2013 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 Lexus ES is an all-new sixth-generation redesign, making this a major change year. The headline is a larger, roomier sedan with new styling and the first ES hybrid, the ES 300h.

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About the 2013 Lexus ES

6th generation (2013-2018), first year of the redesign

Lexus positions the ES as a comfort-first luxury sedan for everyday driving. The focus is on a quiet cabin, a smooth ride, easy controls, strong build quality, and unusually generous rear-seat space for the class. Rather than chasing sport-sedan sharpness, the ES sells itself as an upscale, low-stress commuter and road-trip car, with buyers able to pick either the stronger V6 ES 350 or the fuel-saving ES 300h hybrid.

This redesigned ES focuses on a quiet ride, a more upscale cabin, and adult-friendly rear-seat space. The ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6, a six-speed automatic, and Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The new ES 300h uses a 200-horsepower hybrid system, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and an EV mode for short low-speed electric driving.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The ES 300h joined the lineup as the first ES hybrid, pairing a 2.5-liter gas-electric system with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The ES 350 retained its 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic.

Styling

The redesigned body introduced Lexus's spindle grille, a lower roofline, LED daytime running lights, and cleaner side surfacing. Leather seating moved from standard equipment to the options list, with NuLuxe synthetic leather as the standard upholstery.

Safety

A rearview camera became standard instead of optional. The redesign also added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system to the options list.

Tech

The cabin gained a new multimedia interface and a 3.5-inch color driver information display.

Structural

A longer wheelbase increased rear legroom from 35.9 to 40 inches. The redesign also brought a stiffer body, quicker steering, revised rear suspension geometry, and more sound insulation for better control and a quieter ride.

2013 Lexus ES specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Lexus ESES 3505 in stock	2013 Lexus ESES 300h1 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Hybrid
MPG City	21 mpg	40 mpg
MPG Highway	31 mpg	39 mpg
Horsepower	268 hp	200 hp
Torque	248 lb-ft	156 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	15.2 cu-ft	12.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	40 in	40 in
Seats	5	5
Doors	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Cooled Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2014 Lexus ES compares

The 2014 Lexus ES is a light-update model, not a redesign. The main change is an updated standard front-lighting setup with HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lamps on both trims.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2013 Lexus ES fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2013 Lexus ES began its sixth generation with a new body, a longer wheelbase, more rear-seat room, a redesigned cabin, revised steering and suspension, and updated multimedia.

Was 2013 the first year for the Lexus ES hybrid?

Yes. The ES 300h debuted for 2013 as the first hybrid ES, using a 2.5-liter gas-electric system with 200 total horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Is the 2013 Lexus ES roomier than the 2012 model?

Yes. The 2013 redesign lengthened the wheelbase and increased rear legroom from 35.9 to 40 inches, giving rear passengers noticeably more space.

What safety equipment changed on the 2013 Lexus ES?

The rearview camera became standard for 2013. The redesigned ES also offered newly added driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system.

Did the 2013 Lexus ES 350 get a new engine?

No. The redesigned 2013 ES 350 retained a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Its major changes were the new body and cabin, roomier rear seat, and revised steering and suspension.