2009 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Lexus ES was a very light-change year, with the ES 350 identified as the lineup addition. Its engine, styling, safety equipment, cabin technology, and underlying structure otherwise carried over.
About the 2009 Lexus ES
5th gen (2007-2012), third model year and the last pre-refresh year before the 2010 update.
Lexus positions the ES as a comfort-first midsize luxury sedan, built around a smooth V6, easy daily drivability, and a cabin that feels calm and thoughtfully finished. The brochure leans heavily on comfort, quietness, and technology that anticipates the driver’s needs rather than sporty handling. For most shoppers, the ES is the Lexus sedan for commuting and highway travel in a relaxed, upscale way, with straightforward controls and a softer ride than sport-oriented rivals.
The 2009 ES 350 is a quiet, comfort-focused luxury sedan aimed at relaxed commuting and highway driving. Its main features include a 272-hp V6, a six-speed automatic, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and 10-way power front seats.
What changed, by category
2009 Lexus ES specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 272 hp |
| Torque | 254 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.9 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Fog Lights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Panorama Moon Roof | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Satellite Radio | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Remote Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2009 Lexus ES compared with the 2008 model?
The ES 350 is identified as the lineup change for 2009, but the vehicle itself received no meaningful mechanical, styling, safety, technology, or structural update.
Was the 2009 Lexus ES redesigned?
No, the 2009 Lexus ES was not redesigned. It remained part of the fifth generation introduced for 2007, and the broader styling and equipment refresh arrived for 2010.
What engine does the 2009 Lexus ES 350 have?
The 2009 Lexus ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 producing 272 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain carried over without changes.
Did the 2009 Lexus ES receive new safety features?
No, the 2009 Lexus ES received no lineup-wide safety update. Its existing equipment includes stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, knee airbags, front side airbags, and side-curtain airbags.
Is the 2009 Lexus ES meaningfully different from the refreshed 2010 model?
Yes, the 2010 model received the broader update that the 2009 model did not, including revised styling, additional standard safety equipment, and updated cabin electronics. The 2009 is the final pre-refresh version.