The Lexus ES 350 is a mid-size luxury sedan built by Lexus (the luxury division of Toyota). The “350” means: 3.5-litre V6 engine, a smooth, relatively powerful naturally aspirated V6 that balances comfort, performance, and reliability. Throughout its generations, the ES 350 has been positioned as a comfortable, refined daily driver that gives you Lexus-level luxury without diving into high-end exotic-car complexity.
In this article, you’ll get: technical fich / advantages, gas mileage, engine configurations, specs, interior, and a sense of cost (with real-world used-car price examples from various countries). If you are comparing model years or thinking of buying, this is for you.
Table of Contents
Why the Lexus ES 350 Dominates the Used Luxury Sedan Market
Before we dive into specific years, let’s understand the appeal. In my professional opinion, the ES 350 succeeds because it executes a simple formula flawlessly: Toyota’s legendary reliability dressed in a Lexus tuxedo.
It’s powered by variations of the 3.5L V6 engine, a powerplant so robust it’s practically automotive folklore. You’re not buying horsepower bragging rights (though it has plenty); you’re buying a near-guarantee that the car will start every morning for the next decade with basic care. The interior is a sanctuary of quiet comfort, designed to dissolve stress, not communicate with the road.
The question has never been if an ES 350 is a good car. The real question is: Which ES 350 is the right car for you right now?
1. The 2007 Lexus ES 350: The High-Mileage Champion
Ideal Buyer: The budget-conscious smart shopper who prioritizes mechanical simplicity and proven durability over the latest tech.
- The Heart of the Matter: This generation introduced the sublime 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 (272 hp). In my shop, I’ve seen these engines regularly cross 300,000 miles with religious oil changes. Use 6.4 quarts of full synthetic 0W-20. Skipping to a conventional oil is a false economy on an engine this good.
- Fuel Economy Reality Check: Don’t expect hybrid numbers. You’ll see 19 mpg in city driving and a respectable 27 mpg on the highway. That’s the trade-off for that smooth, linear V6 power.
- The Non-Negotiable Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist:
- The Sticky Dashboard: This isn’t a maybe; it’s a when. The soft-touch coating degrades into a toxic, tacky mess. A replacement from Lexus costs over $2,000. Walk away if it’s sticky.
- Coolant Valley Plate Leak: A known, slow leak point on the 2GR-FE. Look for pink coolant residue at the back of the engine under the intake manifold. Repair is labor-intensive.
- Power Steering Pump Whine: Listen for a high-pitched moan on cold starts. Early failure is common.
- The Verdict: This is a brilliant “appliance” luxury car. It does a few things perfectly and lasts forever. Towing capacity is not rated for a reason—don’t try it.
Current Market Snapshot (Clean, ~100k miles):
- USA: $7,500 – $10,500
- Canada: $9,000 – $13,000 CAD
- UK (Import): £5,500 – £8,000
- Australia: AUD $11,000 – $16,000
2. The 2010 Lexus ES 350: The Sweet Spot of Value & Features
Ideal Buyer: The practical luxury seeker who wants the 2007’s reliability but needs a backup camera and a more modern infotainment system.
This is the car I most often recommend to friends. It’s the “just right” model.
- What Changed (And What Didn’t): The powertrain is identical to the 2007—same stellar V6, same maintenance specs. The magic is in the updates. The 2010 got a standard backup camera and a vastly improved navigation screen resolution. The optional Mark Levinson audio system is genuinely exceptional.
- Ownership Costs: Fuel economy is unchanged. However, repair costs begin to shift from purely mechanical (pumps, mounts) to more electronic (sensors, switchgear). The dashboard material was slightly improved but can still suffer from stickiness.
- My Professional Tip: Seek out a 2010 with the Cool Box option (a chilled console compartment). It sounds trivial, but cars optioned with it typically have the higher-end packages, indicating a more cared-for life.
Current Market Snapshot (Clean, ~90k miles):
- USA: $10,000 – $14,000
- Canada: $13,000 – $18,000 CAD
- UK (Import): £8,000 – £11,000
- Australia: AUD $18,000 – $24,000
3. The 2016 Lexus ES 350: The Style & Substance Redefinition
Ideal Buyer: Someone who wants their luxury car to look and feel contemporary, with sharper styling and a dramatic interior, but isn’t ready for the latest platform’s price.
This generation was a wake-up call. Lexus shed its conservative skin.
- A Sharper Tool: The engine became the more efficient 2GR-FSE (268 hp) with dual injection. The real story is the chassis. It’s more agile, without sacrificing its cloud-like ride. Fuel economy sees a real bump: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.
- The Interior Revelation: This cabin made competitors look dated overnight. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen and available Triple-Beam LED headlights were industry-leading. The dashboard material issue was finally resolved.
- The One Watch-Out: The Low-Speed Front Suspension Creak. Over time, the front lower control arm bushings can develop an audible creak over driveways. It’s a known, fixed issue under a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). A dealer can replace them with updated parts.
