2026 Lexus ES: Getting Bigger and Offering Hybrid or Electric Power
Lexus has totally changed its main sedan, which will come as a hybrid (gas and electric) and a fully electric car when it arrives in the U.S. in 2026.
Cool New Look
The 2026 ES looks very different from the old one, with a smooth and modern style like Lexus’s LF-ZC electric concept car. The usual front grille is now redesigned with parts the same color as the car and sharp lines. It has separate headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights and turn signals. The car is longer overall (about 6.5 inches more) with a longer space between the front and back wheels (3 inches more). This makes the inside feel bigger and gives the roof a sloping look. A noticeable black piece on the front doors adds a special touch. In the back, a light bar goes all the way across with the word “Lexus” lit up, making it look stylish and up-to-date.
Electric and Gas-Electric Power
The biggest change for the 2026 ES is that it will have electric power options. You’ll be able to get the ES350h, which uses both a gas engine (2.5-liter four-cylinder) and an electric motor. Together, they produce 244 horsepower. This hybrid version will come with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Also, for the first time, the 2026 ES will have fully electric models:
- ES350e (FWD): Expected to have around 221 horsepower and can probably go about 300 miles on a single charge with 19-inch wheels.
- ES500e (AWD): Making about 338 horsepower, with all-wheel drive that can send power to different wheels for better control and faster acceleration.
These electric models will use the updated TNGA GA-K platform, which is made to work with both hybrid and electric power. Lexus says this new platform makes the car stronger, reduces noise inside, and makes the ride smoother.
Better Inside with New Tech
The inside of the 2026 ES has a simple and clean design and should feel roomier because the car is longer. The seats are a bit higher, so it’s easier to get in and out. One interesting design is the door trim, which uses a special 3D printing to look like layers of bamboo with lights built in. If you choose the Executive package for the fancy ES350e model, people in the back will have extra comfort like a footrest, massage for the side seats, and heating and cooling for all the back seats.
The car has new technology, including a 12.3-inch screen for the driver’s information and a standard 14.0-inch touchscreen for the entertainment system. This new system works wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has simple buttons for the air conditioning that show the temperature. A great Mark Levinson sound system will also be available. The 2026 ES will have the newest version of Lexus’s safety features, called Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. More details about this will come out closer to when the car is released.
Coming to Market and What to Expect
The 2026 Lexus ES should be available in the U.S. in the spring of 2026. We don’t know the exact prices yet, but the hybrid models will likely start around $47,000, and the electric versions might cost more. This new ES wants to keep its good reputation for being quiet, having a nice inside, and being comfortable to drive. It also wants to attract more buyers who are interested in both fuel-saving hybrid technology and fully electric cars in a luxury sedan. The electric models will help the ES compete in the growing market for fancy electric cars, while the hybrid options make sure it’s still a good choice for people who aren’t ready to go fully electric yet.