The 2020 Lexus ES lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor transmission and stereo software issues reported. At $35,550 to $41,350, it’s an excellent value for a midsize luxury sedan with outstanding reliability ratings as it ages.
Is the 2020 Lexus ES a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Lexus ES since it has outstanding reliability paired with a nice driving experience. Owner reviews praise the advanced safety technology, comfortable cabin, along with the nice leather seats.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a sedan in its price range, the seats offer great support on long drives, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major mechanical issues found on the 2020 Lexus ES. Models from 2010–2022 are all very reliable midsize sedans with low running costs.
- Performance 8/10 – The standard V6 engine offers decent power for a midsize sedan, but it’s not as powerful as some of the German sedans on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 ES is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane trace assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights along with front and rear parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, offering 413 miles of range from the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $52 cheaper than average at $220 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Lexus ES is a bit more expensive than other midsize sedans with slow depreciation rates, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus ES?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Lexus ES is a rewarding choice to drive with an indulgent interior, which gets high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Lexus ES at 4/5, enjoying the comfortable ride quality on rough roads, but doesn’t like that the rear seats don’t fold down.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the ES a 4.1/5, praising the improved driving dynamics from earlier years, but owners don’t like the touchpad infotainment system.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Lexus ES Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Lexus ES include delayed gear changes, a frozen stereo system, and some issues with the windows failing to roll down or up. Overall, these problems are minor for a luxury sedan, and lead to lower than average repair costs as the ES ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Lexus ES owners, showing up at around 1,000 miles. There are updates to the transmission control module, which improves the gear change speeds. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by Lexus ES owners within the first 2,500 miles. Usually, this is just caused by a software bug which leads to the screen locking up. There are software updates available, which many dealers will install for free.
The windows failing to roll up or down is another problem mentioned by some 2020 ES owners at roughly 35,000 miles. The window regulators are a known weak spot across many Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and have to be replaced. Installing new window regulators costs around $650, depending on local labor rates.
There is only one recall on the 2020 Lexus ES, which is better than most other luxury cars on the market. The recall covers the fuel pump, which may fail, and is a common recall across all Lexus vehicles from 2020. Lexus will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Lexus ES Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Lexus ES can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than other midsize luxury sedans, including the Mercedes E-Class. Regular annual maintenance costs are much lower than other luxury cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $418 per year.
As a used 2020 Lexus ES reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the oil pressure sensor for $150, mass airflow sensor costing $260, along with the knock sensor, which costs around $475.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is excellent and includes an 8-inch central display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 12.3-inch display, along with a premium Mark Levinson sound system.
Standard safety technology is better than many competitors and features:
- Lane departure warning
- Lexus Enform safety connect
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane trace assist
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive headlights
- Rear pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring
- Head-up display
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Is the 2020 Lexus ES a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Lexus ES is a great value if you’re in the market for a luxury midsize sedan since it’s an extremely reliable choice. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $35,550 to $41,350, making it more than an Acura TLX or Lincoln MKZ. When new, the price range was $39,900 to $44,635. Depreciation is better than average, only losing around 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus ES?
There are four main models of the 2020 Lexus ES offered, from the entry-level Base, the high-end Ultra Luxury, through to the more responsive F Sport. The Lexus ES comes standard with front-wheel drive on all models.
Base ES 350 is the entry-level model with:
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 8-inch central infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 10-speaker sound system
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking sensors
- Optional: Premium package
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
Luxury is a step up, adding:
- Includes all Base ES 350 features and Premium package
- Genuine leather upholstery
- Additional front-seat adjustments
- Noise-reducing side windows
Ultra Luxury has more features including:
- Advanced suspension system
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Hands-free trunk release
F Sport is the performance model which has:
- Builds on Premium package features
- Larger wheels
- Sportier suspension tuning
- Sport front seats
- Unique exterior and interior details
Additional Options Packages:
- Navigation system (with a 12.3-inch display)
- Premium Mark Levinson sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Surround-view camera system
What Engines Come In the Lexus ES?
The standard engine in the ES 350 models is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieves a combined fuel economy of about 26 MPG. In terms of performance, it can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in roughly 6.6 seconds.
What Colors Does the Lexus ES Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus ES?
The 2020 Lexus ES is renowned for its exceptional level of comfort, which is one of its defining features in the luxury sedan category. The interior boasts plush seating with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, guaranteeing a relaxed experience even on longer drives. The seats are not just spacious, but also ergonomically designed, often wrapped in high-quality leather with options for both heating and ventilation.
The cabin’s insulation is impeccable, resulting in minimal road or wind noise, thus offering a serene and quiet ambiance. Moreover, the suspension system is finely tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth and cushioned ride. Advanced climate control systems, intuitive infotainment interfaces, and ambient lighting further enhance comfort levels. The 2020 Lexus ES offers a sanctuary of calm and luxury, making every journey an indulgent experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus ES Have?
The 2020 Lexus ES offers a generous amount of storage space for its class, designed to accommodate the needs of passengers and drivers alike. In the trunk, it provides approximately 16.7 cubic feet of room, which is substantial enough to hold a few suitcases or golf bags, making it ideal for weekend getaways or a round at the golf course.
Apart from the trunk, the cabin is also thoughtfully designed with several small storage spaces. These include door pockets, a reasonably sized glove compartment, a center armrest compartment, and cup holders. There are also slots and pockets for holding smaller items like smartphones, sunglasses, and wallets. Overall, the 2020 Lexus ES seamlessly combines luxury with practical storage solutions, ensuring that both drivers and passengers have a place for their essentials.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the Lexus ES was launched for the 2019 model year.
2015: Improved leather interior, standard touchscreen on all models, and more technology features added.
2016: More sound-deadening material throughout the cabin, Bi-LED headlamps, and an upgraded stereo system.
2017: Upgraded stereo system with new graphics and Lexus Safety System+.
2018: No updates from earlier years.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with a new V6 engine, more technology features, and a sportier F-Sport model.
2020: No major changes from earlier years.
2021: Minor changes to the available options packages, Black Line Special edition model was launched.
How Does the Lexus ES Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Lexus ES is an excellent midsize luxury sedan, offering plenty of upscale features throughout the cabin, advanced technology, and outstanding long-term reliability ratings.
The Lexus LS is a larger sedan offered by Lexus, which can be found for roughly $7,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Lexus LS, while the Lexus ES offers a more responsive driving experience, especially in the F-Sport model. We recommend the Lexus ES since it’s a better value, while the LS is a great choice if you want ultimate luxury.
The Genesis G80 is another midsize sedan, which can be found for about $4,000 more. Performance is better in the Genesis G80 with its stronger engine options, but the Lexus ES offers higher long-term reliability ratings. We recommend the Lexus ES for most shoppers since it’s the most reliable luxury sedan around.
