How to Choose the Right Lexus ES 2022 Model 2026
2022 Lexus ES: The Ultimate Luxury Sedan Refreshed Inside and Out
Introduction:
The Lexus ES 2022 is a refreshed entry-level luxury sedan that builds on the foundation of the seventh-generation ES with significant updates across design, technology, safety, and performance. Riding on the proven Global Architecture–K platform, the Lexus ES 2022 introduces touch-screen multimedia functionality, an upgraded Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard on all trims, newly designed bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, and a fresh exterior color palette featuring new shades like Iridium and Cloudburst Gray.
A landmark highlight of the Lexus ES 2022 lineup is the introduction of the first-ever ES 300h F SPORT grade, bringing sporty styling to the hybrid model for the very first time. Performance-focused buyers can also opt for the all-new Dynamic Handling Package on the ES 350 F SPORT, which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension with 650 levels of adjustment for a precisely tuned ride. Inside, a streamlined instrument panel, premium NuLuxe and semi-aniline leather trim options, and a driver-centric “Seat in Control” cockpit philosophy make every drive feel personal and refined.
Whether you prioritize luxury comfort, advanced safety, hybrid efficiency, or race-inspired styling, the Lexus ES 2022 offers a trim and configuration tailored to your lifestyle — making it one of the most well-rounded and compelling luxury sedans of its generation.
The Lexus ES 2022 arrives as one of the most anticipated luxury sedan releases of the year, building on the success of the seventh-generation platform with sweeping updates across design, safety, performance, and technology. Whether you are a first-time luxury car buyer or a long-time enthusiast, the Lexus ES 2022 delivers a refined, elegant yet comfortable atmosphere that makes every drive an unforgettable experience. From its provocative elegance and race-inspired styling to its sophisticated driver assistance systems, this entry-level luxury sedan continues to set the benchmark in its class.
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A Driver-Centric Interior Built Around You
One of the most talked-about updates in the Lexus ES 2022 is the transformation of its interior. Inspired by the concept of “Seat in Control,” the cabin is engineered so that from the moment you settle into the driver seat, every control is within reach and all the information you want is in plain view. This driver-centric cockpit philosophy ensures seamless cabin integration, making the interior feel intuitive, refined, and deeply personal.
The Lexus Multimedia System has received a meaningful upgrade. Both the standard 8.0-inch display and the available 12.3-inch multimedia display have been moved forward by 4.3 inches and now feature full touch-screen functionality in addition to the existing remote touch interface. This update enhances intuitive driver and front passenger interaction, reducing distraction and making everyday tasks — from navigation to entertainment — effortlessly accessible.
The streamlined instrument panel embraces clean lines and a modern digital cockpit aesthetic, eliminating unnecessary visual clutter. The available navigation system integrates seamlessly with the multimedia display, while the multi-information display keeps critical vehicle data visible at all times. For those who appreciate tactile refinement, the brake pedal shape has been enlarged across all Lexus ES 2022 models to improve foot stability and give drivers a more confident, controlled feel underfoot.
Interior trim and upholstery options reflect the brand’s deep commitment to craftsmanship. Base models offer NuLuxe-trimmed seating in Black, Acorn, and Palomino, paired with Black striated wood trim accents. The Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades elevate the experience further with semi-aniline leather-trimmed options in Black, Acorn, and Rich Cream, complemented by Black Open Pore wood trim accents and Matte Walnut Open Pore wood trim for the Palomino interior. F SPORT models carry their own distinct character with NuLuxe-trimmed interiors available in Black, Circuit Red, and White, all paired with striking Hadori Aluminum trim accents.
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Advanced Safety Technology That Goes the Extra Mile
Safety is at the heart of the Lexus ES 2022 ownership experience. Every trim level now comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard equipment, representing a significant step forward from the previous generation system. LSS+ 2.5 introduces a suite of advanced driver assistance features that collectively create a safer, more aware driving environment.
