I work at a Lexus dealership and when they announced the ES 250 AWD on a conference call there were audible gasps and instant complaints from the dealers. First the UX is a snail. Then the IS is another refresh. The GX is a dinosaur. The flagship LX is not worthy of being a flagship. Now the ES AWD is a snail. Lexus needs to wake the F up.

This honestly doesn't disappoint me at all. Knowing Lexus, it'll still be a very refined and quiet experience. Plus, driving a 4 cylinder in the snow is better than a v6. The 3.5 v6 is just too heavy for the snow and is too difficult to control wheel slippage. I think this is actually a really good move on Lexus' part. The 4 cylinder will outlast the v6 and be cheaper to operate and maintain. Seems like a win-win-win-win to me.

I get that people think that it should be a V6 AWD. But the AWD system that toyota is using would require a major architecture redesign to be able to FIT the 3.5 and an AWD diff into their cars. I know they can figure it out, but 1, it takes time, 2, it takes lots of freaking money. 90% of AWD users don't need AWD and most who need AWD also need a larger, higher vehicle. Notice how the AWD system in the IS is a longitudinal layout, not transverse. This is the issue of taking a FWD architecture and trying to put AWD into it. I am convinced this is a stop gap, and soon the ES250 will have the same 2.5 in the RAV4 prime and the electric motors. This is the direction toyota is going, and they are easing their marketing into it while they work on the new architecture's to fit all of this in. Another issue is weight. The ES is already 4000lb, and putting awd will increase the weight and make most of the power meaningless, and reduce the effectiveness of AWD because weight is what will destabilize the vehicle in emergency scenarios. "But the germans". Yes the germans have better AWD. 1, because they have been developing it for decades and they don't need to invest half the company's money into developing an all new platform, and 2, their cars are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller, 3, they are longitudinal layout engines. They are also more expensive. The BASE 530i XDrive is 56k+. The ES AWD will be 46k. How can you even bother comparing this? Anyway, being mad about this is stupid, because it won't make sense if you don't understand fundamental mass scale engineering limitations.

I can forgive Toyota for putting AWD on their 4 cylinder models like the Camry or Avalon Because the Camry sells in high volumes But seriously Lexus. You’re not making a v6 AWD? Then what’s the point of even upgrading to the Lexus ES? SMH 🤦‍♂️ You’re making your customers buy SUVS to get a v6 AWD combo?

I agree with everything you said. It reminds meof Acura of few years back. Their team complained so much about how they are taking the back seat to Honda and how their product seemed to stalled. Few years later, now they seem to tealize this and pumping out new quality products.

First the death of the GS, then the lazy IS refresh, and now this lazy AWD implementation for the ES. Lexus, I've loved ya since buying my 2010 GS AWD and was thinking about buying something newer, but with everything that's been done over the last year... I'll just hold on to it for a while.

I would need a vastly more compelling reason to buy the ES over an Accord Sport much less a merc or bmw, getting rid of the GS instead of updating the 15 year old platform was a mistake

A couple more things: 1) This is a North American model only, just as the Camry/Avalon AWD is 2) The 250 only has a single exhaust, therefore ditches the cool dual exhaust bumper seen on the 350, and shares the hybrids rear bumper instead :( 3) You can find my Amazon page with my model ES here: amzn.to/2FHxzp3

Its really disappointing the Es should've had the V6 all wheel drive option, I don't get why they continue to drag there fleet.

What a wast of metals and plastic! I'm thinking the higher ups at Toyota had reached the conclusion that there wouldn't be any future for luxury or sport brands in the age of the electric car!. This is why they were trying for awhile to portray Lexus as a lifestyle brand rather than an automotive one hoping to capitalize on the branded Keychains and the caps market 😄 Hence the Lexus yacht, the carbon fiber bic and the Lexus themed lounges that pop up here and there from time to time. In my opinion, that didn't work for them. They are not Bentley. They don't have the history nor the credentials to pull this off. The LFA was not enough. They have little time to figure out what they want to be. The Koreans are hot on their heels

When the 203 horsepower is over 400 thousand miles and still running then talk...in line 4 is a great reliable engine and easy to work on...

