Likes
- Class leading build quality, fit and finish and reliability.
- Affordable maintenance and servicing costs.
- Excellent residuals on the used market.
- All the large premium car anyone would need.
Used Lexus ES (XZ10) review
2018 - 2022
Dislikes
- Front wheel drive only may put some off.
- Styling not to everyone’s taste.
- Infotainment system is lacking.
- Ummmm…
Stuff you should know
To the uninitiated, it’s easy to dismiss the 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES as little more than a Camry in a sharp suit, especially given its shared platform and various components with Toyota’s popular large sedan. And because of that connection, many find it difficult to justify why the ES commands the kind of premiums it does over the Camry on the used market.
But here’s the thing, Lexus has spent decades topping global reliability surveys, smashing customer satisfaction indexes, and building a rock-solid reputation for delivering some of the highest levels of quality, refinement and engineering consistency in the industry. That reputation isn’t hype, it’s earned.
And when you stack the ES up against its more traditional European rivals in this space, think BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, it quickly starts to look like one of the smarter value-for-money options, especially when you factor in Lexus’s legendary reliability and long-term ownership satisfaction.
One of the big appeals of the ES is how straightforward the line-up is. While European brands often bombard buyers with a baffling array of engines, overlapping trim levels, special editions and never-ending options lists, Lexus has kept it blissfully straightforward.
Locally, you get two models, the ES250 and ES300h, both powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, one purely petrol and the other a petrol-electric hybrid, both driving the front wheels. And with the overwhelming majority of used ES models being hybrids, the ES300h tends to dominate the second-hand landscape.
As for trim levels, there’s the base model Luxury which, despite the position in the line-up, genuinely is well-appointed with a hefty list of standard kit. Then there’s the F Sport, which dials in a sportier feel both in terms of design and drive, and adds a few nice tech and feature upgrades. Finally, there’s the flagship Sports Luxury, which throws in pretty much everything you could ask for in a premium sedan, plus the option of a couple of enhancement packs if you’re feeling picky. And that’s it.
Globally, there have been other engine options and variations, but for the Aussie market, it’s kept clean and easy. The model itself has also seen a few refreshes since it launched. Series 1 ran from 2018 to 2021, Series 2 from 2021 to 2024, and we’re now into Series 3, launched in 2024 and currently on sale. While each update brought the usual exterior tweaks and minor feature enhancements, it’s inside the cabin where the most noticeable differences lie, particularly around infotainment and tech usability.
Another thing worth noting if you’re shopping for one, the ES, like many Lexus and Toyota products, is constantly refined even within each model cycle. So, in most cases, the newer the example, the better it tends to be in terms of refinement and small improvements, even if they’re not always obvious at first glance.
In terms of its position, the ES slots into the Lexus line-up as a premium, comfort-focused mid-to-large sedan, sitting above the IS and below the LS flagship limo. In the broader Australian market, it bridges the gap between mainstream large sedans and European luxury offerings, effectively serving as a sophisticated, value-savvy alternative to the Germans.
And, as is so often the case with Lexus, reported issues are remarkably rare, though not entirely non-existent (check our “what goes wrong” section for the full rundown). Even financially, the ES stacks up. It tends to hold its value better than most of its Euro rivals, making it not only a solid car to own, but also a smart one to buy.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- After trawling through countless owners’ groups, forums, customer reviews, and feedback specific to the Australian market 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, the only commonly reported issue we could find relating to the exterior is the tiniest of rattles that can sometimes develop from the sunroof. That said, Lexus were straight onto it, issuing a service bulletin, and by all accounts, dealerships have been quick to rectify the issue with no ongoing dramas reported.
- Beyond that? Nothing. Seriously, nothing else seems to go wrong with the exterior. Now compare that to many of its European rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, whenever we’ve featured those cars, we’ve uncovered a laundry list of issues from questionable paint durability and inconsistent fit and finish, to mismatched panel gaps, unreliable exterior electrics and recurring sunroof water ingress problems. But this, the 7th gen ES? Not a thing. If anything, go over the exterior of the Lexus with a fine-tooth comb and you’ll find paint quality that’s truly exceptional, flawlessly consistent panel alignment, and a level of fit, finish and attention to detail that’s genuinely second to none in the segment.
