8ES reviews
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,610
Likes: 3,417
From: NJ
Just me only, but I thought 6ES was the worst looking ES in all 8 generations; that's what held me against buying 6ES.
I actually like the new look on the right photo above.
The old 7ES was too low and cramped inside.
The 8ES is certainly a nice evolution.
4" higher for easier entry and exit - without turning into a full hi riding tailgate wagon like RX.
Styling is always very subjective.
I actually like the new look on the right photo above.
The old 7ES was too low and cramped inside.
The 8ES is certainly a nice evolution.
4" higher for easier entry and exit - without turning into a full hi riding tailgate wagon like RX.
Styling is always very subjective.
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 133
Likes: 28
From: MD
Monday May 25, 2026 I test drove a Lexus ES 500e Premium , Color Iridium , White interior.
This es had the 21 inh wheel option. My situation is I am leasing a 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum + all wheel drive.
Lease is up end of Dec 2026. I do not intend to buy this car from Nissan. Its been trouble free , car is rated at 286 miles to empty.
OK now for my view of ES 500e , First style of the new es looks better in person then the pictures. However I not sure I like the front or
the hockey stick design on the sides of the car. I drove car on street roads , highway and I can say without a doubt the car handles very well.
Very quiet ride and more then enough power. Steering was slightly on the stiff side , really not bad , short turning radius and handled all the bumps
smoothly. The Interior materials are very good. The seats were very comfortable. Very roomy in the back. The biggest draw back to me is its range est at 272- 276.
As I learned with my Ariya to get the est range you have to have ideal conditions , example outside temp not to hot or to cold. If you drive
above 70 on the highway your range drops off fast. I plan on test driving the Hybrid.
The salesmen mentioned to me that the first batch of 2026 es they receive will be the only ones for 2026. After Sept 2026 they will be 2027's
This dealer hs 5 2026 ESe's ariving early july to early August, They Have 10 2026 ES hybrids ariving late July thru end of August.
They don't expect any changes to the 2027 however the may be some added options he couldn't elaborate.
ps My wife drives a Lexus 2025 NX350h Luxury.
wn4rss
This es had the 21 inh wheel option. My situation is I am leasing a 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum + all wheel drive.
Lease is up end of Dec 2026. I do not intend to buy this car from Nissan. Its been trouble free , car is rated at 286 miles to empty.
OK now for my view of ES 500e , First style of the new es looks better in person then the pictures. However I not sure I like the front or
the hockey stick design on the sides of the car. I drove car on street roads , highway and I can say without a doubt the car handles very well.
Very quiet ride and more then enough power. Steering was slightly on the stiff side , really not bad , short turning radius and handled all the bumps
smoothly. The Interior materials are very good. The seats were very comfortable. Very roomy in the back. The biggest draw back to me is its range est at 272- 276.
As I learned with my Ariya to get the est range you have to have ideal conditions , example outside temp not to hot or to cold. If you drive
above 70 on the highway your range drops off fast. I plan on test driving the Hybrid.
The salesmen mentioned to me that the first batch of 2026 es they receive will be the only ones for 2026. After Sept 2026 they will be 2027's
This dealer hs 5 2026 ESe's ariving early july to early August, They Have 10 2026 ES hybrids ariving late July thru end of August.
They don't expect any changes to the 2027 however the may be some added options he couldn't elaborate.
ps My wife drives a Lexus 2025 NX350h Luxury.
wn4rss
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,729
Likes: 553
From: Ca
However, 7ES head room, tapering rear shoulder room and trunk size/depth more limited - hence 7ES has smaller EPA size than the last 3 generations of Camries - despite 7ES's longer wheelbase.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 452
From: oh
I don't like dark cars because the look dirty easily. I like lighter cars because the look clean even when they're a little dirty. I don't want to be a slave to my car. Light cars are lower maintenance, IMO.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 1,712
From: NC
I don't like dark cars because the look dirty easily. I like lighter cars because the look clean even when they're a little dirty. I don't want to be a slave to my car. Light cars are lower maintenance, IMO.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,610
Likes: 3,417
From: NJ
I don't like dark cars because the look dirty easily. I like lighter cars because the look clean even when they're a little dirty. I don't want to be a slave to my car. Light cars are lower maintenance, IMO.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
That creates a dilemma for 8ES buyers. You have a choice between a prominent hockey stick or higher maintenance to keep the car looking clean.
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 240
Likes: 184
ES500e review by KK:
1. The ES500e should be the base, as the “high end model” it should be much more competitive
2. 21” ride quality definitely worse than the smaller wheels. RZ has better ride quality
3. The Hybrid should be getting Luxury trim too as it’s so good. Lexus dealers should be clamoring for this if the 80:20 sales ratio in favor of the hybrid comes to pass.
4. Black pieces already show scratches. (Just like our TX lol)
5. Suprisingly the pedestrian warning sound is much louder inside the car on the hybrid due to engine/bumper geometry vs the EV models.
1. The ES500e should be the base, as the “high end model” it should be much more competitive
2. 21” ride quality definitely worse than the smaller wheels. RZ has better ride quality
3. The Hybrid should be getting Luxury trim too as it’s so good. Lexus dealers should be clamoring for this if the 80:20 sales ratio in favor of the hybrid comes to pass.
4. Black pieces already show scratches. (Just like our TX lol)
5. Suprisingly the pedestrian warning sound is much louder inside the car on the hybrid due to engine/bumper geometry vs the EV models.
Last edited by G30540i; May 30, 2026 at 08:01 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 418
Likes: 108
From: TX
I dunno. There aren’t many FWD luxury car options out there. Maybe Audi. For me, I’m keeping my 2014 a few years longer. No issues and runs great and all the buttons work. I’ll see how the new ES is doing then. I’m sure it drives well, it just doesn’t scream “luxury” like Lexus.
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