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Generation Guide · 2019–present Lexus ES 350 · Midsize luxury sedan

2019–present Lexus ES 350 Review: Should You Buy It?

4 min read

Also worth reading: 2013–2018 Lexus ES350 Buying Guide, Lexus ES350 Buying Guide and Lexus Reliability Guide.

The 2019–present Lexus ES 350 covers the 7th gen (XV70) generation from start to finish. Mechanically these years are the same car — same platform, same engine family, same failure points — so shop the individual car's condition and service history rather than chasing a specific model year. The best ES ever. 2022+ with the new multimedia are the picks.

Quick Verdict
⭐ Overall verdict
4.7/5 · Excellent
Reliability
4.8/5 · Excellent
Known problems
Infotainment lag pre-2020, Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s
Recommended?
Yes — a strong used buy
Better alternatives
The 2013–2018 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package.
Maintenance
4.5/5 · Excellent

Bottom line: Strong buy — one of the standout picks in its class.

Buy Score
★★★★★4.7/5
Strong buy — one of the standout picks in its class.
Reliability
★★★★★4.8/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.5/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.5/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.8/5
Model-year changes

What's New in the 2019–present ES 350?

This generation launched in 2019: TNGA-K platform, sharper handling, F Sport with adaptive dampers, standard LSS 2.0. Mid-cycle updates landed in 2022, so later cars in the span pick up interior and tech revisions. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.

Engines
  • 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6
  • 2.5L hybrid
Transmissions
  • 8-speed automatic
  • eCVT (hybrid)
Reliability

How Reliable Is the 2019–present ES 350?

Across 2019–present, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2019–2020) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Infotainment lag pre-2020; Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • Infotainment lag pre-2020
  • Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s

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Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

Expect ES 350 maintenance costs typical of the 7th gen (XV70) generation. Engines: 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 / 2.5L hybrid. Transmissions: 8-speed automatic / eCVT (hybrid). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2026 Lexus ES 350 are cheap and widely available.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

Focused on what tends to fail on the 7th gen (XV70) generation.

Engine
Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due.
Transmission
Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell.
Suspension
Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps.
Rust
Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.
Cooling System
Coolant color, pressure test, radiator condition, water-pump seepage.
Electronics
Infotainment boot time, cameras, driver-assist calibration, power seats and windows.
Interior
Dashboard cracks in hot climates, seat bolster wear, headliner sagging.
Service Records
Verify recall completion, timing-belt/water-pump history, transmission service intervals.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a 2019–present ES 350?

Within 2019–present, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2019–present Lexus ES 350 passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Sharpest ES yet, Bulletproof powertrain, Excellent resale.

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 7th gen (XV70) generation of the Lexus ES 350 rather than one specific model year.

Better alternatives

Consider Instead

The 2013–2018 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package.

People Also Ask

Is the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 reliable?

Across 2019–present, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2019–2020) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Infotainment lag pre-2020; Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s.

What engine does the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 use?

The 7th gen (XV70) generation offered 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 and 2.5L hybrid. Which one you buy matters more for long-term cost than trim level does.

What are the most common 2019–present Lexus ES 350 problems?

The issues owners report most are infotainment lag pre-2020 and some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s. Every one of them is checkable before you hand over money.

Is the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 worth buying today?

Within 2019–present, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2019–present Lexus ES 350 passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy.

Is the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 expensive to maintain?

Expect ES 350 maintenance costs typical of the 7th gen (XV70) generation. Engines: 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 / 2.5L hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 reliable?
Across 2019–present, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2019–2020) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Infotainment lag pre-2020; Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s.
Should I buy a 2019–present Lexus ES 350?
Within 2019–present, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2019–present Lexus ES 350 passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Sharpest ES yet, Bulletproof powertrain, Excellent resale.
What are the common problems on the 2019–present Lexus ES 350?
Infotainment lag pre-2020; Some F Sport ride-quality complaints on 19s
Is the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 expensive to maintain?
Expect ES 350 maintenance costs typical of the 7th gen (XV70) generation. Engines: 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 / 2.5L hybrid. Transmissions: 8-speed automatic / eCVT (hybrid). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2026 Lexus ES 350 are cheap and widely available.
What's new in the 2019–present ES 350?
This generation launched in 2019: TNGA-K platform, sharper handling, F Sport with adaptive dampers, standard LSS 2.0. Mid-cycle updates landed in 2022, so later cars in the span pick up interior and tech revisions. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.
What engines and transmissions did the 2019–present Lexus ES 350 come with?
Engines: 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6, 2.5L hybrid. Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, eCVT (hybrid).
What should I inspect on a used 2019–present Lexus ES 350?
Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Rust: Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.
Who is a 2019–present Lexus ES 350 best for?
Buyers cross-shopping the whole 7th gen (XV70) generation of the Lexus ES 350 rather than one specific model year.
Should I consider a different year instead?
The 2013–2018 generation is cheaper and simpler, with an older tech and safety package.
Generation guide

Lexus ES 350 Generations

Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.

  1. Generation 1

    5th gen (XV40) · 20072012

    Introduced the ES 350 nameplate with 3.5L V6 and 6-speed automatic.

  2. Generation 2

    6th gen (XV60) · 20132018

    New platform (shared with Avalon), spindle grille, hybrid ES 300h added.

  3. Generation 3

    7th gen (XV70) · 20192026

    TNGA-K platform, sharper handling, F Sport with adaptive dampers, standard LSS 2.0.

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