2026 Lexus ES: What's New, Trims, Hybrid vs. Electric, and More
The 2026 Lexus ES arrives as a fully redesigned eighth generation with up to 300 miles of estimated electric range on the ES 350e. This is the first ES to offer battery-electric models alongside the updated sixth-generation hybrid, a major shift from the previous generation. Here you will find trim-by-trim breakdowns, powertrain details, and links to current inventory at Lexus of Riverside.
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2026
The 2026 ES represents the most significant overhaul in the model's history. It is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform engineered from the ground up to support both hybrid (HEV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrains under one roof. The result is a sedan that grew by approximately 6.5 inches in overall length and gained 3 inches of wheelbase compared to the outgoing model, translating directly into a more spacious cabin for all five occupants.
Several changes stand out as genuine firsts for the ES nameplate:
- The battery-electric ES 350e and ES 500e are new to the lineup entirely. No prior ES offered a BEV option. Both use a NACS charging port capable of DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
- A multi-link rear suspension replaces the previous setup, improving power delivery and body posture control in a way that was not possible with the prior generation's architecture.
- The Executive Package debuts in North America for the first time on the ES. Available on the ES 350e FWD Luxury trim, it adds a reclining rear seat with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massage, and rear seat heating and ventilation.
- Exterior design follows the new "Clean Tech x Elegance" language drawn from the LF-ZC concept, including Twin L-Signature Lamps with inward-facing DRLs and outward-facing turn signals. Wavelength, a Lexus-first exterior color, is offered across all 2026 ES models.
- The ES is also the first Lexus model to receive Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0), an updated active safety suite with revised hardware and expanded detection capability.
Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 explained
TRIM LINEUP
The 2026 ES spans eight configurations, mixing hybrid and electric powertrains with FWD and AWD options.
ES 350E
ES 350E PREMIUM (FWD)
Entry point into the BEV lineup. Standard 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, dual-zone climate, heated and ventilated front seats, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.
ES 350E LUXURY (FWD)
The range-topping BEV trim and the only model in North America available with the Executive Package. Adds the rear-cabin upgrade with ottoman, massaging rear seats, and rear seat heating and ventilation.
ES 350H
ES 350H PREMIUM (FWD AND AWD)
The hybrid entry point. Adds the Lexus Memory system for the driver's seat. AWD is a straightforward option upgrade at this tier.
ES 350H PREMIUM+ (FWD AND AWD)
Builds on the Premium hybrid with additional comfort and technology content. Available with optional 21-inch aluminum wheels.
ES 500E
ES 500E PREMIUM AWD
Steps up to the dual-motor BEV configuration with DIRECT4 intelligent AWD. Shares the same Premium feature set as the 350e but delivers stronger acceleration off the line.
ES 500E LUXURY AWD
Top of the full lineup. Combines the dual-motor electric AWD system with Luxury-level interior appointments.
All trims include the standard heated steering wheel, wireless device charger, Cloud Navigation with Google POI data, and the Integrated Drive Recorder.
PERFORMANCE AND POWERTRAIN
Two distinct powertrains define the 2026 ES lineup.
ES 350h Hybrid, The sixth-generation 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid system produces 244 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with an electronically controlled CVT. FWD is standard; AWD adds a rear e-Axle motor. EPA fuel economy is rated at 48 city / 44 highway / 46 combined mpg. The updated system integrates the power control unit and transaxle into a more compact eAxle, reducing weight and vibration compared to the previous generation.
ES 350e and ES 500e BEV, Both electric models position a large-capacity battery beneath the floor to lower the center of gravity. The ES 350e is FWD with a manufacturer-estimated range of 300 miles on 19-inch wheels. The ES 500e uses DIRECT4 AWD, continuously adjusting torque distribution from 100:0 to 0:100 front-to-rear, with a manufacturer-estimated range of 250 miles on 19-inch wheels. Both support Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging via an 11-kW on-board charger.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Lexus ES
The shared TNGA GA-K platform delivers significantly increased structural rigidity at the front, floor, and rear, which Lexus says reduces body vibration and sharpens steering response. The new multi-link rear suspension improves handling stability across all powertrain variants.
INTERIOR, COMFORT, AND CARGO
The cabin grew meaningfully with the new platform. Overall length is up approximately 6.5 inches and wheelbase by 3 inches, so rear-seat passengers benefit directly. The seating position was raised to simplify entry and exit without reducing headroom, and the lower edges of the front and side window frames were lowered to increase glass area and the sense of openness.
Slim seat profiles and trim elements contribute to an open, airy upper cabin. The lower cabin wraps occupants with softer forms. Door trim introduces two design elements new to Lexus: Bamboo Layering, which uses 3D printing to replicate the depth of natural bamboo grain paired with ambient illumination, and Synthetic Leather Embossing with Thematic Ambient Illumination.
Cargo capacity behind the rear seats measures 13.3 cubic feet.
All trims come with heated and ventilated power front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Mark Levinson Surround Sound System is available across the lineup and optimizes speaker placement for a three-dimensional soundstage.
The Executive Package on the ES 350e Luxury trim is the standout addition for rear passengers: a reclining seat with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massage, and rear seat heating and ventilation.
