Lexus has expanded its eighth-generation ES lineup with the 2026 ES 350h hybrid, which joins the first-ever battery-electric ES 350e and ES 500e on a shared multi-pathway platform. The hybrid sedan introduces Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system, an optional all-wheel-drive layout for the first time in an ES hybrid, and a 244-horsepower combined output. Lexus expects the ES 350h to reach U.S. dealerships in June with a base MSRP of $49,700.
Highlights
- ES 350h front-wheel-drive variant carries a 46 MPG EPA-estimated combined rating; the all-wheel-drive variant is rated at 44 MPG combined.
- Sixth-generation hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors for 244 combined horsepower, up from 215 hp in the outgoing 2025 ES 300h.
- AWD models add a 54-hp rear e-Axle motor, with effective front-to-rear torque distribution variable between 100:0 and 20:80.
- Pricing spans $49,700 for the front-drive Premium trim to $55,900 for the AWD Premium+, including the $1,395 destination fee.
Multi-Pathway Platform Underpins Hybrid and BEV Variants
The 2026 ES is the first Lexus model to ride on a multi-pathway platform engineered to accommodate both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains. Lexus describes the architecture as an evolution of the previous-generation TNGA-K underpinnings used by the seventh-generation ES.
In the ES 350h, the platform packages a fuel tank and a hybrid battery beneath the rear seat. The battery-electric ES 350e and ES 500e instead house a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion pack in the floor beneath the passenger compartment, with drive motors at the front and, on the ES 500e, the rear axle as well.
The new ES is dimensionally larger than its predecessor. Wheelbase grows by 3.1 inches, with overall length up 6.5 inches, width up 2.2 inches, and height up 4.5 inches. Most interior dimensions expand accordingly, and the front and rear hip points sit higher than before, which Lexus says improves ingress and egress.
Sixth-Generation Hybrid System and Powertrain Specs
The ES 350h debuts Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system, a step up from the fourth-generation setup used in the 2025 ES 300h. A 2.5-liter A25A-FXS four-cylinder engine works with a starter generator, a front motor generator, and an electronically controlled CVT.
For 2026, engine output rises from 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque to 186 hp and 173 lb-ft. The motor generator’s output increases from 118 hp and 149 lb-ft to 201 hp and 199 lb-ft. Combined system output reaches 244 hp on both front-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.
AWD models add an electric motor at the rear axle, rated at 54 hp, that drives the rear wheels exclusively. Torque distribution between the axles can vary from 100:0 to 20:80 based on wheel speed, acceleration, and steering angle data.
Sixth-generation upgrades include a simplified CVT cooling circuit, a multi-axis layout for the starter-generator and motor generator, a more rigid and compact transaxle case, and an enlarged motor generator. The system favors electric propulsion more aggressively than prior generations, keeping engine speeds lower during routine driving.
Engine and NVH Refinements
The 2.5-liter engine gains increased block rigidity, a multi-hole direct fuel injector, straightened intake ports, a variable cooling system, and an electronically controlled variable-capacity oil pump. NVH measures include a microfiber sound-absorbing material in the intake box, a larger muffler, a flexible exhaust coupler, and Active Noise Control routed through the cabin speakers.
Lexus Interface, LSS+ 4.0, and In-Cabin Technology
Every 2026 ES includes a 14.0-inch central touchscreen with the latest Lexus Interface and a 12.3-inch driver Multi-Information Display. The system supports simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone pairing, integrated Drive Recorder, and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a wireless device charger are standard on the ES 350h.
Premium trims include a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System; Premium+ trims upgrade to a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson PurePlay surround system. Premium+ trims also add Digital Key 2.0, Advanced Park with Remote Park, and a Panoramic View Monitor.
Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 is standard on every 2026 ES. New or expanded features include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Intersection Turn Assist, an Eco-Run mode for adaptive cruise, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Premium+ trims add Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Rear Pedestrian Detection, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert as standard.
Trims, Pricing, and Availability
The ES 350h is offered in Premium and Premium+ trims, each available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Pricing, including the $1,395 destination fee, is as follows:
- ES 350h Premium: $49,700
- ES 350h Premium AWD: $51,100
- ES 350h Premium+: $54,500
- ES 350h Premium+ AWD: $55,900
For reference, the ES 350e Premium starts at $48,895, and the ES 500e Premium AWD starts at $51,895. Production of all 2026 ES variants takes place at Toyota Motor Kyushu in Japan. Lexus expects the ES 350h to arrive in U.S. dealerships in June 2026.
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