The Pre-Collision System has been enhanced with improvements to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements, effectively expanding the driver’s response range. It now includes Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, helping the vehicle identify vulnerable road users in a wide range of conditions. A new addition to this system is Intersection Turning Assist, which monitors oncoming vehicles during left-hand turns and pedestrians during both left and right-hand turns, activating typical collision avoidance functions when needed.
Emergency Steering Assist is another new capability in the Lexus ES 2022, designed to enhance vehicle stability and help prevent lane departure during an emergency evasive steering maneuver. This feature works seamlessly with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, which monitors lane position at speeds above 32 miles per hour and can apply slight corrective measures to help keep the vehicle within visibly marked lanes.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control brings a new level of adaptive cruise control sophistication. It can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance all the way down to 0 mph, with the ability to resume from a complete stop. The Lexus ES 2022 also introduces a smooth overtaking assist feature within the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system — once the driver engages the turn signal while behind a slower vehicle, the system prepares for the lane change with an initial increase in acceleration, then continues accelerating to the preset speed after the lane change is complete.
Lane Tracing Assist works in conjunction with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to provide gentle steering force that keeps the vehicle centered in the lane. In the Lexus ES 2022, lane recognition performance has been improved with enhanced recognition of road edges and lane markings, better lateral g performance, and more stable control after lane changes. The updated system can now also track the paths of nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes for superior lane centering capability.
Curve Speed Reduction adds yet another layer of intelligence, automatically reducing vehicle speed when approaching certain types of curves. Road Sign Assist collects road sign data through a camera and navigation maps, displaying relevant information on the multi-information display to keep drivers informed without diverting attention from the road. Intelligent High Beams automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights when preceding or oncoming vehicles are detected — a feature that exemplifies the vehicle’s commitment to roadway courtesy and safety.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert rounds out the safety package, providing awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes and cross-traffic behind the vehicle during reversing maneuvers.
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Exterior Design: Provocative Elegance, Refined
The exterior of the Lexus ES 2022 has been thoughtfully refreshed to preserve its provocative elegance while introducing new design details that feel contemporary and bold. The most visible change is the new grille pattern featured on all non-F SPORT trims. A series of concentric “L” shapes radiate outward from the front emblem, all finished in a new Graphite paint treatment. This mesh grille design is both sophisticated and assertive, reinforcing the vehicle’s premium identity at first glance.
Redesigned standard bi-LED headlights with dynamic headlight auto-leveling give the front fascia a sharper, more refined appearance while delivering improved illumination in real-world driving conditions. The auto-leveling function ensures optimal beam positioning regardless of load or road conditions.
Wheel design plays a significant role in the exterior character of the Lexus ES 2022. The new standard 17-inch wheel features thicker spoke ends arranged in layered “V” formations, giving the vehicle a sporty impression. An updated 18-inch wheel available on Base and Luxury trims features a split-10-spoke design with a two-tone Black and machined finish for a clean and sophisticated look. An additional 18-inch five-spoke alloy noise reduction wheel is offered with Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims. F SPORT models receive exclusive 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels in a new Black finish that perfectly complements the model’s sporty exterior and dark surround grille.
F SPORT models also feature the trunk lid spoiler, F SPORT badging, unique F SPORT steering wheel, sport front seats, sport pedals, F SPORT shift lever and knob, and distinctive gauges with a removable display ring — all contributing to a race-inspired styling aesthetic that stands apart from the standard trims.
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Performance and Handling: The Lexus Driving Signature
The Lexus ES 2022 makes meaningful strides in driving dynamics, guided by a shared performance philosophy known as the Lexus Driving Signature. The goal is to deliver vehicles that are more balanced, refined in control, and confident than ever before — with linear steering and brake responses, optimized handling, and exceptional ride quality achieved through meticulous chassis tuning.
A new rear suspension member brace has been added to further enhance torsional rigidity, handling stability, and ride comfort. This structural reinforcement translates directly into a more composed, planted feel during spirited cornering as well as everyday driving. The Lexus ES 2022 also benefits from brake system updates on both gas and hybrid models.