TECHNOLOGY AND INFOTAINMENT
The 2026 ES launches the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system on a 14-inch touchscreen. The interface adds a new onscreen home button and split-screen capability. The native Voice Assistant ('Hey, Lexus') responds faster than its predecessor and uses dual microphones with noise cancellation. Navigation and map data are now integrated directly into the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Standard connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, four USB-C ports, and a wireless device charger. Cloud Navigation uses Google POI data and includes a Drive Connect trial subscription.
Wi-Fi Connect provides a hotspot for up to five devices via AT&T, with a 30-day trial included. Remote Connect (3-year trial) allows remote lock, unlock, engine start, and climate control through the Lexus app. Safety Connect is included with a 5-year trial.
The Lexus Interface supports over-the-air software updates via a 5G network connection, meaning the system can improve without a dealer visit. An Intelligent Assistant handles voice commands with dual microphones and active noise cancellation.
Lexus Interface technology overview
SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE
The 2026 ES is the first Lexus model equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0), the brand's most current active safety suite. Updated hardware and expanded detection capability define this version over prior LSS+ generations.
Standard on every 2026 ES:
- Front Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and automatic emergency braking
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Safe Exit Assist, which alerts occupants to approaching vehicles when doors are opened
The 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty and 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty back every model in the lineup.
Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 details
WHO IT'S FOR AND HOW IT COMPARES TO THE PRIOR GENERATION
Buyers coming from a seventh-generation ES will find a substantially different car. The platform is new, the powertrain options have expanded significantly, the wheelbase is longer, and the safety suite has advanced to LSS+ 4.0. If you valued the previous ES for its quietness and ride comfort, Lexus specifically targeted both qualities with the redesigned structure and sixth-generation hybrid system.
The BEV models are aimed at buyers who want a fully electric sedan in the luxury class without giving up trunk space or rear-seat room. The 300-mile estimated range on the ES 350e makes it a practical daily driver for commuters across Riverside and the surrounding region, while the ES 500e's DIRECT4 AWD adds an extra layer of handling confidence on variable road surfaces.
Hybrid buyers who prioritize fuel economy will find the ES 350h's 46 combined mpg figure competitive against most luxury sedan rivals. Adding AWD to the hybrid is a straightforward option at both the Premium and Premium+ tier, so all-weather capability does not require moving to the BEV lineup.
Buyers specifically interested in rear-seat comfort should look closely at the Executive Package on the ES 350e Luxury, as it is the first time Lexus has offered this configuration in North America.
SEE THE 2026 LEXUS ES AT LEXUS OF RIVERSIDE
The 2026 ES brings a fully redesigned platform, a first-ever BEV lineup with up to 300 miles of estimated range, and the debut of LSS+ 4.0 across all trims. Lexus of Riverside serves buyers throughout Riverside and the surrounding Inland Empire area, and current inventory is available online now. Contact the team to arrange a test drive or get more details on the Executive Package and available configurations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS NEW ON THE 2026 LEXUS ES?
The 2026 ES is a fully redesigned eighth generation built on a new TNGA GA-K platform. Key changes include the first-ever battery-electric ES models (ES 350e and ES 500e), a longer wheelbase (up 3 inches), a new multi-link rear suspension, the Twin L-Signature Lamp design, and the debut of Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 across the entire lineup.
DOES THE 2026 LEXUS ES COME IN A FULLY ELECTRIC VERSION?
Yes. The ES 350e (FWD) and ES 500e (AWD) are fully battery-electric. The ES 350e has a manufacturer-estimated range of 300 miles on 19-inch wheels, and the ES 500e is rated at 250 miles. Both use a NACS charging port and support DC fast charging to 80% in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
WHAT IS THE FUEL ECONOMY OF THE 2026 LEXUS ES HYBRID?
The ES 350h hybrid is EPA-rated at 48 city / 44 highway / 46 combined mpg. It uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 sixth-generation hybrid system producing 244 hp.
HOW MANY TRIMS DOES THE 2026 LEXUS ES OFFER?
Eight configurations are available: ES 350e Premium FWD, ES 350h Premium FWD and AWD, ES 500e Premium AWD, ES 350h Premium+ FWD and AWD, ES 350e Luxury FWD, and ES 500e Luxury AWD.
WHAT IS THE EXECUTIVE PACKAGE ON THE 2026 LEXUS ES?
The Executive Package is available for the first time in North America on the ES 350e Luxury trim. It adds a reclining rear seat with a passenger-side ottoman, rear outboard massaging seats, and rear seat heating and ventilation.
IS LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 4.0 STANDARD ON THE 2026 ES?
Yes. LSS+ 4.0 is standard on every 2026 ES trim. It includes a Front Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, automatic emergency braking, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Safe Exit Assist.
WHAT IS THE CARGO CAPACITY OF THE 2026 LEXUS ES?
The 2026 ES offers 13.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
WHERE CAN I SEE THE 2026 LEXUS ES IN PERSON?
Lexus of Riverside carries the 2026 ES and serves buyers throughout Riverside and the broader Inland Empire. Use the inventory link above to check current availability and schedule a test drive.
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