Interior:
- As we’ve seen in other Toyota and Lexus models, the real letdown is the infotainment system. It’s not a complete disaster, there are only a few scattered complaints about things like Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto occasionally dropping out or having connection glitches. Plus, the systems found in the two most recent updates have improved massively and actually feel modern and usable. But with earlier versions, the biggest gripe seems to centre around the usability of the trackpad-style interface which, for many, just isn’t intuitive. The native menus and layout feel clunky and outdated, and while you can get used to it, there’s no denying it drags down what is otherwise a truly outstanding interior experience.
Mechanically:
- It’s important to understand that the 2.5-litre engine found in both the hybrid ES300h and the non-hybrid ES250 is, for the most part, identical. The key differences lie in the transmission and the hybrid’s electrification hardware. In the hybrid, the engine is paired with Lexus’s fourth-generation hybrid system and an eCVT—not to be confused with a traditional CVT—while the non-hybrid ES250 features a conventional 8-speed automatic. Aside from those distinctions, the core engine architecture and overall reliability are effectively the same.
- When it comes to common issues, a small number of early 2019 models were affected by a piston-related recall, but the overwhelming majority of these were rectified under warranty with no lingering effects.
- There have also been very rare cases of cam phaser
Exterior:
- After trawling through countless owners’ groups, forums, customer reviews, and feedback specific to the Australian market 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, the only commonly reported issue we could find relating to the exterior is the tiniest of rattles that can sometimes develop from the sunroof. That said, Lexus were straight onto it, issuing a service bulletin, and by all accounts, dealerships have been quick to rectify the issue with no ongoing dramas reported.
- Beyond that? Nothing. Seriously, nothing else seems to go wrong with the exterior. Now compare that to many of its European rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, whenever we’ve featured those cars, we’ve uncovered a laundry list of issues from questionable paint durability and inconsistent fit and finish, to mismatched panel gaps, unreliable exterior electrics and recurring sunroof water ingress problems. But this, the 7th gen ES? Not a thing. If anything, go over the exterior of the Lexus with a fine-tooth comb and you’ll find paint quality that’s truly exceptional, flawlessly consistent panel alignment, and a level of fit, finish and attention to detail that’s genuinely second to none in the segment.
Interior:
- As we’ve seen in other Toyota and Lexus models, the real letdown is the infotainment system. It’s not a complete disaster, there are only a few scattered complaints about things like Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto occasionally dropping out or having connection glitches. Plus, the systems found in the two most recent updates have improved massively and actually feel modern and usable. But with earlier versions, the biggest gripe seems to centre around the usability of the trackpad-style interface which, for many, just isn’t intuitive. The native menus and layout feel clunky and outdated, and while you can get used to it, there’s no denying it drags down what is otherwise a truly outstanding interior experience.
Mechanically:
- It’s important to understand that the 2.5-litre engine found in both the hybrid ES300h and the non-hybrid ES250 is, for the most part, identical. The key differences lie in the transmission and the hybrid’s electrification hardware. In the hybrid, the engine is paired with Lexus’s fourth-generation hybrid system and an eCVT—not to be confused with a traditional CVT—while the non-hybrid ES250 features a conventional 8-speed automatic. Aside from those distinctions, the core engine architecture and overall reliability are effectively the same.
- When it comes to common issues, a small number of early 2019 models were affected by a piston-related recall, but the overwhelming majority of these were rectified under warranty with no lingering effects.
- There have also been very rare cases of cam phaser issues, typically tied to a sticking oil control valve, usually only showing up when regular oil changes have been ignored for far too long.
- Some owners have reported minor oil consumption, but nothing even close to the levels seen in the older Toyota 2.4-litre engines. It’s something to keep an eye on, but rarely a deal-breaker.
