We lucked out by getting the new ES 250 AWD right as a winter storm dumped 6-9" of snow on the ground. Did Lexus make a mistake by removing the silky smooth V6 from the ES 350 to finally give us an AWD Lexus ES?

Toyota’s 2.5 4 cylinder doesn’t belong in a Lexus especially at 52k USD that’s just ridiculous imo

I think you might be missing the point with your review of this car. When it is driven in the way it was meant to be driven, it remains very quiet. You shouldn't be gunning the engine, especially in a snowstorm, and it is sufficiently powerful to merge onto freeways and start cruising. A Lexus is built to a higher standard than a Toyota, with more sound deadening materials and better paint. For someone who lives in the Midwest or Northeast or Canada and wants a beautiful, comfortable, reliable car that will last almost forever, the 4 cylinder AWD makes a lot of sense

Take a drink every time Sofyan says “which is nice”. Lol

What luck to get this snow! This is the exact reason why this AWD ES exists... Still wish they would have made an eAWD for the es 300h

The fact he ain't shivering doing this review is amazing.

Cant believe they put a 4 cylinder In this car..

Incredible fuel economy. 34 highway on a large heavy sedan with awd used to be unheard of.

Proud of Lexus. Toyota knows how to make vehicles that will last a long time. They are still into building a quality product. This 2.5L is going to last longer than the turbocharged 4 cylinders. Yes, For more power, get the NA 6 cylinder. But some people want an all wheel drive 4 cylinder. Lexus did not cut corners by using a NA 4 cylinder. They’re catering to their customers who want a long lasting sedan. Not everyone wants to switch out their cars every 3-5 years. Some people want 1 car that would last 10-20 or more years. This will last.

I've owned three Camry's and recently test drove a Lexus ES250 and there is a BIG difference between the two vehicles. The majority of people commenting in this chat about how underpowered the Lexus 250 is have never driven one, but you should because it isn't bad. The car isn't meant to be fast, and it is by far more comfortable than a Camry. If you drive the car how it is intended to be driven, you won't hear much road noise. I appreciate the time and effort reviewers put into their reviews but keep in mind their opinion is subjective. However, keep in mind the test vehicle in this clip is ES250 F-Sport with 19inch wheels. The larger wheels and tuned suspension are, of course, going to affect the ride.

That thing is gorgeous idc about the power

*I was genuinely impressed by the interior of this car, not crazy flashy, but looks comfortable and refined.*

As a former upstate NY'r, do NOT miss the cold, snow & ice ... FL sunshine is much preferred ... Well done vid Sofyan ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

Thank you for commenting on the powertrain. I had a 2018 Camry with the same engine...and honestly, I don't even think it's appropriate for the Toyota name. It's loud, buzzy, and drones like you said. Even Toyota is known for quiet and smooth in their 4 Cyl, and this motor doesn't accomplish that for both Toyota AND Lexus. I hope they make updates soon!

I’m glad you pointed this out, the under power is why I’m waiting to buy

honestly if i was going for a 4-cyl i’d go Camry all day long. Cheaper, and it’s not like the ES250 is a lot nicer. Plus you can still get AWD on base Camry

Lmao at all the negative comments. They made this car for me, single mom of 1 looking to purchase my first Lexus. At first I was set on the Nx 300 but being in my early 30’s not ready for an suv but I was looking at it because of all the features Im looking for. Will purchase this vehicle next year!

It’s a beautiful vehicle... Fast enough for me. You don’t need an Indy car to have a great vehicle.

Totally agree. Lexus skimped out. There’s no reason they couldn’t couple AWD with the six. It would still sell well.

This Lexus ES250 AWD is hidden gem. Yes, it is underpowered but for most people driving this to work and picking up groceries and the kids is actually enough. It is very comfortable and will be very reliable and cheap to maintain in the long run. The V6 is great but wait until it hits 60,000 miles and it needs a brand new spark plugs and coils, the labour cost is gonna get you. Plus that V6 is quick but guzzles gas. the 2.5 A25-FKS engine is fuel efficient especially if you drive a lot. This is a great car in 2024. This car is like a family piano, you buy it, maintain it and 20 years later it is still there. Weathered but functional.

We need the ES350 AWD.

0:43 im also expecting to get 6 to 9 inches tonight

perfect grandpa cruiser.

Love the interior and exterior styling. 😎

Save $20K and get an AWD Camry. Probably the reason that they use the 2.5 is because it's built on the same assembly line as the Avalon and the drive train is "right there"! 😁👌

8.6s.... that's hilarious Send us your customers Lexus. #TeamGenesis

I think you nail it. Lexus should put AWD in the V6 model. Too much torque steer on the V6. If they want to lower the sticker price and offer a smaller engine as the entry model of ES, it is fine. However, don't cheap out on a 4 cylinder. They need to overhaul their marketing department. 4 cylinder and Ultra Luxury package? They should offer 4 cylinder model with lower trim offering and V6 to start with Luxury trim. AWD should be made standard on V6 model.

