 2018 ES 350NHTSA recalls: 2 recalls listed, both for the fuel pump

The 2018 ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic. It rates 24 combined mpg, started at $38,950, and has 5 owner complaints listed. NHTSA lists 2 recalls, both for the fuel pump.

Go ifA smooth V6 ES at a used-car price
Skip ifYou want the 2021 ES 350’s 302 horsepower
Why #6 over #7: It has 5 NHTSA complaints versus 50 for the 2013 ES 350.
7

2013 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)

2013 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)
Answrs VerdictThe first ES hybrid.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter hybrid with 200 total system horsepower; the first hybrid ESBase price when new: $39,250 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 40 city / 39 highway / 40 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 40 complaints listed for the 2013 ES 300HNHTSA recalls: 1 recall listed, for forward collision avoidance

The 2013 ES 300h was the first hybrid ES, with 200 total system horsepower and 40 combined mpg. It started at $39,250. NHTSA lists 40 owner complaints and 1 recall, for forward collision avoidance.

Go ifThe cheapest way into a 40 mpg ES hybrid
Skip ifYou want fewer owner complaints (2018 ES 300h: 5)
Why #7 over #8: It rates 40 combined mpg versus 24 for the 2013 ES 350, with 40 complaints versus 50.
8

2013 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)

2013 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)
Answrs VerdictThe redesign year.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticBase price when new: $36,100 MSRP, plus $895 deliveryEPA fuel economy: 21 city / 31 highway / 24 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 50 complaints listed for the 2013 ES 350IIHS award: Top Safety Pick for the 2013 ES 350

The 2013 ES 350 launched the redesigned sixth generation with a 268-horsepower V6 and 248 lb-ft. IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick. It rates 24 combined mpg, started at $36,100 plus $895 delivery, and has 50 owner complaints listed.

Go ifA roomy redesigned ES with an IIHS award
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints (2018 ES 350: 5)
Why #8 over #9: It has 50 NHTSA complaints versus 116 for the 2012 ES 350, and an IIHS award.
9

2012 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)

2012 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget old ES.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft, 6-speed automaticBase price when new: $36,725 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpgNHTSA owner complaints: 116 complaints listed for the 2012 ES 350NHTSA recalls: 3 recalls listed, all for the frontal passenger air bag

The 2012 ES 350 has the same 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft V6 and rates 22 combined mpg. It started at $36,725. NHTSA lists 116 owner complaints and 3 recalls, all for the frontal passenger air bag.

Go ifThe cheapest ES worth a look from the fifth generation
Skip ifYou want a current airbag record without checking the VIN
Why #9 over #10: It has 116 NHTSA complaints versus 664 for the 2007 ES 350.
10

2007 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)

2007 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)
Answrs VerdictThe oldest and riskiest.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 272 horsepower and a 6-speed automaticBase price when new: $33,470 base priceNHTSA owner complaints: 664 complaints listed for the 2007 ES 350NHTSA recalls: 5 recalls listed, 3 for the frontal passenger air bag and 1 for vehicle speed controlIIHS small overlap: Poor (rating applies to 2007-12 models)

The 2007 ES 350 introduced the fifth generation with a 272-horsepower V6 and a $33,470 base price. NHTSA lists 664 owner complaints and 5 recalls, 3 for the frontal passenger air bag. IIHS rates its small overlap crash test Poor.

Go ifThe lowest-cost ES 350, with the first-year fifth-generation styling
Skip ifYou want a low complaint count

How we ranked these

We ranked each Lexus ES model year on what it gives a used buyer today: powertrain, EPA fuel economy, NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and crash ratings, using Lexus newsroom releases, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS and iSeeCars MSRP listings. Each pick is one model year and powertrain, and complaint counts are NHTSA counts for that exact year and model, so newer years have had less time to collect them. IIHS ratings are those published for the ES 350. Photos: Lexus press photos, except the 2012 ES 350, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration photo from Wikimedia Commons; the 2013 ES 300h and ES 350 are both 2013 Lexus press photos. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is the best Lexus ES model year to buy used?

The 2021 ES 300h: 215 combined system horsepower, 44 combined mpg, 5 NHTSA stars overall and only 2 NHTSA owner complaints.

Which ES model years should you avoid?

The oldest ones. NHTSA lists 664 owner complaints and 5 recalls for the 2007 ES 350, and 116 complaints and 3 frontal passenger air bag recalls for the 2012 ES 350.

How much horsepower does a Lexus ES 350 have?

The 2012 and 2013 ES 350 make 268 horsepower, and the 2021 ES 350 makes 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft from a 3.5-liter V6.

When did the Lexus ES get a hybrid?

With the 2013 model year. The 2013 ES 300h generated 200 total system horsepower and earned 40 combined mpg.

EPA combined fuel economy at a glance

2012 Lexus ES 350 (XV40)22 mpg
2018 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)24 mpg
2013 Lexus ES 350 (XV60)24 mpg
2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport (XZ10)25 mpg
2018 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)40 mpg
2013 Lexus ES 300h (XV60)40 mpg
2021 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)44 mpg
2025 Lexus ES 300h (XZ10)44 mpg
2026 Lexus ES 350h (XZ20)46 mpg
EPA combined fuel economy, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.

Official sites

Sources

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.

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