It is really stupid to discontinue the GS and then not offer an AWD V6 in what looks to be the replacement. Very lame Lexus.... Especially for a luxury brand.

I want a good looking reliable luxury sedan with awd. This is exactly what I and every who are actually buying one need from Lexus. Stop complaining about horsepower. Seriously, nobody, literally nobody looking into buying a luxury sedan like the ES care about horsepower. The most important thing are ride quality and comfort and the ES deliver just that. American and their horsepower craving is just ridiculous.

Day by day Lexus seems more underwhelming

Your thoughts were exactly what I thought. Take the 243hp hybrid system and give it AWD. That would have been 💯 acceptable.

Lexus isn’t even trying to be the best anymore. The ES should have been a V6 AWD to differentiate itself from its Toyota cousins, but here we are. The Relentless Pursuit Of Perfection and Experience Amazing mean absolutely nothing. Lexus is joining Scion soon.

Lexus gotta step up there game

You are spot on saying that ground clearance is much more important for heavy snow driving than AWD is. AWD is way overrated for snow driving.

It may be a hit. We, car enthusiasts, may not like it, but a typical Lexus buyer may find it very appealing. They value reliability, comfort, safety and good MPG over power and handling;)

Kirk, I love your style and your honest informative reviews. As a Lexus owner I agree with everything you are saying here. I, too, am not an ES driver, but this new model doesn't seem to have a purpose. "Sunlight Green is a little too old person green for me..." LOL The LC 500 you quickly show is probably a younger person green. :o)

Agree with others that AWD should have been with the 300h and also introduced with ES300 (2.0t) and ES350 with AWD

Despite my huge love for Lexus I have to agree with everything here, this is just downright embarrassing, it's like they are not even trying anymore the only way I can recommend this to anyone is if they need the space and AWD and a sedan apart from that I would say get the new IS or an NX or even an RX, people always say the ES is just a rebadged Camry well this just proves their point couldn't they have used the hybrid system or the AWD system from the Highlander since it's basically the same engine, I know that AWD system is more rubost but they could have figured something out, I don't know what Lexus is thinking but they better pull their shit together for next year or else Genesis is coming for their neck. I know most people would never what kind of engine they have in their car but still it's just annoying to even think about, I thought they were gonna make the ES rwd and give us an ESF to replace the GS but know they give us this thing, I'm really disappointed, this is a big joke

They should just put Camry TRD edition engine in it. Bad move for Toyota’s premium brand.

Sold!!! I’m getting the TLX!! Thanx Kirk!

Shoud've added AWD for the V6 that would be good because right now if You just want AWD and a midsize sedan you could pick the way cheaper Camry AWD

The 1990s called, they want their ES 250 back.

Alhamdulillah. Just got hybrid es300h 2017. Ma sha Allah. What a car. Better than Mercedes e class. Takes reg gas, for 65 liters I get 1k kilometers. Which luxury can get you that. Beautiful suspension and quiet drive. I dont think we need all wheel drive. Rather good price hybrid. Look at my 2017 mileage. I am blown away.

When I saw this new, my reaction was exactly the same just like you on your thumbnail... seriously Lexus 🤦‍♂️ Anyway great content Kirk 👍

Some unsolicited advise, if I may Kirk. If I were you, I would not say negative comments such as not liking the video. There are already tons of people who do that, I would not help them. The vehicle reviewed and your review, are mutually exclusive. I like your reviews, your honestly, and great content Kirk. Love you too bro.

ES 250 $ 42,000 205 hp AWD Someone will still buy it 🤑

I understand this decision very well as a European. It is an important factor when buying a car to know that insurance is calculated according to horsepower. A basic model which does not have like 300HP is a strong buying argument for me. Unfortunately I don't like that feeling with hybrids while driving. Not to forget that I can never drive my car above 120kmh. More horsepower is simply not necessary. 4WD is a good addition for the mountains. I love Sedans, and i will always be driving them. I love your reviews!

