2026 Lexus ES: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Lexus ES is fully redesigned for its eighth generation on a larger platform built for hybrid and electric power. The headline change is the arrival of the first battery-electric ES models alongside a stronger hybrid with its first AWD configuration.
About the 2026 Lexus ES
8th generation, first model year; complete redesign with the first battery-electric ES models
Lexus positions the ES as a quiet, comfort-focused luxury sedan for commuting, long-distance travel, and rear-seat passenger comfort. Its main strengths are a spacious cabin, smooth ride, low-noise driving experience, and straightforward technology rather than sports-sedan sharpness. For 2026, hybrid and all-electric powertrains broaden that identity while the larger body, richer cabin materials, and safety technology preserve the ES emphasis on relaxed everyday luxury.
Lexus positions the ES 350h as the efficient, comfort-focused core of the range, with front-wheel drive or AWD. The ES 350e emphasizes electric range, while the dual-motor ES 500e supplies the strongest acceleration and standard AWD. Premium+ and Luxury grades add standouts such as Mark Levinson audio, surround-view cameras, automatic parking, and richer cabin materials.
What changed, by category
2026 Lexus ES specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Dual Electric Motors | Electric Motor | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | Dual Electric Motors | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Automatic, ECVT | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Hybrid | Electric | Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 338 hp | 221 hp | 244 hp | 338 hp | 244 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | ||||
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.3 cu-ft | 13.3 cu-ft | 13.3 cu-ft | 18.2 cu-ft | 13.3 cu-ft | 18.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.7 in | 40.7 in | 40.7 in | 40.7 in | 40.7 in | 40.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 307 | 276 | 307 | 276 | ||
| MPGe Combined | 127 | 114 | 127 | 114 | ||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Lexus ES fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2026 Lexus ES begins the model’s eighth generation with a new, larger platform, redesigned body and cabin, expanded passenger space, new displays, and updated safety technology.
Is 2026 the first year for an electric Lexus ES?
Yes. The 2026 ES introduces the model’s first battery-electric versions: the front-wheel-drive ES 350e and the more powerful dual-motor AWD ES 500e.
Does the 2026 Lexus ES hybrid have AWD?
Yes. The 2026 ES 350h is the first ES hybrid offered in an AWD configuration, and it is also sold with front-wheel drive. Its sixth-generation hybrid system produces 244 combined horsepower.
What is the difference between the 2026 ES 350e and ES 500e?
The ES 350e uses one electric motor, front-wheel drive, and 221 horsepower, with an EPA-estimated 307-mile range. The ES 500e uses two motors, AWD, and 338 horsepower, with an EPA-estimated 276-mile range on its standard wheels.
What technology is standard in every 2026 Lexus ES?
Every 2026 Lexus ES has a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 driver-assistance suite.