2026 Lexus ES vs. 2025 Lexus ES: What Changed in Lexus’s Luxury Sedan?
Luxury sedan shoppers want to know what’s new, what’s different, and what’s worth upgrading when a new model arrives. With the debut of the 2026 Lexus ES, drivers across Duluth and greater Atlanta are asking how it stacks up against the outgoing 2025 model.
What’s new with the 2026 Lexus ES vs. the 2025 Lexus ES? The 2026 redesign replaces the V6 with a stronger hybrid, adds all-electric models, expands interior space, debuts a 14-inch display, and introduces Lexus Safety System+ 4.0— making it more advanced and future-ready than the 2025 version.
As a trusted Lexus dealership serving Duluth, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and Atlanta, we provide fact-based insights from Lexus and leading automotive experts so you can shop with confidence. You’ll see exactly where the ES has evolved and how the new model fits your lifestyle.
Let’s explore the key differences, standout features, and buying considerations between the 2026 and 2025 Lexus ES to help you decide which version best matches your needs.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Lexus ES vs. 2025 Lexus ES
- Electrification defines the 2026 ES. Traditional gas engines are gone; shoppers now choose between a more powerful hybrid and two all-electric ES variants.
- Technology and safety take a leap forward. The 2026 ES brings a 14-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, wireless smartphone integration, and Lexus Safety System+ 4.0.
- Design and dimensions are new. With a longer wheelbase, fresh styling, and available Executive rear-seat luxury, the 2026 ES offers more space and sophistication than the 2025 model.
Overview: The Lexus ES Legacy
The Lexus ES has long defined accessible luxury, combining a serene ride, high-end craftsmanship, and long-term value. Since its debut, it has earned a reputation as a quiet, comfort-first sedan that makes premium features attainable without the steep price tag of European rivals.
Over the years, the ES has consistently attracted buyers who value refinement, reliability, and everyday usability in a luxury package. Whether chosen as a hybrid or traditional gas-powered model, the ES has delivered a smooth drive and a cabin designed for relaxation.
The arrival of the 2026 Lexus ES marks a turning point, taking this legacy into the electrified era. By offering hybrid and all-electric versions for the first time, Lexus strengthens the ES’s role as a forward-looking choice for drivers in Duluth and the surrounding Atlanta area.
More than just a redesign, the 2026 ES represents the next step in a lineage that blends timeless Lexus comfort with modern innovation, ensuring the model remains a strong contender in the luxury sedan segment.
| Category | 2025 Lexus ES | 2026 Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Three options: ES 250 (2.5L I4 AWD), ES 350 (3.5L V6 FWD), ES 300h (hybrid, 215 hp) | Hybrid only (ES 350h, ~244 hp) + two all-electric models (ES 350e FWD, ES 500e AWD, up to 338 hp) |
| Performance | V6 provides 302 hp; hybrid prioritizes fuel efficiency | Electric ES 500e becomes quickest ES ever (0–60 in ~5.9 sec); hybrid gains more power |
| Technology | 8" or optional 12.3" display; wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | 14" touchscreen, 12.3" digital gauges, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, advanced voice assistant |
| Safety | Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 standard | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 debuts with enhanced driver assistance |
| Design | Smooth, understated lines; traditional spindle grille | Sharper, more angular body; extended wheelbase; fastback silhouette; new lighting signatures |
| Interior | Premium cabin, quiet ride; optional semi-aniline leather | Larger cabin; ambient lighting; 3D bamboo layering trim; Executive rear-seat package with recline, ottoman, massage |
| Trim Levels | ES 250, ES 350, ES 300h; Luxury, Ultra Luxury, F SPORT | ES 350h hybrid trims + EV (ES 350e/500e); Luxury, Ultra Luxury, possible F SPORT package |
| Market Positioning | Affordable luxury alternative; gas or hybrid | Future-ready sedan with electrification choices and higher-end features |
The 2025 ES was all about choice: three engines, multiple trims, and Lexus’s hallmark comfort at a competitive price. The 2026 ES shifts that focus to innovation and electrification, replacing the V6 with a more capable hybrid, adding pure EV models, and upgrading tech and safety to segment-leading levels.
For Duluth and Atlanta-area drivers, the latest ES represents a clear step forward, offering more space, more technology, and more future-ready options than ever before.
2025 Lexus ES Highlights
For its final year in the seventh generation, the 2025 Lexus ES stayed true to its identity: quiet, refined, and value-packed. While the powertrains and trims were familiar, the appeal came from how well the ES balanced everyday usability with luxury appointments.
- Proven powertrains: Shoppers had confidence in the long-standing V6 and hybrid setups, both known for durability and refinement.
- Value retention: Even late in its lifecycle, the 2025 ES undercut rivals like the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series by thousands, without sacrificing comfort.
- Luxury without excess: The interior leaned into serenity and craftsmanship, avoiding the tech overload that can overwhelm buyers.
- Special editions: The Black Line package added exclusivity, signaling Lexus’s effort to keep the ES visually fresh in a competitive market.
