2022 Lexus ES
Overview
When the seventh-generation ES was released in 2018, it continued Lexus’s focus on sedans that offer the sought-after trifecta of high style, plush comfort, and top-notch performance. For model year 2022, the ES retains those signature elements and steps up the technology features. It also shows off a revised look led by standard bi-LED headlights, a refreshed grille pattern (for all trims but the F Sport), and debuting wheel designs. The interior is more deluxe as well, thanks to the fresh instrument panel and repositioned infotainment system that’s more intuitive and functional than before. As we hinted at above, the ’22 ES also showcases the newest Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 bundle and makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims. Iridium and Cloudburst Gray paint colors debut too, and a Dynamic Handling Package is now offered for F Sport gas-only models (a hybrid version of the ES is available, but we’ll cover it in a separate overview).
Trims and Powertrain
The ’22 ES comes in Base, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trim levels. The front-wheel drive (FWD) models – the 350s – get a 302 hp 3.5-liter V6, while the all-wheel drive (AWD) models – the 250s – have a 203 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The eight-speed automatic transmission is the same for all. According to EPA estimates, most of the FWD versions achieve 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The FWD 350 F Sport is the only outlier, as it fulfills 22 city/31 highway. Meanwhile, those with AWD return 25 city/34 highway.
Features By Trim
The 2022 Lexus ES wears the crown for midsized luxury sedans, so you can expect some truly first-rate features across the board. On the Base, for instance, you’ll get dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power moonroof, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines. The F Sport gains some athletic touches: a color-keyed rear spoiler, trim-specific exterior styling elements and 19-inch wheels, and heated and ventilated front seats with bolsters. Both the F Sport and Luxury get rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding exterior mirrors, a wireless smartphone charger, and position memory for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors. The Luxury also gets 18-inch wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer, an easy-access driver’s seat with a cushion extender, quilted and perforated leather upholstery, a heated wood- and leather-lined power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, authentic wood interior trim, ambient interior lighting, a power rear sunshade, and a fast-response interior heater. The Ultra Luxury is truly loaded, getting a hands-free trunk, manual rear-door sunshades, and a 10.2-inch head-up display. All AWD versions have the panoramic moonroof. Several of those higher-end features are optional on the lower trims; among the a la carte add-ons are a SmartAccess key card and premium triple-beam LED headlights.
Driver-Assist Features
Every 2022 ES comes with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite. The standard technologies in the bundle are a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and intelligent high beams. The Luxury trim adds intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, while the Ultra Luxury also gets rear pedestrian detection and a surround-view camera system. Every trim level gets a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert as well.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system in the Base, F Sport, and Luxury can be controlled via its 8-inch touchscreen or using voice recognition. Its components include a premium sound system, 10 speakers, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Ultra Luxury is enhanced with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation, and dynamic voice recognition.
Optional Packages
Lexus offers an array of upgrades to make your 2022 ES even more desirable. The Premium Package (offered for the Base trim) contains heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, memory functions, a heated leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, a windshield wiper de-icer, power-folding side mirrors, and intuitive parking assist with automatic braking.
There are also two Navigation packages: Navigation and Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio. The basic Navigation Package is offered for the Base, F Sport, and Luxury and delivers a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and dynamic voice recognition. The Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package – which every trim is eligible for – bundles those same features, plus a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The F Sport Dynamic Handling Package, offered for the F Sport trim only, includes an adaptive variable suspension, Sport S/S+ and Custom drive modes, intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, an easy-access driver’s seat, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel.