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2017 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Lexus ES is that Lexus Safety System+ became standard across the lineup. Otherwise, this was a light equipment update rather than a redesign, with the engines, transmissions, and 2016 styling carrying over.
About the 2017 Lexus ES
6th generation ES (2013-2018), second model year after the 2016 refresh.
The 2017 Lexus ES is a comfort-first luxury sedan for buyers who want a quiet ride, a roomy back seat, and an easy daily-driving character more than sporty handling. Lexus positions it as a more relaxed alternative to the brand’s IS sedan, with a near-flagship feel in rear-seat space and standard comfort features. The ES 350 adds smooth V6 power, while the ES 300h keeps the same calm, roomy formula with much better fuel economy.
The ES 350 is the comfort-focused version, pairing a quiet, roomy cabin with a 268-horsepower V6. The ES 300h emphasizes fuel savings with a 200-horsepower hybrid system, while both versions have smartphone-connected navigation, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the newly standard safety suite.
What changed, by category
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ became standard on the ES 350 and ES 300h. It includes forward collision braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Rain-sensing wipers also became standard.
Tech
Scout GPS Link smartphone-connected navigation was added to the standard Display Audio system.
Styling
The ES 300h’s rear spoiler changed from optional to standard equipment.
2017 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 | 30 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 | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Heated Windshield | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| LED Tail Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| 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 is the biggest change to the 2017 Lexus ES?
The biggest change is that Lexus Safety System+ became standard on both the 2017 ES 350 and ES 300h. The suite includes forward collision braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
Was the 2017 Lexus ES redesigned?
No, the 2017 Lexus ES was not redesigned. It remained part of the sixth generation and carried over the exterior, interior, engines, and transmissions from the refreshed 2016 model.
Did the 2017 Lexus ES get a new engine?
No, the 2017 Lexus ES kept its existing powertrains. The ES 350 uses a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic, while the ES 300h uses a 200-horsepower hybrid system with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
What changed from the 2016 Lexus ES to the 2017 model?
The 2017 Lexus ES added a standard safety suite, Scout GPS Link smartphone-connected navigation, and standard rain-sensing wipers. The ES 300h also made its rear spoiler standard, while the basic design and powertrains carried over.
Is the 2017 Lexus ES 300h’s safety suite standard?
Yes, Lexus Safety System+ is standard on the 2017 ES 300h. Its key driver aids include forward collision braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
2017 Lexus ES Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Lexus ES.
4.3
2017 Lexus ES
(327 reviews)
“It is such a smooth and quiet ride. I am impressed with the hybrid qualities and the gas mileage.”
“Overall quality and value is outstanding, interior road noise is very low, performance is good considering fuel economy. Love this brand and this car.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Es350 Leads The Way Added Advanced Technologies
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Es 300H Safety System Standard
- lexus.com — Models / 2017 / MY17 Lexus ES and ES Hybrid Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Es 350 Style Luxury
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Es 300H Luxury Look
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Es 350 Standard Luxury Comfort
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Es 300H Hits Mark Efficiency Luxury