The 2021 Lexus ES lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor stereo system and wheel bearing problems reported. At $32,350 to $43,550, it’s a good value for a luxurious midsize sedan with better reliability ratings than the competition.
Is the 2021 Lexus ES a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Lexus ES since it offers nearly perfect reliability ratings and a smooth driving experience. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, standard safety technology, and the upscale cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are great for a sedan in its price range, the seats are supportive on long trips, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Lexus ES. In general, models from 2010–2022 are all extremely reliable sedans.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is decent from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not as quick as some of the German luxury sedans on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 ES is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at 26 MPG, giving 413 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $54 cheaper than average at $182 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Lexus ES is cheaper than some other luxury sedans on the market, with low ownership costs, making it a great value.
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus ES?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Lexus ES is a very rewarding midsize luxury sedan with great features, and earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the ES at 4.5/5, enjoying the extremely comfortable interior, but doesn’t like that the rear seats don’t fold down for extra cargo space.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the ES a 4.1/5, praising the sharper driving dynamics than earlier years, but owners don’t like the unintuitive infotainment system.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Lexus ES Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Lexus ES include the stereo system freezing, wheel noise, along with some window issues. Overall, these problems are better than other midsize luxury sedans on the market, leading to lower repair costs as an ES ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Lexus ES owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the stereo system, which makes it more reliable. Most of these updates can be done over the air for free.
Wheel noise is another problem found on some ES models at roughly 30,000 miles. The wheel bearings start to wear out as the car ages, and have to be replaced. Changing out the wheel bearings costs around $400, but costs vary depending on local labor rates.
Window issues have also been reported by some Lexus ES owners at around 40,000 miles. The window regulator is a known weak spot on several Lexus models, and has to be replaced. Changing out the window regulator can cost around $700 since it’s a time-consuming process.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Lexus ES, which is better than other luxury cars from the same year. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that there are no problems that are widespread or affect the safety of the car.
How Long Will the 2021 Lexus ES Last?
A well-maintained 2021 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 lower than other high-end cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $458 per year.
As a used 2021 ES reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bar link for $185, fuel door release actuator costing $375, along with the radiator fan motor costing $675.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes an 8-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Mark Levinson stereo system.
Standard safety technology is better than many competitors, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Head-up display
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Lexus ES a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Lexus ES is a great value since it’s one of the most reliable midsize luxury sedans on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $32,350 to $43,550, making it less than a BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. When new, the price range was $40,000 to $49,000. Depreciation is similar to other cars, losing about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus ES?
There are four main models of the 2021 Lexus ES offered from the entry-level ES 350, the popular F Sport Trim, through to the ES 350 Ultra Luxury. All ES models come standard with front- wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is not offered.
ES 350 is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 8-inch infotainment system display
- Touchpad infotainment system controller
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- 10-speaker audio system
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping system
- Optional Premium package: Automatic wipers, driver-seat memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
ES 350 Luxury is a step up, adding:
- Includes Premium package features
- 18-inch wheels
- Leather seats
- Additional driver’s seat adjustments
- Ambient interior lighting
- Rear window sunshade
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear automatic braking
ES 350 F Sport is a more fun model with:
- F Sport exterior and interior design enhancements
- 19-inch wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Includes Premium package contents
- Sport-bolstered front seats
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Sport mode
- Pedestrian detection for rear automatic braking
ES 350 Ultra Luxury is the flagship model with:
- Builds on luxury trim features
- Heated steering wheel
- Fast-response cabin heating
- Premium leather upholstery
- Rear side-window sunshades
- Power hands-free trunk
- Navigation system
- Premium sound system
- Surround-view monitor
- Special chassis dampers for improved cornering stability
What Engines Come In the Lexus ES?
The 3.5-liter V6 engine is found in the ES 350. This engine produces a robust 302 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and brisk acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.
What Colors Does the Lexus ES Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus ES?
The 2021 Lexus ES sets a high standard for comfort in the luxury sedan segment, offering a driving experience that is both refined and relaxing. Inside, the Lexus ES features a spacious and elegantly designed cabin that prioritizes passenger comfort. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, with options ranging from premium synthetic leather to genuine leather in higher trims. The front seats are not only plush but also supportive, providing excellent comfort even on long drives. They come with power adjustments and heating and ventilation options, providing personalized comfort regardless of the weather. The rear seats are equally accommodating, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers, making the Lexus ES a comfortable choice for families or those regularly traveling with multiple occupants.
Beyond seat comfort, the 2021 Lexus ES excels in creating a serene cabin environment. The vehicle is equipped with sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass, which effectively isolates the cabin from road and wind noise. This attention to noise reduction contributes to a tranquil driving experience, allowing passengers to enjoy conversation or music without external disturbances. The climate control system in the ES is another highlight, offering dual-zone control for the front passengers and providing a consistent and pleasant cabin temperature. The ride quality of the Lexus ES is smooth and composed, thanks to its well-tuned suspension that absorbs road imperfections with ease, further enhancing overall comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus ES Have?
The 2021 Lexus ES offers a blend of luxury and practicality, with a focus on providing ample storage space for a vehicle in its class. The trunk of the Lexus ES boasts a generous capacity of 13.9 cubic feet. This size is enough for a variety of storage needs, comfortably accommodating several large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for family vacations or extended road trips. Additionally, golf enthusiasts will appreciate the trunk’s ability to hold up to four standard-sized golf bags, ensuring leisure activities are well catered for. The space is thoughtfully designed to be wide and deep, allowing for the storage of larger items like a baby stroller or a week’s worth of groceries. This makes the Lexus ES not only a luxurious drive but also a practical vehicle for daily errands and family outings.
Beyond the trunk, the 2021 Lexus ES offers several small but significant interior storage solutions that enhance its practicality. The cabin features a variety of compartments and pockets, including a reasonably sized glovebox, door pockets, and a center console with a deep storage bin. These spaces are ideal for storing smaller items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys, keeping them secure and within easy reach. Additionally, the center console includes cup holders and a specified area for wireless phone charging, adding convenience for both driver and passengers. The rear seats also come with their own set of cup holders and small storage spaces, providing passenger comfort and practicality. Overall, the 2021 Lexus ES expertly balances its luxurious appeal with functional storage solutions, catering to a range of needs and lifestyles.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the Lexus ES was introduced for the 2019 model year.
2015: Improved leather seating, touchscreen is now standard on all models, and more safety features available.
2016: Additional sound-deadening material in the cabin, Bi-LED headlamps, and a stronger stereo system.
2017: Upgraded stereo system and Lexus Safety System+.
2018: No major updates from earlier years.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with more technology features, a stronger V6 engine, and sportier F-Sport model.
2020: No significant changes from earlier years.
2021: Small changes to the available options package, Black Line Special Edition model introduced.
How Does the Lexus ES Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Lexus ES is a great midsize luxury sedan since it offers a ton of safety technology and lower maintenance costs than the competition.
The Acura TLX is another midsize luxury sedan which costs about $3,500 less. Passenger room is slightly better in the back seats of the Acura TLX, while the Lexus ES has more standard safety technology. We recommend the Lexus ES since it’s a bit more luxurious, but both are good sedans worth testing to see which fits your life better.
The Mercedes E-Class is a popular luxury car, which is available for about $4,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Mercedes E-Class, while the Lexus ES comes with better standard safety technology. We recommend the Lexus ES since it’s a more affordable choice to own long-term, with lower maintenance costs.
