CARS.
Lexus es350
It’s been four years since the Lexus ES’ last major redesign, but it must keep reading out of the self-help section because it seems to have been reciting the mantra: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.” Well, maybe there’s something to all that Tony Robbins-type stuff after all, as incremental improvements have indeed evolved the compact luxury sports sedan into its best self. It may be surprising to learn that it’s not powertrain improvements, suspension enhancements or even cabin comfort that put the 2022 Lexus ES over the top, but (cue “You Got the Touch” … by Stan Bush, not Dirk Diggler) the seemingly simple solution of adding a touchscreen in place of a frustrating touchpad.
But just because the ES — more specifically, the six-cylinder ES 350 versus the still-inferior four-cylinder ES 250 — is living its best life doesn’t mean it’s beyond reproach. For the full context, be sure to check out Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek’s comprehensive critique via the related link above, but for a rapid-fire rundown on the pros and cons, keep reading.
Here are six things we like and four things we, um … like less, about the 2022 Lexus ES 350:
Things We Like
1. Just the Right Touch
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2022 Lexus ES 350 | Cars.com photo by Joe Bruzek
The aforementioned touchpad multimedia controller on the outgoing ES, not to mention the joystick controller that preceded it, have proved that if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get the results you’ve always gotten. A new 12.3-inch (an 8-incher is standard) touchscreen replaces the old non-touch display that was difficult, and therefore dangerous, to use while driving due to unnecessary extra steps and sloppy responses. However, the touchpad remains if, for whatever reason, you actually prefer that.
2. Apple CarPlay All the Way
In addition to the touchscreen upgrade, the infotainment system allows Apple CarPlay to display across the entire expanse of the 12.3-inch screen. As multimedia displays get bigger and bigger, getting maximum usability out of Apple’s smartphone integration system isn’t always an option in other vehicles.
3. It’s Not a Stretch
The multimedia unit may stretch Apple CarPlay, but it won’t require you to stretch in order to reach the screen. Lexus moved the unit 4.3 inches closer to the driver, conveniently and safely putting the screen within arm’s reach.
4. For a Smooth Ride, Base Is Best
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The ES 350 equipped with the 302-horsepower V-6 engine and standard suspension provides confidence, comfort and refinement both off the line and at speed. That’s opposed to the supposedly sportier F Sport trim level, which we’ll get into later.
5. Improved Safety Standards
Expanded standard safety features across the ES lineup come courtesy of the new Lexus Safety System Plus 2.5, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. That’s in addition to camera and radar enhancements that enable new functions like Intersection Turning Assist, which triggers precollision system warnings and intervention if it senses a car or pedestrian, as well as Curve Speed Reduction to slow the vehicle through tight curves.
6. Buy Four Cylinders, Get Two Free
The six-cylinder ES 350’s starting price is exactly the same as the four-cylinder ES 250, at $41,875, including a destination charge. Moreover, per Cars.com inventory figures, an ES 350 will be easier to find. In other words: You need to really want the 250 if you choose it over the 350.
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