Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A Lexus First and Redefining an IconFor years, the Lexus ES has existed in a predictable space. Nobody bought it because it was remotely exciting. It was never the sportiest midsize luxury sedan, never the flashiest, and certainly never the one you'd buy to impress your neighbors, unless they lived in the same retirement community. The ES proved to be the sensible near-luxury sedan buy for Lexus shoppers. Behind the RX and the NX, it was Lexus' third best-selling vehicle and the most popular sedan. The ES is a model that's been thriving largely in the background... until now.For 2026, Lexus has done something bold: it's reinvented the ES without throwing away the formula that made it the brand's most successful sedan. It doesn't mimic any design from its past. There isn't a whiff of design similarity, except for the fact that it's a three-box design with four doors and a Lexus badge. On top of that, the brand decided to create a hybrid and EV variants for the same model, a first for Lexus.AdvertisementAdvertisementI had the opportunity to test drive one, courtesy of a Lexus press event showcasing both the hybrid and electric variants. After spending time with the new 2026 Lexus ES 350h, it's clear this isn't just a mild refresh. It's a major change that doesn't ignore the ES's past.Exterior Design Finally Has PresenceLet's get this out of the way: the old ES wasn't exactly noticeable. It was, essentially, a fancified Toyota Camry. It was handsome enough, but it didn't make any real attempts at boldness. This new one doesn't copy anything. The 2026 model adopts an ultra-modern and much sharper design language that feels like a natural progression for Lexus after its best-selling RX SUV and RZ EV. The spindle grille, once oversized and controversial, has been integrated more smoothly into the front fascia and hood. It's less of a grille shape and more of a theme now. The headlights are parked underneath the stacked twin L-shaped DRLs and turn signals that point in opposite directions.ToyotaIn profile view, the front end resembles the RX, the body sides are flatter, and the character line runs from the tip, along the top edge of the character line, rising up over the rear haunches to the tail. All of this change gives the ES a stronger road presence. No one will accuse the new ES of being beautiful, but it makes a strong style statement that pushes the model into new territory. It is not evolutionary but revolutionary, and it could prove to be polarizing. I would encourage potential buyers of premium, efficient sedans to see it in person before judging. The new styling of the ES really does redefine the model but doesn't sacrifice comfort, rather dials it up a notch.The Cabin Is a Massive Step ForwardThe interior does a lot to push the ES into new territory without giving up what the ES is know for: comfort. The outgoing model already excelled in comfort, but the new interior feels like it belongs in a segment above, and there are some very original ideas executed in here. Shapes are simpler, much of the visual clutter is gone, and surfaces are cleaner. Material quality is exceptional, with soft-touch surfaces nearly everywhere.LexusAdvertisementAdvertisementA large central touchscreen dominates the dash, but climate controls remain partially physical—a smart move. The infotainment is quicker, cleaner, and far less frustrating than older Lexus systems. There are two menus, one vertical on the left for main functions and a horizontal one in the upper right corner for other media-related selections. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the optional Mark Levinson premium audio system remains one of the best in the class.ToyotaOne of the most unique details in the cabin is the hoodless and floating gauge cluster is surrounded by a suede housing/bezel that looks and feels wonderful. I've never seen anything like it, and kudos to Lexus for trying something different that still fits in with the Lexus ethos of simple luxury. The instrument cluster is visible even in the brightest of sunlight, and all the relevant data is present and very legible.Thinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.The Hybrid Powertrain Makes the Most SenseUnder the hood, the ES 350h pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Lexus' latest hybrid system. The combined 244-hp output (29 more than last year) won't set your hair on fire, but that's not the goal. The system feels smoother and quieter than before, with more seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. Around town, the electric motor does more of the work than you might expect, and the refinement has been improved. It's not as quick as the electric ES 500e or even the less powerful ES 350e (also electric), but the 0-60 sprint occurs in the mid-seven second range, quicker than the old ES 300h's 8.0 second time.This is where Lexus' decades of hybrid experience show. The throttle response is predictable, and while the CVT still won't satisfy enthusiasts, it's well-calibrated for the car and less noticeable under load. There's less droning under acceleration, and the engine doesn't feel strained unless you're pushing hard. In everyday driving, the ES 350h feels familiar but better. Smoothness, not speed, is the order of the day. It doesn't encourage aggressive inputs and knows how to stay in its lane of comfort and refinement. And in return, you get fuel economy rewards numbering 46 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 44 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.It's Still About Comfort FirstAdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're expecting the ES to suddenly become a BMW 5 Series rival in handling, you're looking at the wrong car. The 2026 ES remains comfort-focused, and that's a good thing. Ride quality is excellent—arguably class-leading. It absorbs pavement irregularities with ease, but it doesn't feel totally isolated from the road. The ES 350h's body control is tighter than previous generations. Seating is superb. Front seats are well-cushioned and properly bolstered for a car of this genre. The back seats are similarly excellent with enough legroom for six-plus footers.Steering remains light, but it's more precise than the previous generation. You won't call it engaging, but it no longer feels disconnected. More importantly, the cabin quietness is phenomenal. Road noise is nearly nonexistent. Wind noise is minimal even at highway speeds. Combined with the hybrid system's quietness, the ES creates an environment that feels relaxing. Lexus has managed to preserve the reasons why customers flock to the ES. It's smooth, comfortable, quiet, and relaxing.The VerdictThe proven ES formula remains, but it's all done in a fresh and bold way that's unlike any ES before it. The ES 350h doubles down on what made the ES successful while modernizing nearly everything around it. The new ES feels fresher, more premium, and more competitive without abandoning its core identity. That takes some doing. It will take time to see how ES loyalists will receive it. My guess is that it will be a hit.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.