For Duluth-area shoppers, the 2025 ES served as the “classic Lexus sedan experience”— one that emphasized comfort and reliability over cutting-edge innovation.
2026 Lexus ES Redesign and Upgrades
With the 2026 Lexus ES, Lexus didn’t just update its midsize sedan—it redefined it. By introducing a more powerful hybrid and all-electric variants, the brand signals a clear commitment to electrification while raising the ES’s premium credentials.
- Electrification as identity: The ES is now a showcase for Lexus’s hybrid and EV strategy, appealing to both traditional luxury buyers and early EV adopters.
- Space as luxury: A longer wheelbase and larger cabin shift the ES closer to flagship-sedan proportions, elevating comfort for both driver and passengers.
- Technology leap: The move to a 14-inch touchscreen and fully digital gauges positions the ES as future-ready, eliminating the dated feel of earlier generations.
- Raising the bar: Features like the Executive Package with reclining rear seats push the ES into a new class of sophistication—territory it hadn’t occupied before.
- Design confidence: Sharper lines and a fastback profile give the ES a bold, modern presence, moving it away from the “understated” look of its predecessor.
For Duluth and Atlanta drivers, the 2026 ES stands out as a forward-looking luxury sedan— not just refreshed, but reimagined for a new era.
The contrast between the two models is striking. The 2025 ES reflects Lexus at its most traditional: proven engines, timeless comfort, and reliable value. The 2026 ES, by contrast, signals Lexus’s intent to lead with innovation, blending electrification, technology, and elevated luxury. For shoppers, the choice comes down to whether they value the familiar strength of the outgoing model or the future-ready upgrades of the redesign.
Which Lexus ES Is Right for Duluth Drivers?
Choosing between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Lexus ES comes down to priorities. Both deliver the comfort and craftsmanship Duluth drivers expect from Lexus, but they cater to different needs and timelines.
Key considerations for Duluth and Atlanta-area shoppers:
- Value now vs. innovation later: The 2025 ES remains appealing for shoppers who want proven technology, traditional V6 power, and competitive pricing. The 2026 ES appeals to buyers who want the latest hybrid and EV options, plus advanced safety and infotainment.
- Driving habits matter: Long-distance commuters may lean toward the fuel-sipping 2025 hybrid, while early EV adopters in Johns Creek or Atlanta’s urban core may prefer the all-electric ES 350e or 500e.
- Luxury expectations: For Lawrenceville and Grayson shoppers, the 2025 ES already offered serene comfort, but the 2026 ES pushes further with features like ambient lighting, digital displays, and an Executive rear-seat package.
- Resale and future-proofing: The 2026 ES is likely to hold stronger appeal over the next decade thanks to electrification and upgraded tech, making it a smarter long-term play for Flowery Branch and Auburn buyers planning to keep their vehicle.
Ultimately, the 2025 ES rewards tradition, delivering the kind of quiet refinement Lexus has always been known for, while the 2026 ES redefines the segment, giving Duluth drivers a chance to experience Lexus luxury in its most advanced form yet.
Whether you’re drawn to the familiar strengths of the outgoing model or the innovation of the redesigned sedan, Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett offers both paths to Lexus ownership.
FAQs: 2026 Lexus ES vs. 2025 Lexus ES
Shopping for a luxury sedan often comes with questions, especially when a brand-new redesign hits the market. Here are the answers to the most common concerns drivers around Duluth and the greater Atlanta area ask about the Lexus ES.
What are the main differences between the 2026 Lexus ES and 2025 Lexus ES?
Does the 2026 Lexus ES still offer a V6 engine like the 2025 model?
How much larger is the 2026 Lexus ES compared to the 2025 model?
Which Lexus ES offers better fuel economy: 2025 or 2026?
What new technology does the 2026 Lexus ES have over the 2025 version?
Is the 2026 Lexus ES available at Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett in Duluth, GA?
Which Lexus ES should I choose for driving in the Atlanta area?
A Final Word on the 2026 Lexus ES vs. 2025 Lexus ES
The 2025 ES remains a smart buy for Duluth and Atlanta drivers who want established performance, serene comfort, and strong overall value. The 2026 ES, meanwhile, pushes forward with electrified powertrains, advanced safety systems, and expanded luxury features that set a new benchmark for its class. For buyers in Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, or Flowery Branch, this choice isn’t just about a model year— it’s about whether you prefer Lexus’s time-tested approach or a future-ready redesign built for the decade ahead.
At Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, we’re proud to serve drivers across Duluth, Auburn, Grayson, and the greater Atlanta area with a full selection of new and pre-owned Lexus vehicles. Our team is here to guide you through trims, features, and financing so you can choose the ES that fits your needs perfectly.
Ready to experience the difference firsthand? Visit us at 3383 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096, or call us at 678-801-8614 to schedule your test drive today. From the classic comfort of the 2025 ES to the electrified innovation of the 2026 ES, your next luxury sedan is waiting at Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett.
