There is only one Lexus ES 350 you should consider buying unless the prospect of mundane drivability excites you – the 2020 Lexus ES 350 F Sport.
The ES sits in the Lexus lineup between the IS and LS. It’s a midsize sedan that is made in America and available in three models – ES 350, ES 350 Hybrid, and ES 350 F Sport. There are a variety of trim levels for buyers to choose from for 350 and 350 Hybrid models.
The ES 350 F Sport has a different grille than other ES models.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
On the outside, it’s immediately apparent that the 350 F Sport has the better grille and wheels (19-inchers) than the other ES models. There’s also black finish mesh on the front fascia and available triple beam headlights. Those enhancements make the ES appear more sophisticated and sassier.
As the saying goes, it’s not the size, it’s how you use it. All ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain achieves 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The oomph is enough for the ES, but not anything that will excite.
ES 350 models have Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. The ES 350 F Sport replaces Sport mode with Sport+ and Custom. The Sport+ mode lengthens the amount of time between shifts and allows the driver to achieve a torquier behind-the-wheel experience, adjusts the throttle response, and changes the steering parameters. This is one of the keys to the 350 F Sport’s success.
Lexus has given the ES 350 F Sport sportier seats than what are other ES 350 models.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Combine the engine engagement with an adaptive variable suspension that is similar to the system in the Lexus LC and LS, and the ES’s drive experience shines (for an ES). Don’t mistake the enthusiasm for quickness. The ES still takes 6.6 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph and it only comes in front-wheel drive.
The ES serves valiantly as a daily driver in any model. Its trunk is spacious and there’s a good amount of passenger space for four adult occupants.
While the materials in most of the cabin of this particular model are right with its price point, the entire interior experience is clouded by the Lexus track pad way of navigating the infotainment system. Thankfully, the ES is one of the few Lexus vehicles that has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so use of the track pad is not often needed.
The ES 350 F-Sport is available with a red leather interior.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Other high points of the model include the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and the good amount of unobtrusive safety technology that works well including blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist.
The 2020 Lexus ES F Sport starts at $44,635. With the options boxes checked, it can get near $50,000 including destination and delivery charges. That price seems fair for the model. It’s pricier than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but less costly than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The ES is priced most similarly to the Infiniti Q50’s midgrade models. Top-tier models of the Q50 have significantly more horsepower befitting the higher rate.
Sure, the ES F-Sport isn’t as
