2026 Lexus ES Trim Levels: ES 350h Hybrid, ES 350e & ES 500e Electric Compared
The fully redesigned 2026 Lexus ES marks the model’s biggest transformation in decades. The eighth-generation sedan retires its traditional gasoline powertrains and pivots entirely to electrification, spanning three options: the hybrid ES 350h, the first-ever all-electric single-motor ES 350e, and the dual-motor ES 500e — each with its own driving signature and the whisper-quiet cabin the ES is known for.
Whether you want to maximize efficiency or move fully into the luxury electric space, our team can help you navigate the new lineup. Explore our new Lexus ES inventory online or browse more model insights in our Lexus research hub. When you’re ready to experience it firsthand, visit our showroom on Ventura Boulevard or call our sales team at 818-276-9964.
2026 Lexus ES Powertrains & Pricing Compared
The 2026 ES offers three powertrains across a streamlined trim walk. Here’s how the headline numbers stack up:
| Trim | Powertrain | Horsepower | Drivetrain | EPA-Estimated Range / MPG | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350h | 2.5L hybrid (HEV) | 244 hp combined | FWD or AWD | Up to 46 mpg combined (EPA-estimated) | $51,095 (MSRP) |
| ES 350e | Single-motor electric (BEV) | 221 hp | FWD | Up to 307 mi range (EPA-estimated, 19-in. wheels) | $48,895 (MSRP) |
| ES 500e | Dual-motor electric (BEV) | 338 hp | Standard AWD (DIRECT4) | Up to 276 mi range (EPA-estimated, 19-in. wheels) | $51,895 (MSRP) |
Starting MSRPs reflect entry (Premium) configurations. Notably, the all-electric ES 350e opens the lineup at a lower starting MSRP than the hybrid ES 350h — an unusual and compelling value position for a luxury EV.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
From Gas to Electrified: How the Lineup Changed
Understanding the redesign starts with what it replaced. The outgoing ES offered three gasoline-based configurations; the 2026 model retires all of them in favor of hybrid and battery-electric systems:
| Outgoing (2025) | Replaced By (2026) | Key Change |
|---|---|---|
| ES 250 — 203 hp 2.5L I4, AWD | ES 350h / ES 350e | Electrified efficiency replaces the base gas engine |
| ES 350 — 302 hp 3.5L V6, FWD | ES 500e (338 hp) | Dual-motor electric power succeeds the V6 |
| ES 300h — 215 hp hybrid | ES 350h (244 hp) | Sixth-generation hybrid adds power and efficiency |
Outgoing 2025 ES powertrain figures per Lexus of Woodland Hills, 2025 Lexus ES Engine Specs.
What the change means behind the wheel
The difference is in how power arrives. The ES 350h uses Lexus’s sixth-generation hybrid system, pairing a refined 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a high-output electric motor for a net 244 horsepower — up from 215 in the outgoing ES 300h.
| Power Delivery | Legacy Gasoline Engines | 2026 Hybrid & Electric Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Reaching peak torque | Builds revs to reach peak torque | Instantaneous low-end response |
| Everyday acceleration feel | Requires engine to spin up | Effortless from a standstill |
All-Wheel Drive & Drivetrain Engineering
A common question among luxury-sedan shoppers is which ES models send power to all four wheels. The redesign expands AWD availability considerably.
How AWD works across the lineup
- ES 350h (hybrid): Available with FWD or an electronic on-demand AWD system that uses an independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels — delivering traction without the weight, friction, or efficiency penalty of a traditional mechanical driveshaft.
- ES 350e (electric): Single-motor, front-wheel drive.
- ES 500e (electric): Standard DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, using dual motors to continuously shift power between front and rear axles based on speed, steering angle, and grip — optimizing stability and cornering composure.