Current Market Snapshot (Clean, ~70k miles):
- USA: $19,000 – $25,000
- Canada: $25,000 – $32,000 CAD
- UK (Import): £19,000 – £25,000
- Australia: AUD $32,000 – $40,000
4. The 2020 Lexus ES 350: The Modern Benchmark
Ideal Buyer: The discerning buyer who wants a car that feels new in every way, from its aggressive styling and potent 302-hp V6 to its comprehensive standard safety tech, and is willing to pay a premium for it.
This is the ES, fully realized. It’s built on the superior TNGA-K platform, which transforms its driving dynamics.
- The Power Leap: The 302-horsepower V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic is a revelation. It’s quick, smooth, and still returns 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.
- The Tech You Actually Need: Every 2020 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This includes full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally present.
- Critical Buying Advice: The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension and the 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system are worth hunting for. They elevate the experience from excellent to sublime. Avoid the run-flat tires if possible; they compromise the legendary ride quality.
Current Market Snapshot (Clean, ~40k miles):
- USA: $31,000 – $37,000
- Canada: $41,000 – $48,000 CAD
- UK (Import): £30,000 – £36,000
- Australia: AUD $58,000 – $68,000
(A note for searchers: If you’re also looking for a used Toyota Crown near you, you’re on a similar track. The Crown is the ES’s more exclusive, Japan-market sibling. Your best bet is to search for reputable “Japanese vehicle importers” in your major city, as they specialize in bringing these models over.)
Side-by-Side: Lexus ES 350 Model Year Comparison
| Year | Engine | Horsepower | MPG (City/Hwy) | What’s Special | Target Buyer | Fair Price (Used, USA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 3.5L V6 | 272 HP | 19 / 27 | The durability champion. Simple, comfortable, built to last. | The budget-focused buyer who values reliability above all. | $7,500 – $10,500 |
| 2010 | 3.5L V6 | 272 HP | 19 / 27 | The sweet spot. Adds a backup camera & better tech, keeps the legendary V6. | The value seeker who wants essential modern features without a modern price. | $10,000 – $14,000 |
| 2016 | 3.5L V6 | 268 HP | 21 / 31 | The style leader. Bold looks, a stunning interior, and improved efficiency. | The buyer who wants their luxury car to look and feel contemporary. | $19,000 – $25,000 |
| 2020 | 3.5L V6 | 302 HP | 22 / 32 | The tech powerhouse. Packed with standard safety tech and the most powerful V6 yet. | The buyer who wants the latest features and is willing to pay for them. | $31,000 – $37,000 |
(Price note: These are for clean cars with mileage typical for their age. Lower miles or perfect history will cost more.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus ES just a fancy Camry?
No. They share some DNA, but the ES is built for a different life. It’s quieter, smoother, and wrapped in far nicer materials. The Camry gets you there. The ES 350 makes the trip feel like a reward.
Is every ES 350 a V6?
Yes. If you see “350” on the trunk, it’s a 3.5-liter V6. No four-cylinders here. That’s the promise.
How much power does the 2007 ES 350 have?
272 horsepower. It feels smooth and strong, plenty for any daily drive.
How many miles will a 2007 ES 350 actually last?
If you do the basic stuff, oil changes with full synthetic, fluid flushes, and fix the small things before they become big, 250,000 miles is the starting line. I’ve got a client’s 2007 in my service bay right now with 317,000 miles on the clock, and it purrs like a kitten. The engine is legendary for a reason.
You seem to like the 2010. Is it actually a good car, or just cheap?
It’s not just cheap; it’s smart. It’s the sweet spot. You get all the bulletproof reliability of the 2007, but Lexus threw in a backup camera and a better infotainment screen right when you needed it. For the money, it’s one of the most sensibly used luxury cars you can buy.
I’m looking at a 2016 with high miles. Is that a mistake?
Not if the history is clean. “High miles” on a 2016 ES 350 is a relative term. The 3.5L V6 doesn’t know it’s 2016 or 2007. With documented maintenance, a 2016 is just as capable of reaching 200,000 miles as any other year. The drivetrain is that good.
What’s the real number for a 2020 ES 350? What should I actually pay?
As of this week, the market says a clean 2020 with about 40,000 miles should run you between $32,000 and $35,000. Here’s my non-negotiable rule: Before you hand over a single dollar, you pay a mechanic you trust, not the seller’s guy $200 to put it on a lift. It’s the best investment you’ll make in the entire buying process.
The Final Recommendation: Which One Should You Buy?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s a matchmaking exercise.
- Choose the 2020 if you want the safest, most technologically advanced, and most powerful ES ever made, and you’re willing to invest in that new-car feel.
- Choose the 2007 if your budget is tight, and you view a car as a tool albeit, a supremely comfortable, and reliable one.
- Choose the 2010 if you want 90% of the modern experience for 50% of the modern price. It’s my top overall value pick.
- Choose the 2016 if design, a stunning interior, and slightly sharper handling matter to you. It’s the style leader.
My personal tip: If I were you and looking for a used luxury sedan today, I’d go for the 2016 ES 350 (if under a reasonable price) because it balances depreciation, reliability, and comfort. But if I find a clean 2020 ES 350 at a good price, I wouldn’t hesitate.
👉 If you liked this overview, leave a comment below! Ask me anything if you want more details (maintenance costs, reliability over time, what to check when buying used, or even a comparison with other luxury sedans). I’m here to help.