- With the 2022 and 2023 model years, a few isolated high-pressure fuel pump issues have cropped up, though again, these have mostly been resolved under warranty without drama.
- EGR valve and cooler issues can occur, though they’re far from common. When they do go wrong, the EGR valve can stick open and cause terrible running, or the cooler can leak internally, which may allow coolant into the inlet and eventually the combustion chamber,not ideal, and usually accompanied by white smoke and poor performance.
- Water pump and thermostat problems are semi-common, but still far less prevalent than what you’d typically see in European rivals. The coolant bypass valve can fail as well, though when it does, it usually just logs a fault code with no immediate impact on performance or reliability.
- Another one worth mentioning is the PCV valve. It has been a point of failure for some owners, and while it’s actually a serviceable item, it rarely gets replaced until it fails. Replacing it isn’t exactly a five-minute job either, it requires removal of the intake manifold to access.
- The hybrid battery in the ES300h is part of Toyota and Lexus’s ultra-refined fourth-generation hybrid system, and it’s proven to be extremely reliable. If anything does go wrong, which is exceedingly rare, it’s generally straightforward and relatively affordable to fix.
- As for transmissions, the eCVT in the hybrid is arguably one of the most reliable transmission systems ever made. And the traditional 8-speed auto in the non-hybrid? Equally impressive in terms of reliability. In a segment where gearbox problems are all too common, both setups in the ES are benchmarks for long-term dependability.
Exterior:
- After trawling through countless owners’ groups, forums, customer reviews, and feedback specific to the Australian market 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, the only commonly reported issue we could find relating to the exterior is the tiniest of rattles that can sometimes develop from the sunroof. That said, Lexus were straight onto it, issuing a service bulletin, and by all accounts, dealerships have been quick to rectify the issue with no ongoing dramas reported.
- Beyond that? Nothing. Seriously, nothing else seems to go wrong with the exterior. Now compare that to many of its European rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, whenever we’ve featured those cars, we’ve uncovered a laundry list of issues from questionable paint durability and inconsistent fit and finish, to mismatched panel gaps, unreliable exterior electrics and recurring sunroof water ingress problems. But this, the 7th gen ES? Not a thing. If anything, go over the exterior of the Lexus with a fine-tooth comb and you’ll find paint quality that’s truly exceptional, flawlessly consistent panel alignment, and a level of fit, finish and attention to detail that’s genuinely second to none in the segment.
Interior:
- As we’ve seen in other Toyota and Lexus models, the real letdown is the infotainment system. It’s not a complete disaster, there are only a few scattered complaints about things like Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto occasionally dropping out or having connection glitches. Plus, the systems found in the two most recent updates have improved massively and actually feel modern and usable. But with earlier versions, the biggest gripe seems to centre around the usability of the trackpad-style interface which, for many, just isn’t intuitive. The native menus and layout feel clunky and outdated, and while you can get used to it, there’s no denying it drags down what is otherwise a truly outstanding interior experience.
Mechanically:
- It’s important to understand that the 2.5-litre engine found in both the hybrid ES300h and the non-hybrid ES250 is, for the most part, identical. The key differences lie in the transmission and the hybrid’s electrification hardware. In the hybrid, the engine is paired with Lexus’s fourth-generation hybrid system and an eCVT—not to be confused with a traditional CVT—while the non-hybrid ES250 features a conventional 8-speed automatic. Aside from those distinctions, the core engine architecture and overall reliability are effectively the same.
- When it comes to common issues, a small number of early 2019 models were affected by a piston-related recall, but the overwhelming majority of these were rectified under warranty with no lingering effects.
- There have also been very rare cases of cam phaser issues, typically tied to a sticking oil control valve, usually only showing up when regular oil changes have been ignored for far too long.
- Some owners have reported minor oil consumption, but nothing even close to the levels seen in the older Toyota 2.4-litre engines. It’s something to keep an eye on, but rarely a deal-breaker.