Confused, not sure how they delivered the car yesterday before the snow and a week worth of testing is done in one day, how ya average the gas mileage? btw great vid.

This AWD package seems perfectly fine to me, especially for a common Lexus. The ES is built to be a comfortable executive cruiser so I don't understand why "auto journalists" think every luxury vehicle should be overly powerful, sporty and harsh riding.

More expensive and has the same engine as the Camry. Regardless, these will still sell because it's Lexus. I'd go V6 all day!

Very underpowered!

I think your review is spot on and just the way I see it. I would not bother with the AWD in the ES with that 4 cylinder in it. For me I will just keep my Acura MDX with torque vectoring.

Can we pause and talk about those sculpted interior door handles for a second it’s beautiful

I can agreed with this. Why would i get a 2.5 4cyl engine in a lexus with awd capability. When i can go get a camry for less the price. They should have at least made this v6 or v8 awd

Waiting for u to review the 2022 Stinger!

A GREAT COMMENT FROM : @SnacKing - "Proud of Lexus. Toyota knows how to make vehicles that will last a long time. They are still into building a quality product. This 2.5L is going to last longer than the turbocharged 4 cylinders. Yes, For more power, get the NA 6 cylinder. But some people want an all wheel drive 4 cylinder. Lexus did not cut corners by using a NA 4 cylinder. They’re catering to their customers who want a long lasting sedan. Not everyone wants to switch out their cars every 3-5 years. Some people want 1 car that would last 10-20 or more years. This will last..."

What an embarrassment! The original ES250 had a very legendary engine, praised by critics for its smoothness, a 2.5 litre 24 valve V6 developed with Yamaha for the Camry in its inaugural V6 Camry in 1988. It wasn’t particularly quick but it was exceptionally smooth.

Well, people will miss this drone sound after few years when there will be electric vehicles everywhere.

Why do people hate the infotainment setup? The system and the trackpad is a breeze to use and very relaxing once you know it. Like any other vehicle and it’s layout, it takes a few days to get used to. This will illuminate nasty fingerprints all over your screen! I think people hate it because they are trained to hate it/tell themselves they need to hate it. I think if they actually had an open mind and found the positives and drove around with it for longer than a day, they would love it.

They had the opportunity to charge more over the avalon awd if they had used the v6...

I don't know why Sofyan is surprised about the pricing or power of this car. The ES is just a fancy Avalon, and as such, I love it! I'd pay the 5 grand premium because it's so much nicer than the Avalon. It's not competition for the Germans or Genesis. But a great car at a reasonable price, imo.

52 grand. I’ll stop there again

“the guy’s stuck in the snow…. haha” that’s perfect

Well, I respect your opinion, but I actually own that car. I’ve had hot rods and sports cars. Truthfully, I like the car and the defects you cite, are not dealbreakers for some of us. No turbo, port and direct injection, and I am happy after coming from a German turbo vehicle. Not the most objective review.

Only 200 HP in a heavy sedan? What a joke Lexus, should have paired the AWD with the 3.5 V6.

Lexus has some balls by putting their Camry engine on this “luxury sedan”. 🤦‍♂️.

Woah I realized at 2:59 that the snow added an inverse image of that "L" design on the headlight. It looked like an refresh upgrade and sick design....the headlights look like they have white mascara or white eye lashes...Give it a try Lexus!

Lexus wtf, this powertrain is horrible. Just put the awd on the v6 smh why is that so hard

Take a drink every time the word nice is used.

Rebadged Toyota Camry at double price Joe Biden: hold my fart

Today we're gonna get 6-9 inches, i laughed so hard !

F Sport all show for this ES250 for sure. Reminds me of the old IS250 all show and slow and it was a V6 instead of an I4 the ES250 has. Glad they ditched that for the IS300 at least.

I drove this motor on the 2021 Camry and it was LOUD, and not in a good way. I agree this engine does not belong in a Lexus. I wish they would offer the 3.5L V6 with AWD. It shouldn't be difficult considering the RX have the same engine with AWD. And since they cancelled the GS (which is RWD based with optional AWD), it's mind mind boggling why they wouldn't offer the ES350 with AWD.

Lexus would still make sales on this

If you don't care about acceleration but need the AWD for winter conditions and good gas milage with regular gas, plus Lexus reliability, seems like an ok choice.

Feel nice to see the red car turned turn in snow, round round. Can’t believe it with 4 cylinder engine.

Great review as always.

Lexus as a brand is in desperate need of a refresh. their cars at not competitive right now.

Can you do a Elantra N line vs Jetta GLI comparison in the future?

Very good move on lexus and don't why you . wanna go fast on snow condition. The car is perfect

I like Lexus. But this car is complete joke for its price, it should not exist like this... I'd get camry with awd + 4 cylinders or v6, or even avalon. And the performance is way underpowered

Lexus should have given it the e-awd, strange that they didn't

Me causally waiting for next week to get a Bugatti Chiron for $3,700,000 and they’re all in my investment on crypto...

I’d rather go with the ES 350, and slap on some good winter tires. This, with that weak ass 4-cylinder is not it. Sounds so economy grade

9 seconds to 60 in a luxury sedan.. weak , I want my v6!

