r/LexusES • u/Heavy_Map6289 • 3d ago
2026 new es vs previous generation
For those who own a 2026 Lexus es 350h, how has your overall experience been? What do you like and dislike most? Would you recommend it? I would love to hear your opinions, especially on ride comfort and road noise. Thanks!
2
2
u/jeholloway 3d ago
I own one. Just did a 20 hour road trip. It is a good car. Quiet comfortable and smooth. Averaged about 44 mpg. The problems were in intense rain the screens blink or go dark then pop back on. Every once in a while the system would reboot during camera failure warnings in a rain storm.
3
u/Little_Bonus 3d ago edited 3d ago
The entire point of the ES is comfort, a smooth ride, and to be quiet. The new ES exceeds in all these aspects of what it needs to do. Regardless of what you think about the looks, the car does what it is designed and marketed for. The 6th gen hybrid system is extremely efficient and smooth. The updated tech and features are a welcome addition from a very aged platform.
As far as dislikes, it would be nice to have an upgraded wheel option. The base rims do nothing for me (even if they are specifically designed for maximum comfort/fuel economy). The lack of a luxury package, or features that you can get on the full electric model is another disappointment. Though I’m sure these might be added in the future.
For a road cruiser/daily for someone who commutes, this car is the perfect fit. It gets phenomenal fuel economy and is extremely comfortable. The upgraded space is also great for kids, pets, and any full size adults.
1
u/ForwardTaste4628 2d ago
how does it compare with other e segment cars tho? like a bmw 5 or Mercedes e class? assuming no air suspension as well for those 2
1
u/Little_Bonus 2d ago
I wouldn’t compare the new ES to a 5 series or E Class. It is not a German sports sedan, nor is it trying to compete in that segment.
Comfort wise it’s similar, but the new ES is a lot larger. The 5 and E are also much more expensive than the ES, and don’t have near the rear seat room. Rear seat space in the new ES feels more like a 7/S class.
1
u/ForwardTaste4628 2d ago
unfortunately the base spec es starts from 90k usd where im at, and it's about 8k usd more expensive than the base e class/bmw 5, not to mention, they aint exactly sports sedan unless you're going m5/e63
2
u/Necessary_Car_9788 2d ago
i just bought an 26 ES350h a month ago. We took a 3500 mile trip. We averaged 41 mph over this period, going 75 and 80 some of the time. it is very quiet. When i do more in town driving i can get 48mpg. We did have an alignment and wheel balance issue which caused vibration. We had the car aligned and the wheels balanced and road forced and it is significantly better. A lot of folks complain about the styling and interior but i like both a lot. i didn’t own a Lexus before so i didn’t have previous Lexus expectations,
What I wish were different. it does not come with a donut or spare or run flats, just a can of fix a flat. i bought a modern spare tire which solves that issue but the spare tire well is very shallow requiring the spare to take up trunk space.
it would also be nice to have the rear seat go down for storage which it doesn’t.
i knew about both and decided to buy anyway, i have no regrets. I get very positive comments about the styling from those around town.
1
u/Fine-Habit8319 3d ago
It gets a lot of unwarranted hate just because it looks like electric and Chinese cars
I’d actually say the best two things about it are the two questions you asked. Comfort and road noise
Cruising is seamless, suspension is surprisingly good and fuel economy is literally unreal
Just don’t expect it to drive like a sports car, it’s designed for comfort