- With the 2022 and 2023 model years, a few isolated high-pressure fuel pump issues have cropped up, though again, these have mostly been resolved under warranty without drama.
- EGR valve and cooler issues can occur, though they’re far from common. When they do go wrong, the EGR valve can stick open and cause terrible running, or the cooler can leak internally, which may allow coolant into the inlet and eventually the combustion chamber,not ideal, and usually accompanied by white smoke and poor performance.
- Water pump and thermostat problems are semi-common, but still far less prevalent than what you’d typically see in European rivals. The coolant bypass valve can fail as well, though when it does, it usually just logs a fault code with no immediate impact on performance or reliability.
- Another one worth mentioning is the PCV valve. It has been a point of failure for some owners, and while it’s actually a serviceable item, it rarely gets replaced until it fails. Replacing it isn’t exactly a five-minute job either, it requires removal of the intake manifold to access.
- The hybrid battery in the ES300h is part of Toyota and Lexus’s ultra-refined fourth-generation hybrid system, and it’s proven to be extremely reliable. If anything does go wrong, which is exceedingly rare, it’s generally straightforward and relatively affordable to fix.
- As for transmissions, the eCVT in the hybrid is arguably one of the most reliable transmission systems ever made. And the traditional 8-speed auto in the non-hybrid? Equally impressive in terms of reliability. In a segment where gearbox problems are all too common, both setups in the ES are benchmarks for long-term dependability.
Should you buy it?
After delving into the Australian-spec 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, not only did we struggle to find anything genuinely worth criticising, we genuinely struggled to find a reason why you shouldn’t seriously consider buying one.
Sure, if you’re absolutely set on a European luxury sedan in this segment, something you’re deeply passionate about and can stomach the typically higher servicing costs, patchier build quality and reliability, and often brutal depreciation, then go right ahead. It’s your call, your cash, and your risk.
But if what you’re after is near-faultless build quality, fit and finish that easily ranks amongst the very best in the industry, class-leading dependability, and what may well be the most serenely polished and refined driving experience in its class, then it really has to be the ES.
Of course, only shortlist examples that come with a pristine, uninterrupted service history and make sure you have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection carried out by someone who knows what they’re doing—but if it clears those hurdles without issue, this is a car we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending.
After delving into the Australian-spec 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, not only did we struggle to find anything genuinely worth criticising, we genuinely struggled to find a reason why you shouldn’t seriously consider buying one.
Sure, if you’re absolutely set on a European luxury sedan in this segment, something you’re deeply passionate about and can stomach the typically higher servicing costs, patchier build quality and reliability, and often brutal depreciation, then go right ahead. It’s your call, your cash, and your risk.
But if what you’re after is near-faultless build quality, fit and finish that easily ranks amongst the very best in the industry, class-leading dependability, and what may well be the most serenely polished and refined driving experience in its class, then it really has to be the ES.
Of course, only shortlist examples that come with a pristine, uninterrupted service history and make sure you have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection carried out by someone who knows what they’re doing—but if it clears those hurdles without issue, this is a car we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending.
Should you buy it?
After delving into the Australian-spec 7th generation XZ10 Lexus ES, not only did we struggle to find anything genuinely worth criticising, we genuinely struggled to find a reason why you shouldn’t seriously consider buying one.
Sure, if you’re absolutely set on a European luxury sedan in this segment, something you’re deeply passionate about and can stomach the typically higher servicing costs, patchier build quality and reliability, and often brutal depreciation, then go right ahead. It’s your call, your cash, and your risk.
But if what you’re after is near-faultless build quality, fit and finish that easily ranks amongst the very best in the industry, class-leading dependability, and what may well be the most serenely polished and refined driving experience in its class, then it really has to be the ES.
Of course, only shortlist examples that come with a pristine, uninterrupted service history and make sure you have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection carried out by someone who knows what they’re doing—but if it clears those hurdles without issue, this is a car we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Apr 23, 2025.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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