But I wish if there was a performance version of the Lexus ES, like ES F, to compete Mercedes-Benz E class and BMW 5 Series Performance versions!!😥😞

Well for those of us who live in cold climates, anything with all wheel drive is a good move. The ES was always the boring sedan in the Lexus lineup, but now with the GS gone and the recent decline in popularity of sedans, hopefully they offer more variants. A sporty ES with the fuel economy of a hybrid would be nice!

I got all excited thinking the mini-6 was coming back. 😔

So sad is Toyota and Lexus now to me. I feel they have style but no substance, no oomph or get up and go. Watch out for Hyundai and Genesis taking the mantle.

You seem to forget the es is entry level.

Honestly Lexus should’ve just updated (completely) the GS and gave it the good qualities of an ES while keeping the GS as awesome as it was. Then got rid of the ES instead. I understand they’re consolidating the ES to Toyota platforms but.. they already have 2 rear drive sedans, keeping the GS would have made sense?

It’s now 2021 and I have been more than happy with my ES250 AWD - there’s literally nothing wrong with the vehicle - these aren’t performance cars nor are they meant to be driven like M5 comps - they are luxury cruisers meant to be smooth, quiet, soft and low emissions - I can’t stand how every one thinks lexus needs to be like subpar German brands that literally explode after 80k miles (BMW 4.4TT, ahem) - if you don’t own the car then stop the entitlement whining and buy that lexus that fits your needs. Most of the people here don’t even own an ES250 nor a Lexus even - everyone just wants a reason to bit** 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

Damn! It would have been great to see the ES350 in AWD, with adaptive suspension. 250?! WTF?! Keep up the great Lexus reporting & Vids!!! Even when the news is like this...

I looked at the ES Hybrid this morning. It has more HP than this car and gets an amazing 44 MPG combined. It doesn’t have enough power but you have to give up something to get that gas mileage.

9:58 "We're living in 2021 guys..." FINALLY!!!!! I'll take my vaccine now please.

I own a 2014 Lexus IS 250 AWD, I can honestly say it is not enough horsepower. At least Lexus should have stuck a 6 cylinder 3.0 liter in the new ES250 instead of the inline 4 turbo.

Sorry, I respectfully disagree. The new 4 cylinder is simply more engaging to drive than the 6. It is surreal to hear the exhaust growl when the accelerator is depressed on an ES. This addition to the lineup is a sleeper that will win you over with the first test drive. The gear ratio gives the 4 plenty of kick. I ‘ve owned both the hybrid and normally aspirated 6. I currently own the ES350. The 4 has Estimated MPG of 28! It’s more fun and just as luxurious as the rest. Drive it and see for yourself.

Acura is making a comeback while Lexus brand is dying. Genesis is overachiever now, what Lexus used to be 20+ years ago.

ABSOLUTELY dead-on balls accurate, Kirk!!!! I hope, by chance someone from Lexus HQ views this video! I was psyched when I saw the headline, then felt slapped in the face when I saw it was paired with the same 4 cylinder as the Camry and Avalon. WTH are you thinking, Lexus?? Wake up!! Lexus ES is a V6 model, which is one of the reasons why it's popular. Keep the V6 in it and pair it with the AWD system. #Lexus

Man since 1999 I've been driving Lexus ES n GS. 3 n 3. I have a Genisis G80. Had it 2 yrs now. Oh I was called Mr Lexus. My whole family was called the Lexus bunch. In 2018 I went to get another GS. Nope. My dealer since 99 told me the GS is gone. Dead. Wont be making anymore. He said look I'm gonna be honest. The Genisis brand is something you should look at. Man I looked at the big boat LS. Didn't like it. Waste of money for me. Son outta a college n all. Got money to waste. I got that G80 3.3 twin turbo V6 with 365 hp. It's a GS an then some. Meaning I've been in a Lexus to know what I'm talking about . Not bored with it. Freaking great car. Drives better than any Lexus I've ever had. My older sister has that LS. She said when her lease is done she is gonna get a Genisis. Man we love Lexus. They fell off a little. Forgetting about how they got to were they are today in my opinion. I really miss that customer satisfaction oh do I. They are member one in CS. Big time. It's like that's part of the reason people love them an yes the cars are most reliable. That is their stamp. If they had made another GS I still would have got it. They didn't. I see your passion it reminds me how I use to jus always represent Lexus to everyone. Got some of my buddy's whom were driving MB and BMW's to even go Lexus. They did. But now we have so many good cars out here. Now they all are like dude!!! This G80 is 🔥🔥. And now that New G80 that's coming? I'm in it next october..Lexus better step it up. That G70 is even very potent with 365 hp with all the toys. In my opinion once again it will surpass that ES. But don't get me wrong. It's just my opinion. I think Lexus is very over priced also. I've seen your video on the LS from how it all began with that first LS 400. But now? I am driving a G80. That should say it all. I'm sure other consumers out there I speak for them too. But your doing a great job breaking down the specs etc. Lexus is still a great great car to have. I jus wanted my new GS. My dealer of 20 yrs whispered to me go get that G80. Man I never looked back. 👍🏼Thanks for what ur doing.