Thanks to the snow now we know what you'll look like when you turn gray some day 🤣.

It's nice to see this car under rating in the snow. The cabin size seems to fit the taste of maintaining comfort ride in wary surroundings.

1st comment! It's been long while for the ES model.

Uphill in Snow: Great demonstration in the snow, thank you! A true rarity. We live in a hilly neighborhood - one slope is about 50 feet in length at a 7% grade to get up and out of our lakeshore drive access street. Do you think this vehicle would traverse uphill with all season tires reliably with a 6" snowfall (the county plows come well after their coffee time - which is well beyond the time we have to leave for work)?

Finally someone tested it out in actual snow. TFL could of but decided to just drive it around their office complex. I'm debating on if its worth the extra cash vs csmry or avalon.

50k for an extra loaded Camry with a better looking (subjective) front end and somewhat nicer interior? Thanks but no thanks, lol. Once you're willing to spend that sort of scratch it unlocks some very tasty options in the 3 year just old off lease vehicle world. Very tasty options...none of which is an underpowered Camry masquerading as a Lexus.

Great car but criminally underpowered

The ES350 Ultra Luxury trim level is available with a panoramic moonroof.

I cannot stand camry's and avalon's interior and this is definitely nice! Will be getting on this week!

This is probably the only recent Lexus design that I don’t absolutely despise.

8.6s to 0-60, those are some blistering, serious numbers to be reckoned with. If you're in a 1997 Toyota Previa.

Just putting the V6 in this would make a winner. 0-60 in 8.6s for $50k? What a travesty.

Awd on snow is straight line traction only. Be careful.

Yawn, boring! No V6, no turbo, so where’s the sport?

my 2019 camry V6 has hood struts 🤔

200 hp... A joke I tell u

If they threw in the 2.0t from the nx and still made it awd, I think it would be better. I think they should figure out how to make a v6 awd version though.

Reason why Lexus didnt use the 3.5V6 is beacuse its going to be droped from production and the 2.5 i4 Turbo will replace the V6. Lexus is working on a Toyota Crown Lexus version in the sedan lineup replacing the GS350 spot.

Is there a big difference between the 2019 and 2021?? I’ve been looking and they all seem close to the same until you get to the 2022 version.

why lexus doesn’t offer V6 AWD? As a luxury car, decent power is a must.

Finally us Acura TSX customer can go for Lexus Yayya 4 cylinder

Its been a long time since lexus brought back the ES 250 AWD

Dangerously slow and buzzy 4 cylinder engine. What happened to Lexus?

"It's one of the slowest new luxury cars you can buy today." Then to the conclusion 😂

I love lexus i own a 2002 Lexus GS300 Legendary Z engine

My mom is about to pick up a nice used 2021 one of these. I think it’s a great car but I think it’s a lazy lazy move by Lexus Toyota… they discontinued the GS which was Lexus’s true competitor to an A6, E class and 5 series. They did it because it wasn’t selling enough, not because it was a bad car. They didn’t want to R&D the next gen GS when it was selling low numbers. So they then realized that they no longer had an offering for a mid size all wheel drive car. So rather than developing an ES350 AWD which would be a perfect option in the new sedan fleet, giving Lexus owners an option to buy a powerful midsize sedan. But here, all they did was directly port over the AWD system that they offer in the new Camry 🤦🏽‍♂️ which for certain consumers, they may not mind the less power and higher fuel economy. However, I still don’t think it’s acceptable to offer a brand new midsize luxury sedan with 204 horsepower… it looks and feels like a Lexus in every way, except when you put your foot down. All in all, a sufficient offering for a middle aged person that wants a comfortable ride to get from A to B, but definitely not a fun drive. As an 8 year owner of an ES 350, I can say that even though that car wasn’t designed for spirited driving either, it’s still more than enough power to have a little fun

LEXUS 👌🏻 TOP LUXURY CARS

Dad had a Camry and also Sonata with 4 cyl. They both had enough power. The turbo option is nonsense and you should know better. A naturally aspirated 6cyl hybrid makes sense, however.

Not too sound like the opposite of a "get off my lawn" type - which this car surely is meant for, but this car is too damn slow for the price. The AWD should be standard at no increase in price for the V6 - which is already a 50k Camry. I like the styling and the concept - but I find this level of compromise a bit rude.

Beautiful sedan with class leading interior. The addition of AWD makes this a even more solid purchase but definitely needs more power.

imagine making AWD such a big deal that you shove a horrendously slow and underpowered engine underneath it to keep your profit margins on your best selling car... very bad move.

Why in the hell does toyota ALWAyS make their customers have to sacrifice something for something......why is it if a customer want an AWD ES, they have to settle for a lackluster 4cyl in their over $45k luxury sedan. Same crap they(toyota) did with the Avalon

They could have used the torque vectoring AWD from the rav4 in the Es. That would be very unique.

No Pano sun roof on 250. It is indeed an option on the 350.

Lexus should bring back GS line to U.S