“I appreciate the quality and workmanship included in the Lexus ES350. I also look forward to the reliability that expect from this vehicle. The vehicle is very quiet inside and out and the ride is great.”
2018 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Lexus ES is mostly a carryover, with the tilt steering wheel becoming standard as its most notable update. The smartphone interface moved from standard to optional equipment, while the engines, styling, safety suite, and structure stayed the same.
About the 2018 Lexus ES
6th generation (2013-2018), final year before the 2019 redesign.
Lexus positions the ES as a comfort-first luxury sedan with a quiet ride, generous rear-seat space, and a long list of standard amenities rather than sport-sedan sharpness. The brand explicitly contrasts it with the sportier IS, making the ES the relaxed, easygoing choice for commuting and highway travel. Buyers could pick either traditional V6 power in the ES 350 or higher fuel economy in the ES 300h without giving up the same roomy, upscale character.
The ES 350 is the comfort-focused version, pairing a 268-hp V6 with a roomy back seat, a power moonroof, and an 8-inch display. The ES 300h emphasizes lower fuel use with a 200-hp hybrid system and a 40-mpg combined rating. Both have the Lexus Safety System+ driver-assist suite, power-adjustable front seats, and LED exterior lighting.
What changed, by category
Tech and convenience
The tilt steering wheel became standard across the lineup, while the smartphone interface changed from standard to optional equipment.
2018 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 | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| 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 | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Lexus ES compared with the 2017 model?
The changes were limited to equipment: the tilt steering wheel became standard, while the smartphone interface moved from standard to optional. The powertrains, styling, safety suite, and structure carried over.
Was the 2018 Lexus ES redesigned?
No. The 2018 ES was the final model year of the sixth generation, which began for 2013. The fully redesigned seventh-generation ES arrived for 2019.
Did the 2018 Lexus ES get different engines?
No. The ES 350 retained its 268-hp V6 and six-speed automatic, while the ES 300h retained its 200-hp hybrid system and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Did the 2018 Lexus ES have standard driver-assist features?
Yes. Every 2018 ES came with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which was already standard for 2017 and did not receive a model-wide upgrade for 2018.
2018 Lexus ES Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lexus ES.
4.2
2018 Lexus ES
(233 reviews)
“The voice command system does not work smoothly while driving, apparently because of road noise. It works ok while parked, but not while moving which is quite frustrating.I really wish there had been better options for wheels. I don't like the dark wheels at all and would have preferred more chrome/alloy if it had been available.”
“This car has it all. Fuel economy, beauty, and comfort. Everything works beautifully!!”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Es350 Leads The Way Added Advanced Technologies
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Es 300H Safety System Standard
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Es 350 Standard Luxury Comfort
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Es 300H Hits Mark Efficiency Luxury
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2013 Lexus Es350 Es300H Hybrid Enhanced Handling Signature Design
- pressroom.lexus.com — New Level Perfor Sophistication Next Generation Lexus Es
- pressroom.lexus.com — Pricing Epa Mileage Figures Announced For All New Seventh Generation Lexus Es Sedan
- lexus.com — Models / 2018 / MY18 Lexus ES and ES Hybrid Brochure