‘“Devastated” is today’s word Kirk. You are devastated. Even if it rains a little, you are devastated. Different Lexus; “devastated “.

Toyota IS trying to kill off the 3.5 in it's Sedans and possibly it's SUVs. This is the proof. Thing is, who wants a NATURALLY ASPIRATED 4 CYLINDER LUXURY CAR? This car needs the V6 with AWD. All I can say is, I WOULDN'T have been attracted to my 2008 ES350 WITHOUT THAT SILKY SMOOTH V6. Lots of buyers will feel the same. Lexus is starting to slip, for sure.

I really appreciate your honesty Kirk about the ES 250, thanks!

here in Kazakhstan people mainly buy ES250 over 350, because its cheaper and taxes each year are smaller. Same with NX200 with 150 hp. And later it will be easier to sell these models with smaller engines

i sticking with fwd es 350

Welp like I said before, Genesis has moved in front of Lexus as my 2nd favorite auto brand. They are killing the game and are coming for other luxury brands heads and blood. They just slaughtered Lexus with the G80 and GV80. As an owner of a LS430 UL, Lexus has lost their damn minds with their brand.

Are you kidding me Finally they have 4 cylinder I can finally buy once it depreciate If I had money I would def buy one right now but I got a TLX 4 cylinder 2017 last year

Lexus is not doing enough. And I own a Lexus!!

That's Lexus for ya. Thanks for the upload Kirk. You keep us in the know.

They got rid of the GS model for ES 250? Fascinating.

I have a feeling that the next generation of Lexus will bring some excitement and cutting edge technology in the near future. It seems like all Lexus is doing is refreshing and offering simply class competitive vehicles in the interim.

I think they are giving you a better than normal package you just sacrifice blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic for a amazing package worth the money

Kirk. Let me get this straight. A ES 250 with AWD will cost me the same coin as a base ES 350. So for a $1400 (option on a Camry ) I would have to give up 100 hp (99hp to be exact)? Sounds like the deal of the century, sign me up! Kirk I’m with you on this one. The 2.5 awd makes sense in the Camry. Head scratcher in the Avalon. Just crazy in the ES.

I LOVE THAT YOU HAVE A UCF10 ON YOUR DESK, IM CURRENTLY RESTORING MINE 💞💞❤️

Lexus: LOOK AT ME!! LOOK AT ME!! WE got sharp body angles protrusion, folds, edges, check marks.

I hope this ES250 AWD would not be as short lived as the previous ES250 which was some 30 years ago. The previous ES250 was only around for a year before ES300 came out. Lexus has their own thinking. If ES250 AWD and ES350 AWD are both available, it would not be a shock when reading the news.

The RX needs a complete redesign as well. We own a 2017.. and was excited about 2020 but it wasn't completely new.. the competitors are coming for them rapidly.

Kirk, I thought the ES, starting in 2014, was based on the Avalon...not the Camry anymore.

I agree the hp is underwhelming, but as with Toyota, and Lexus time and time again surprise us with crazy sales numbers without super powerful or earth shattering 0-60 numbers. Hopefully with this new vehicle architecture the 200 or so hp will feel faster than it is.

With all that has been said... And with all that has been revealed.... I will be keeping my 2013 GS 350 AWD. Thank you.