On gas-powered ES models, the vacuum brake system master cylinder and booster have been optimized to provide a more linear brake pedal feeling and response. The result is a more predictable and confidence-inspiring braking experience. On hybrid models, the regenerative and hydraulic brake control characteristics of the Electronically Controlled Brake System have been optimized specifically to improve pedal feeling when the brake pedal is released — addressing a common point of refinement in hybrid brake systems.
For buyers seeking the highest level of dynamic performance, the ES 350 F SPORT is available with the all-new Dynamic Handling Package. This package includes Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, Intuitive Parking Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension capable of 650 levels of adjustment. The AVS system draws data from sensors measuring both linear and vertical g-loads, vehicle speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and master cylinder pressure, as well as input from the engine control computer and skid control computer, to deliver optimal ride quality and precise control in real time. The Lexus ES 2022 with the Dynamic Handling Package represents the most performance-focused configuration of the sedan to date.
Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki described the goal clearly: to deepen the quality of the ES, improve quietness and ride comfort, and pursue linearity in vehicle movement that is faithful to the driver’s intentions.
The First-Ever ES 300h F SPORT
A landmark moment for the Lexus ES 2022 lineup is the introduction of the first-ever ES 300h F SPORT grade. This new addition brings F SPORT exterior and interior styling cues to the hybrid powertrain, allowing buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency through hybrid drive technology to also enjoy the sporty aesthetic previously reserved for gas-powered models. The ES 300h F SPORT includes the full complement of F SPORT design features — exclusive badging, mesh grille with dark surround, trunk lid spoiler, 19-inch Black finish wheels, sport interior with Hadori Aluminum trim accents, and NuLuxe-trimmed seating in Black, Circuit Red, or White.
This addition reflects a broader commitment within the Lexus ES 2022 lineup to offer guests choices that complement their diverse lifestyles and interests. With the ES 250 AWD, ES 350, ES 350 F SPORT, and ES 300h F SPORT all available, the ES family covers a wider range of buyer preferences than ever before.
A Vibrant and Fresh Color Palette
The Lexus ES 2022 offers one of the most expressive exterior color palettes in the luxury sedan segment. Nine returning colors include Eminent White Pearl, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, Sunlit Green, Nightfall Mica, along with F SPORT exclusive Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0. Two newly introduced exterior colors — Iridium and Cloudburst Gray — replace Silver Lining, Atomic Silver, and Nebula Gray, bringing a fresher, more modern energy to the lineup.
This robust color offering ensures that every buyer can express their personal style, whether they prefer the understated refinement of Caviar and Obsidian, the warmth of Moonbeam Beige Metallic, the boldness of Matador Red Mica, or the contemporary edge of the new Iridium and Cloudburst Gray options.
Who Is the 2022 Lexus ES For?
The Lexus ES 2022 appeals to a broad and diverse audience. Its combination of luxury driving experience, advanced driver assistance, and premium interior materials attracts buyers who value comfort and safety equally. The expanded F SPORT lineup — now including the ES 300h F SPORT — draws in younger, more performance-oriented buyers who want race-inspired styling without sacrificing the refinement expected from a luxury sedan. The Dynamic Handling Package caters to enthusiasts who want the most dynamic handling available in the segment, while the Ultra Luxury trim caters to those who prioritize the most sumptuous interior materials and comfort features.
Drivers who appreciate a digital cockpit, touch-screen multimedia system, and a full suite of collision avoidance technology will find the Lexus ES 2022 particularly compelling. And for those who simply want a beautiful, comfortable, well-equipped luxury vehicle that makes every journey — not just the destination — a pleasure, the Lexus ES 2022 delivers without compromise.
Final Verdict: The 2022 Lexus ES Raises the Bar
With comprehensive updates spanning every dimension of the vehicle — from the touch-screen multimedia display and LSS+ 2.5 safety system to the new bi-LED headlights, fresh exterior colors, and the introduction of the ES 300h F SPORT — the Lexus ES 2022 makes a compelling case as the definitive entry-level luxury sedan of its generation. The addition of the Dynamic Handling Package and Adaptive Variable Suspension on the ES 350 F SPORT pushes the performance envelope further, while structural enhancements like the rear suspension member brace and optimized Electronically Controlled Brake System ensure that ride quality and handling stability are best-in-class.