For comparison — the outgoing setup
The 2026 lineup makes electrified AWD available far more broadly than the outgoing ES:
| Configuration | Outgoing (2025) ES | 2026 ES |
|---|---|---|
| V6 / top powertrain drivetrain | ES 350 V6 — front-wheel drive only | ES 500e — standard DIRECT4 AWD |
| How to get AWD | Only via four-cylinder ES 250 (Dynamic Torque Control AWD) | Available on ES 350h (electronic rear-motor AWD); standard on ES 500e |
For drivers across Woodland Hills, Encino, Tarzana, and Calabasas, the added traction of the ES 350h AWD or the ES 500e’s DIRECT4 system adds confidence in varied driving conditions.
Fuel Economy, Electric Range & Charging
Operating costs remain central to the ownership experience, and the electrified lineup elevates efficiency to a new class.
Hybrid fuel economy (ES 350h)
- FWD: Up to 46 mpg combined (EPA-estimated)
- AWD: 44 mpg combined (EPA-estimated)
That efficiency lets drivers enjoy long-distance cruising with minimal fuel stops.
Electric range & charging (ES 350e / ES 500e)
| Model | Range (EPA-estimated, 19-in. wheels) | Charging Port | DC Fast-Charge (10–80%) | Home Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350e | Up to 307 miles | Native NACS | ~28 min at up to 150 kW (ideal conditions) | 120V / 240V via included Dual Voltage Charging Cable |
| ES 500e | Up to 276 miles | Native NACS | ~28 min at up to 150 kW (ideal conditions) | 120V / 240V via included Dual Voltage Charging Cable |
Both battery-electric models feature a native NACS charging port (a CCS adapter is included for additional network access) and come standard with a dual-voltage charging cable compatible with standard 120V household outlets and 240V home setups.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Lexus Safety System+ 4.0
The redesigned 2026 ES marks the debut of Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, the most advanced version of Lexus’s active-safety and driver-assist suite, using high-resolution cameras and millimeter-wave radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
Key standard driver-assist features
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control — maintains a set following distance from highway speeds down to a stop.
- Lane Tracing Assist — provides gentle steering input to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane when radar cruise control is active.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection — monitors for approaching vehicles when turning left and can warn and brake in certain daytime conditions.
Assistance, not autonomy
These technologies provide advanced driver assistance — not hands-free driving. The driver must keep their hands on the wheel and remain fully engaged at all times. The system is engineered to reduce fatigue on long highway drives and help mitigate collision risk, acting as an extra set of eyes rather than a replacement for active control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Lexus ES require premium fuel?
No. The hybrid ES 350h is engineered to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, helping keep long-term fuel costs manageable for daily commuters.
Which 2026 Lexus ES is quickest from 0–60?
The dual-motor ES 500e, with 338 horsepower and standard DIRECT4 AWD, is the quickest in the lineup — noticeably faster than the single-motor ES 350e.
Can the 2026 Lexus ES be used for towing?
The ES is not rated with an official towing capacity and is not designed as a tow vehicle. Attempting to tow may affect aspects of your vehicle’s warranty; consult your owner’s manual.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
What transmission does the hybrid ES 350h use?
The ES 350h uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) paired with paddle shifters for seamless transitions between the electric motor and gas engine.
What is the hybrid battery warranty on the 2026 Lexus ES?
Lexus provides a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty alongside an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid system components, including the hybrid control module and inverter with converter.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Find Your 2026 Lexus ES
Choosing between the efficient ES 350h hybrid and the all-electric ES 350e or ES 500e comes down to your driving habits, charging access, and performance priorities:
- Choose the ES 350h if you prioritize long-distance flexibility and class-leading fuel economy without changing how you refuel.
- Choose the ES 350e if you want a quiet, zero-emission EV with strong range and an attractive starting price.
- Choose the ES 500e if you want maximum performance with dual-motor DIRECT4 AWD and instant electric torque.
Our team at Lexus of Woodland Hills is here to help you find the exact configuration that fits your lifestyle. When you’re ready for a test drive, visit our Woodland Hills dealership on Ventura Boulevard or call our sales team at 818-276-9964.
Vehicle specifications, features, and availability are preliminary and subject to change. 2026 Lexus ES specifications and pricing sourced from the Lexus USA Newsroom. Please contact the dealership to confirm current details, pricing, and inventory.