2021 Lexus ES 250 is Officially a Snow Slayer

By S.J. Bryan - April 20, 2021

Yes, really. With all-wheel-drive and excellent traction, the 2021 Lexus ES 250 performs rain, snow or shine.

Now in its seventh-generation, the ES has been a cornerstone of the Lexus fleet. But lest anyone think the ES is just the same-old luxury sedan, Lexus turned up the heat for 2021 and revealed a wealth of new tricks. Mainly, the 2021 Lexus ES 250, now in all-wheel-drive, can handle beautifully in inclement weather. It may be a surprise given that the 2021 ES 250 AWD has less power under the hood. But when the rubber hits the road, the ES 250 has got it handled with grip, traction, and plenty of power sent to all four wheels.

This is the first all-wheel-drive offered for the ES. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the ES 250 produces 203 horses. Yes, unlike other FWD ES models, the AWD 250 has sacrificed the 302 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. That might seem a little, well, crazy. But there is a method to the madness.

Tyler Longmire of Out Motorsports recently put the 201 Lexus ES 250 F Sport to the test in the snow. As Tyler points out, the ES 250 shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon TRD and Camry TRD. Initially, Longmire is not sure if AWD is worth losing the V6. Let’s face it, we will need to see this in action.

“Rough Science”

One interesting aspect of the ’21 ES 250 AWD system how it distributes power to the rear as needed and saves fuel when disengaged.

“The AWD system in this case only sends power to the front wheels until it senses a slip,” Tyler explains. “Then, Lexus claims, it can do an even 50/50 torque split front to rear.” Thanks to 6 fresh inches of snow, he can put this to theory to a test on excellent proving grounds.

It really works. And it does so very well. The front tire spins first, then the rear kicks in without delay. “Maybe a quarter of a turn at most,” Longmire notes. When we see the footage again and in slower motion, it is clean and effective. “The speed at which both axles are spinning,” he notices. “The wheels are running at roughly the same pace.” While Longmire jokes that this test is “rough science” it is very effective.

Lexus just does ride quality right. And this AWD is certainly no exception. If the proof is in the pudding, then watching a luxury, four-door sedan drifting and romping in the snow is just tasty.

All-season tires give the ES 250 necessary grip and bumper clearance. Although, Longmire admits the car required a bit more momentum. Of course, that is true of driving in the snow period, but could be a comment on the I4 versus V6.

But Longmire gets some solid slides in, and it looks and drives responsively.

“As soon as the car realized I was going sideways and the front needed more grip; it sent it there,” he notes.

Overall, the 2021 Lexus ES 250 F Sport is a Lexus-caliber ride with added reliability and performance. Longmire gives a thorough review of the Lexus (covering all seasons) and it is well worth a watch.

Seeing the AWD employed in action is fantastic and informative. Will this be a ride for making powdered donuts? No. The 2021 Lexus ES 250 is still a luxury car with all the comforts. But this smooth-riding Lexus ES 250 definitely impresses with new chops.