The Lexus ES 2022 is expected to arrive at dealerships in Fall 2021. For buyers seeking a luxury vehicle that seamlessly blends provocative elegance, innovative technology, superior ride comfort, and comprehensive safety — the Lexus ES 2022 is the answer.
Final Thoughts:
The Lexus ES 2022 is more than just a refreshed luxury sedan — it is a complete evolution of everything that made the ES great in the first place. With every update, whether it is the touch-screen multimedia display, the advanced Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, the newly designed bi-LED headlights, or the landmark introduction of the first-ever ES 300h F SPORT, it is clear that every decision was made with the driver in mind.
What truly sets the Lexus ES 2022 apart from the competition is its ability to cater to every type of luxury buyer under one roof. The performance enthusiast gets the Dynamic Handling Package with Adaptive Variable Suspension. The eco-conscious driver gets the hybrid-powered ES 300h F SPORT. The comfort seeker gets semi-aniline leather, seamless cabin integration, and a refined ride quality backed by a new rear suspension member brace. And the safety-first buyer gets one of the most comprehensive driver assistance packages available in the segment as standard equipment.
The vibrant exterior color palette, the race-inspired F SPORT styling, the driver-centric “Seat in Control” cockpit philosophy, and the meticulous chassis tuning guided by the Lexus Driving Signature all come together to create a vehicle that does not ask you to compromise — on style, comfort, safety, or performance.
In a segment full of strong competitors, the Lexus ES 2022 stands tall as a luxury sedan that has been thoughtfully crafted, carefully refined, and boldly reimagined for the modern luxury driver. It is not just about getting from one place to another — the Lexus ES 2022 reminds you that the journey itself is worth every moment.
FAQs:
Is the 2022 Lexus ES 350 a good car?
If you seek comfort and relaxation over all else, the Lexus ES is a solid bet. This longstanding sedan has an easygoing attitude that asks little of its driver, making every drive a truly relaxed driving experience. The Lexus ES has earned its place in the luxury midsize sedan class by delivering exactly what comfort-seeking drivers want — a smooth ride, a quiet ride, and a spacious cabin that feels like a premium sanctuary on wheels.
How long will a Lexus ES last?
If you have ever wondered how many miles a Lexus can last, the answer is both impressive and reassuring. Most Lexus vehicles can last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with routine oil changes, fluid flushes, and timely part replacements. This remarkable Lexus lifespan is a testament to the brand’s deep commitment to vehicle durability, car reliability, and long term ownership satisfaction.
What is the best used Lexus ES to buy?
When it comes to the used car market, few vehicles have earned the level of respect and admiration that the 2010 Lexus ES, 2011 Lexus ES, and 2012 Lexus ES have accumulated over the years. These Lexus ES model years have been the crowning achievement for Toyota’s luxury segment, standing out as some of the most reliable luxury sedans available in the used car market today.
Does the ES 350 require premium gas?
When it comes to fuel type for the Lexus ES350 and Lexus ES300H, one of the most common questions among Lexus owners and Lexus drivers is whether to use regular fuel or premium fuel. The engine is designed to use 87 octane, which is regular gasoline, meaning both the ES350 and ES300H should run just fine on 87 octane regular unleaded fuel.
Which generation of Lexus ES is the most reliable?
Lexus ES, current generation, 2026 model, reliable, powertrain, 3.5L V6, 2.5L inline-four, 2.5L inline-four hybrid, trim. The current Lexus ES generation is the most reliable generation so far. There are more powertrains to choose from than any other generation. Available powertrains include a 3.5L V6, a 2.5L inline-four, and a 2.5L inline-four hybrid, depending on the trim.
I’m Fiza Ansari, a Lexus specialist with 2+ years of experience helping drivers find their perfect luxury vehicle. From the sporty RC F to the elegant ES sedan and family-friendly RX—I know each model thoroughly. My expertise covers performance features, ownership costs, leasing options, and certified pre-owned benefits. Whether you’re a first-time luxury buyer or upgrading to an F Sport model, I provide honest guidance to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.
