2022 Lexus ES350 Ultra Lux: A Closer Look

CAR FRONT

The Lexus ES350 is one of the better luxury cars sold today. For 2022 it gets a mild refresh with new wheels, headlights, grille, and some cabin modifications. But the rest of this vehicle has proven to be so good, there isn't much more to tamper with.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

CAR REAR

In the past, the ES350 models sold in the USA market were made in Japan. Now they are made in America at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. The factory standards are very strict, and the quality control of the ones made there are just as good as the Japanese cars. Lexus just built a plant to make these in India for the southern Asia market.

ENGINES

The engine is a proven 3.5 liter V-6. It is said to be the same used in the Toyota Camry, but horsepower is advertised from 301 to 302. The fuel economy is claimed to be 22 mpg city and 32 on the highway. It is hooked to an 8-speed transmission and front-wheel drive. This combo is quick, reaching 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds.

For those who want all-wheel drive for superior traction, it is available, but only in the ES250 model. This will be issued with a smaller 2.5 motor at 203 horsepower. The fuel economy is claimed to be 25/34 mpg. This combo is great on wet roads but is slower to 60 mph at about 8 seconds on a good day. Unless you need the extra traction, the ES350 is more practical.

HEADLIGHTS

With that large grille, we know this is a Lexus. There are some changes to the shape for 2022, but few will notice. The triple beam headlights seen here put out plenty of illumination, but cost a whopping $1,250 extra!

DRIVE MODE

Operating this knob provides three drive modes: NORMAL, SPORT, and ECO.

TOUCH PAD

Instead of the older stick control, the ES350 still uses the finger touchpad to operate the infotainment screen. It is easy to use when sitting still, but awkward when on the move. But for 2022 Lexus has provided an excellent solution seen in the next slide.

INFO SCREEN

Now, not only can the driver operate all these controls on the screen with the finger touchpad, they can bypass it, and touch the screen directly with their finger. Now with two choices, everyone can be happy, eating their cake and having it too. Also, there are two screen sizes to pick from, the base 8-inch, or this huge 12.3 wide version.

CAMERA

This wide info screen works great with the rearview camera system, providing great clarity, and wide view.

SHIFTER

The 8-speed gearbox is an old-fashioned stick type. This should make the traditional drive happy. No push-button gears for them.

PADDLE SHIFTER

Those who want to pick gears themselves will like these paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. This is a far better place than putting on the steering column like some Euro cars do, where they cannot be reached on corners.

POV

We took this car a long highway trip, getting 32 mpg to and 37 from, for an overall average of 34. Speeds never dropped less than 75 mph. This was done in total comfort, with a smooth ride, and little wind noise. This is a very well refined luxury car.

PRICE

This car is the upgraded ULTRA model, so comes with a lot of extras. Even so, there were options to pay for, bringing the tab from $49,980 to $54,850. But considering the quality and pleasant experience, this is a great buy in the luxury car market.

>>Join the conversation about the 2022 Lexus ES350 Ultra Lux right here at ClubLexus.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.