Thank you so much this video really help me a lot. Well appreciated your comments.

Wow. I had no idea the Avalon AWD was going to be a 4-cylinder also. I don't get this move at all!

The only reason, according to marketing, the awd is available for the Camry/Avalon only in the 2.5 inline 4 was because it was what people wanted. Now I get it. It costs money to develop the awd for the 350 but for a luxury product, at least increase the power? AWD is a desired feature because of it's association with extra performance and handling prowess. Making it a sluggish version of the original on a luxury car just defeats the purpose.

Maybe some of us don't want/need the excess of 300HP, and are happy to see a relatively fuel efficient AWD option. Not sure I agree that an electric-assist AWD is a better option -- not in all use cases. From what I've heard, AWD offered by Hybrids (ie. upcoming Venza) are suitable to handle a bit of ice, but does not cut it in snow climates. I could be wrong - as I'm still doing my research!

Not completely with you on a few comments. The current Lexus lineup is Premium (base), Luxury, Ultra Luxury and F-sport so basically BSM is standard on anything but base trim. Also, the Prius "AWD" is not a real AWD, but more like an e-assist which is not enough to get out of it's own way. The RAV4 system is not bad and better than the crap they put in the Prius. Though, I agree with you, having AWD in the ES that is no different than the Avalon/Camry, it really needs to differentiate itself bring a Lexus and the cost they're asking for it. BTW, aren't the vast majority of buyers the elderly?

Lexus, you blew it! Oh well, just buy a Camry XLE with the 4-wheel drive and put the leftover money in your kid's college fund.

The reality is New car sales are down, and people are keeping their cars for a longer time. It is probably priced at lower price point for somebody who want a reliable car to get them buy. Used car are in such demand, and the prices are much higher. It is a good marketing strategy for those on budget. Luxury sales are down, bmw and Mercedes are taking a hit. Now Bmw has FWD 2 series that might be at good affordable price point, Lexus wants to steal these customer who want a AWD for this price point.

Is AWD really a dealbreaker for people? Just want to know why some people absolutely NEED it. I’m fine with FWDs tbh

Not sure what Lexus was thinking here with ES 250. The ES is a solid front wheel drive silky smooth wonder. I see some bigger picture problems with so many variations. We will have to see how Mazda, Subaru and Lexus fit with the larger Toyota brand. There seems too much overlap and redundancy in the line up of each one is trying performance and AWD. I don’t think there will be enough car buyers to support this many brands without some clear vision.

We need to Thanos snap the Lexus lineup. IS F, GS AWD, LS, RX, LX. Boom- done and simple.

I normally would never ask this question with a Lexus product, but I do have to ask-who is going to buy this? Who is the market for an underwhelming resurrection of a model from 30 years ago? I could see the original 250 selling well. That was novel for the time and the expectations for this brand weren’t as high then as they are today. Why wouldn’t you step up to the hybrid for more fuel economy and better power. That’s what most will do I’m certain. With a sad powertrain, AWD would be irrelevant for me in this case. This is truly the last Lexus product I’d even consider and I’m a lover of the brand. Message to Lexus: do better! Or you’ll go the way of Buick.

Great video Kirk, totally agree with you. Disappointed that the engine had to be sacrificed in order to get the all wheel drive. I’m a former ES 300 owner, my last two vehicles were in line fours. I’m in the market for a used ES sometime in the fall. I am growing tired of the moaning and growing four-cylinder engines that struggle to pick up speed and get out of traffic. Being from Wisconsin, I was considering an all-wheel-drive sedan but I’m really not willing to sacrifice that much horsepower. My old ES 300 Front Wheel Drive with VSC was pretty good on the snow so I think I may stick with the V-6.

Consider one of the the top selling Toyotas is the naturally aspirated 203 HP 4 cyl AWD Rav4. The ES250 is the same vehicle mechanically so that proves 203 HP is sufficient for most buyers.

I agree with you. There are just milking and buying time or wasting time. Give us what we want!! It's pathetic...this is why I am looking at the 2017 LS 460...luxury all-wheel drive with 300 plus horsepower.

