2007 Lexus ES 350: Road Test
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2007 Lexus ES 350 ▼
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- MSRP: $33,170
- Invoice: $29,410
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Our road test for the 2007 Lexus ES 350 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Lexus ES 350 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Lexus ES 350, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Lexus ES 350 help you decide if a 2007 Lexus ES 350 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
V6 takes a moment to summon power, but then scoots away with satisfying strength. Test example did 6.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, but can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
ES models excel for cushioned comfort, but they trail European rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching noted at high speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.2 |
Competent front-drive behavior. But ride-biased suspension tuning precludes sporty cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Steering filters out most road feel. Good brake performance, though pedal mushy in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Among class leaders. Excellent isolation from road and wind. V6 suffers minor vibration at idle, but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Large gauges clearly marked. Steering wheel spoke hides windshield wiper stalk, and rain-sensing wiper function frustratingly inconsistent. Navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization. Wood trim, padded surfaces, grained panels add to upscale ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Tall occupants will complain of too little head clearance beneath housing from sunroof or panorama ceiling. Generous leg room. Seats nicely padded, contoured for set-and-forget support. Power tilt/telescope steering column replaces previous manual-tilt-only unit for finer tuning of driving position, though power-adjustable pedals no longer offered. Fine outward visibility enhanced by convenience of rearview camera.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Again, taller riders will want more head room. Plenty of knee clearance, through toe space a tad tight beneath front seats. Cushion comfortably shaped, but a little low to floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to soft padding, nearly flat floorboard that makes center position more comfortable than most. Panorama roof enhances airy cabin feel. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on otherwise roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Low liftover, but opening cramped for loading bulky boxes. Rear seatback has pass-through opening. Cabin storage just adequate. Center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6 |
Lexus paints its trimmer, tauter IS model as a performance luxury car. The bigger, more comfortable ES 350 is focused on coddling, which it does extremely well. That's what makes ES a Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.
Total Score
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | 67 | 62.1 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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