2021 Lexus ES Hybrid

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

This comfortable and refined sedan has a quiet, plush interior that's well-put-together. The four-cylinder ES hybrid returns an impressive 42 mpg. The V6 version is mated to an eight-speed automatic, and the combination has prompt throttle response and a linear power delivery. The V6 attained 25 mpg overall. The four-cylinder non-hybrid ES 250 comes standard with all-wheel drive. The ES absorbs bumps very well, and the body stays composed. Handling is sound and secure but not sporty. The cabin is quiet and luxurious, and the front seats are very comfortable. A recent freshening brought an easier-to-use touchscreen. Standard active safety systems include FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection. BSW and RCTW became standard beginning in 2022. All 2023 models got an updated infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.