I think they are holding out on the engine until the inline-6 they're co-developing with Mazda

This cars gorgeous. I don't mind Lexus putting in the camry's power train since it's only supposed to be a luxury cruiser and the 350 already has a V6 with lots of linear power and enough to break the speed limit.

I feel bad for Lexus. Their greatest factor is also their biggest flaw. Their cars are reliable which means they don't make enough money from repairs, which means they can't afford to build exciting cars that compete with European Luxury.

IS/Altezza, ES/Windom, GS/Aristo, HS/Sai, SC/Soarer, LS/Celsior, RX/Harrier, GX/ Landcruiser Prado.

"A slap in the face" is exactly right. Sounds like an ego thing to me that Lexus is considered a luxury brand. No matter how great a brand may become. Don't ever shortchange the loyal customers by "cutting corners" and still expect people to remain loyal. I don't think so.

Just saying that in the NA-midsize-awd-4cyl sedan market the ES250 awd gets the best mileage in its class compared to its Audi/Acura counterparts who I did a quick search on. This Lexus isn’t about power or mpg, it’s the rav 4 awd system that is much more reliable than its hybrid/v6/electric powered counterparts! This is for the grandma that doesn’t care about hp/displacement/mpg she just wants to get to A to B.

it about sales, Luxury sales are down. People are buying less luxury car, and more affordable cars. Our world markets are crashing. There are big changes coming to people and the economy. They are not going to by a luxury car when they 're out of a job, and have to pay enormous maintenance. Buying an affordable Lexus might be an option. This is why BMW and Mercedes are starting to affordable FWD cars and SUVs. Make sense.

Buying a sedan in a cold climate is a dumbass move yet everyone in my family seems to keep making that mistake. Hearing the snow scrape the bottom really grinds my gears

Kirk, I understand your frustration, I really do. But don't you think you are being too harsh and jumping to conclusions without having driven the car? The Camry AWD gets good reviews so maybe with the additional Lexus luxury touch, this setup won't be bad

This confirms what I always thought about ES buyers. Old retired teachers and accountants drive them. I do have to hand it to Lexus though....they know their core loyal customer very well and they will still line up at the salespeople counters. And it is a sizable percentage of the global population that we will continue to see these until natural causes reduces their demographic representation.

Love the sad music closing the episode, Kirk! My opinion is this move harkens back to the timid design changes and non-risk taking direction that Toyota used to be. Hopefully it's just really a small step into something bigger and ground shaking but its utterly confusing. I agree about the cost, this should be something in the upper $30k range at best.

We need not to forget that because this engine is 4 cylinder the es will be much ligther than 2.5 v6 version.... So basically it will be at the same power level like v6 just better fuel economy and better emissions..

200 hp sounds great. 😂 That 169 hp in my UX isn’t great. My loaner for for the day is an ES350, and the extra horsepower is amazing.

Great video and you couldn’t have expressed yourself any better. It’s sad. Very sad. Rename the title to “Welcome to the Lexus funeral. “

Toyota is notorious for this. They relay on brand name reliability and barely move the needle when in comes to innovation, driving dynamics, and design. Apparently, they really don't have to as people keep buying them even though they have to be the most boring cars around for the last 20 years. I can't wait to see the sales numbers just because they may just surprise us.

Genesis is about to be a reality check for Lexus

It’s actually base on the Avalon not Camry, I work at Toyota rn, Erine Palmer, Jacksonville Florida

I was disappointed that the Avalon's awd setup only had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine but to see it on a Lexus is like a punch in the stomach.

Lexus & Toyota make the best cars.

I live in Chicago and own a 2006 LS430. I just throw a set of snow tires on my baby and drive perfectly throughout the winter. I am not sure I fully understand the awd infatuation. I do not know all the specifics of the various awd vehicles on road today when it comes to drivetrain loss. My old 3000gt VR4 was more full time AWD which was great for 0-60, not much after that. Seems like the awd these days is more gimmicky i.e. 18-speakers in a car. Is an ES250 AWD on par with the AWD systems that come in the WRX/STI, Skyline, or Mitsu EVO-X.