Which 2019 Lexus ES Is Best For You: ES 350, F Sport, or Hybrid? [Video]

The 2019 Lexus ES has been redesigned atop an all-new platform to deliver a sharper driving experience.

When the Lexus brand first emerged into the luxury sedan world in 1989, parent company Toyota brought to models. First was the LS, Lexus’ flagship sedan that sought to improve the European formula. In developing the first LS, the company took aim at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Slotted below that was the mid-size ES sedan, which competed against smaller offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Now in its seventh generation, Lexus redesigned the ES for the 2019 model year. The ES 350 and 300h hybrid trim levels remain in the new generation. However, this year also sees Lexus’ addition of the F Sport package to the ES. So, which is best? In today’s TFLcar video, TFL’s Roman Mica reviews each model in the range.

2019 Lexus ES F Sport
2019 Lexus ES F Sport. [Photo: Lexus]

ES 350 and 350 F Sport: Same engine, more power

The 2019 Lexus ES 350 and sharper F Sport model share the same powertrain. In this case, it’s a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine – the same size as the outgoing model. However, Lexus has bumped up the power in the new version. Instead of 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, the 2019 model makes 302 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed through the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The F Sport trim level adds Adaptive Variable Suspension to the mix, as well as aesthetic changes over the standard ES 350. It also adds a “Sport+” option to the selectable drive modes. Sport+ tightens up the throttle response and suspension to create the sharpest driving experience Lexus engineers could manage. As a potential downside, the 2019 Lexus ES F Sport also adds engine sound enhancement.

2019 Lexus ES 300h
2019 Lexus ES 300h [Photo: Lexus]

ES 300h Hybrid: 44 MPG

Moving in a different direction from the ES 350 and F Sport trims, the new ES 300h Hybrid doesn’t have a V6 engine. In fact, it has a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. It’s a similar setup to that found in the Toyota Camry, and produces 215 horsepower. Instead of the eight-speed transmission, ES 300h models also come equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) instead.

The 2019 Lexus ES improves upon the 2018 model’s fuel economy in hybrid form, managing a combined 44 mpg. That’s a 10-percent improvement over the previous generation, which managed 40 mpg combined.

Despite the differences in powertrains, how does the 2019 Lexus ES stack up? Watch the video above to find out! Stay tuned to TFLcar and TFLnow for more news, views, and mid-size luxury sedan reviews. Check out the video below for more on the all-new Lexus ES!