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2021 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Lexus ES is the arrival of the ES 250 AWD, the first all-wheel-drive ES sold in the U.S. This is a lineup expansion rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Lexus ES
7th generation (2019-2021 before the 2022 refresh), third model year and last year before the styling, safety, and infotainment update.
The Lexus ES is a comfort-first midsize luxury sedan. Lexus markets it around quiet cruising, a roomy and carefully laid-out cabin, strong safety technology, and a choice of personalities: V6 power, hybrid efficiency, or all-wheel-drive confidence. Compared with sportier rivals, the ES leans into smooth ride quality, easy everyday drivability, rear-seat comfort, and a polished, low-stress ownership experience.
The 2021 ES lineup covers three distinct priorities: extra all-weather grip from the 203-hp ES 250 AWD, fuel efficiency from the 215-hp ES 300h hybrid, and stronger acceleration from the 302-hp ES 350 V6. F SPORT models add sharper styling and firmer suspension tuning, while Ultra Luxury trims emphasize comfort with semi-aniline leather and a 12.3-inch navigation display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The ES 250, ES 250 Luxury, ES 250 F SPORT, and ES 250 Ultra Luxury join the lineup with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The ES 300h switches to a lighter lithium-ion battery mounted under the rear seat, freeing trunk space and improving weight distribution.
Styling
Lexus adds a limited ES 350 F SPORT Black Line special edition. A rear spoiler also becomes standard on all three ES 300h hybrid trims.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on more Luxury, F SPORT, Ultra Luxury, and AWD models. Parking assistance with automatic braking also becomes standard on several Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F SPORT trims.
Tech
On the ES 300h Ultra Luxury and ES 350 Ultra Luxury, the navigation display, touchscreen monitor, and heated steering wheel become standard, while premium audio changes from standard to optional.
2021 Lexus ES specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 43 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 43 mpg | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 43 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 32 mpg | 44 mpg | 34 mpg | 32 mpg | 34 mpg | 44 mpg | 31 mpg | 34 mpg | 32 mpg | 44 mpg |
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 302 hp | 215 hp | 203 hp | 302 hp | 203 hp | 215 hp | 302 hp | 203 hp | 302 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.3 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.3 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.2 in | 39.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | |||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Lexus ES?
The biggest change is the new ES 250 AWD, which brings all-wheel drive to the U.S. ES lineup for the first time. It uses a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Was the 2021 Lexus ES redesigned?
No, the 2021 Lexus ES was not redesigned. It remains part of the seventh generation introduced for 2019 and keeps the same underlying platform; a styling, safety, and infotainment refresh followed for 2022.
Which 2021 Lexus ES models have all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is standard on the 2021 ES 250, ES 250 Luxury, ES 250 F SPORT, and ES 250 Ultra Luxury. These models share a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
What changed on the 2021 Lexus ES 300h hybrid?
The 2021 ES 300h gains a lighter lithium-ion battery mounted under the rear seat, which frees trunk space and improves weight distribution. A rear spoiler becomes standard across the hybrid range, and the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims gain more standard driver-assistance equipment.
What is the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Black Line?
The 2021 ES 350 F SPORT Black Line is a limited special edition based on the V6-powered F SPORT. Its role is mainly visual, adding a distinct appearance treatment rather than introducing a redesign.
2021 Lexus ES Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lexus ES.
4.2
2021 Lexus ES
(211 reviews)
“I am. extremely impressed with the MPG and the ride comfort. manufacturer claimed 43/44. City/Hwy. Last month drove total of 1400 miles averaging 45.2MPG”
“The ES is great value the 350 has good power but is only front wheel drive. If you like and then the 250 is a good choice. Only drawback is comes only in 4 cylinder and feels underpowered”
Sources
- lexus.com — Special Edition / 2021 / 2021 Lexus ES Press Release
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus ES ESh Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus ES and ES Hybrid Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Expands Choices With The 2021 Edition Of Its Highly Popular Es Sedan
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Es Family Returns For 2022 With Updated Tech Safety First Ever 300H F Sport Grade