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2016 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Lexus ES received a mid-cycle update led by a bolder front end, revised rear styling, and standard LED headlights. The cabin and ride were also refined, while the V6 and hybrid powertrains carried over.
About the 2016 Lexus ES
6th generation (2013-2018), 2016 styling and cabin update year.
Lexus positions the ES as its comfort-first midsize luxury sedan: a quiet, roomy, easy-driving car that leans more toward flagship-style ride comfort than sporty handling. Lexus explicitly contrasts it with the sportier IS, saying the ES prioritizes rear-seat space, smoothness, and everyday luxury. In 2016, that means a calm cabin, generous standard equipment, front-wheel-drive simplicity, and a choice between V6 power or hybrid efficiency for buyers who want relaxed upscale transportation.
The ES 350 is the comfort-focused version, with a 268-hp V6, a six-speed automatic, and a roomy, quiet cabin. The ES 300h pairs a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 200 total horsepower and a 40-mpg combined rating. Both have LED low-beam headlights, a power moonroof, and Display Audio infotainment.
What changed, by category
Styling
Lexus added a bolder spindle grille, reshaped rear lighting, and standard LED headlights. Inside, the ES received new trim choices, a revised steering wheel and shifter, and richer-looking console and switchgear details.
Structural
Additional sound insulation and revised chassis tuning further improved cabin quietness and ride comfort.
2016 Lexus ES specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Seq Shft | Automatic, ECVT-i |
| 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 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| LED Tail Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Lexus ES compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Lexus ES received new front and rear styling, standard LED headlights, updated cabin trim and controls, more sound insulation, and revised chassis tuning. Its V6 and hybrid powertrains remained unchanged.
Did the 2016 Lexus ES get new engines?
No, the 2016 Lexus ES kept its existing powertrains. The ES 350 continued with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6, while the ES 300h retained its 200-hp hybrid system.
Are LED headlights standard on the 2016 Lexus ES?
Yes, LED low-beam headlights became standard across the 2016 Lexus ES lineup as part of the model’s styling update.
Is the 2016 Lexus ES meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, the 2016 model is meaningfully different if styling and cabin refinement matter to you. It has a fresher exterior, standard LED headlights, updated interior details, more sound insulation, and revised chassis tuning, but its basic performance is unchanged.
Which Lexus ES versions remained for 2016?
The 2016 lineup centered on the V6-powered ES 350 and the hybrid ES 300h. The ES 350 Crafted Line special edition from 2015 did not return.
2016 Lexus ES Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lexus ES.
4.3
2016 Lexus ES
(166 reviews)
“You will adore driving this car. As well you will like the safety features. Those are the features that sold me on buying this car.”
“I can't think of another car that would give me the level of comfort, style, safety and power that my Lexus 350 does: fabulous ride!”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2015 Shanghai Motor Show 2016 Es Rx 200T
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Es 350 Style Luxury
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Es 300H Luxury Look
- pressroom.lexus.com — Releases / Lexus+Unveils+All+New+2013+Es+350+300H+Hybrid+Ny+Auto+Show
- pressroom.lexus.com — Releases / Pricing+Epa+Mileage+Figures+Announced+For+All+New+Seventh+Generation+Lexus+Es+Sedan
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2015 Lexus Es 350 Offers Flagship Style
- lexus.com — Models / 2016 / My16 Lexus ES and Lexus ES Hybrid Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Es350 Leads The Way Added Advanced Technologies
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2015 300H Demonstrates Hybrid Leadership
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Es 300H Safety System Standard