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2009 Lexus ES 350 Road Test
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2009 Lexus ES 350 Review:
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Our road test for the 2009 Lexus ES 350 includes a full evaluation of the
2009 Lexus ES 350 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2009 Lexus ES 350, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2009 Lexus ES 350 help you decide if a 2009 Lexus ES 350 is right for
you.
2009 Lexus ES 350 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Steering feel |
| Quietness | Tight headroom for taller occupants |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
ES 350 scoots from a stop with satisfying strength. In Consumer Guide testing, an ES 350 reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The transmission changes gears smoothly, but it can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
ES 350 scoots from a stop with satisfying strength. In Consumer Guide testing, an ES 350 reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The transmission changes gears smoothly, but it can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 23.6-26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade gas.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 23.6-26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
ES 350 excels for cushioned comfort but trails rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching is noted at high speeds.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
ES 350 excels for cushioned comfort but trails rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching is noted at high speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
ES 350 has competent front-drive behavior. But the ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the sporty cornering poise of the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, or Infiniti G35. The steering filters out most road feel. Brake performance is good, though the pedal feels mushy in simulated panic stops.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.9 |
ES 350 has competent front-drive behavior. But the ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the sporty cornering poise of the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, or Infiniti G35. The steering filters out most road feel. Brake performance is good, though the pedal feels mushy in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Among class leaders, with excellent isolation from road and wind noise. The V6 suffers from minor vibration at idle but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Among class leaders, with excellent isolation from road and wind noise. The V6 suffers from minor vibration at idle but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.
Controls
The large gauges are clearly marked. The steering wheel spoke hides the windshield wiper stalk, and the rain-sensing wiper function is frustratingly inconsistent. The navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The large gauges are clearly marked. The steering wheel spoke hides the windshield wiper stalk, and the rain-sensing wiper function is frustratingly inconsistent. The navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization.
Details
Though dull looking to some testers, wood trim, padded surfaces, and grained panels combine to create an upscale, if not quite opulent, cabin environment.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Though dull looking to some testers, wood trim, padded surfaces, and grained panels combine to create an upscale, if not quite opulent, cabin environment.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tall occupants will complain of too little headroom beneath the housing from the sunroof or panorama ceiling. Legroom is generous, though. The seats are nicely padded and contoured for set-and-forget support. Outward visibility is very good, enhanced by the convenience of the available rearview camera.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Tall occupants will complain of too little headroom beneath the housing from the sunroof or panorama ceiling. Legroom is generous, though. The seats are nicely padded and contoured for set-and-forget support. Outward visibility is very good, enhanced by the convenience of the available rearview camera.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Again, taller riders will want more headroom. Knees won't be cramped, though foot space is a tad tight beneath front seats. The cushion is comfortably shaped but is a little low to the floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to the soft padding and a nearly flat floorboard that makes the center position more comfortable than most competitors. The panorama roof enhances the airy cabin feel. Entry and exit are easy.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Again, taller riders will want more headroom. Knees won't be cramped, though foot space is a tad tight beneath front seats. The cushion is comfortably shaped but is a little low to the floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to the soft padding and a nearly flat floorboard that makes the center position more comfortable than most competitors. The panorama roof enhances the airy cabin feel. Entry and exit are easy.
Cargo Room
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on the otherwise roomy and usefully shaped trunk. Liftover is low, but the opening is cramped for loading bulky boxes. The rear seatback has a pass-through opening. Cabin storage is just adequate. The center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on the otherwise roomy and usefully shaped trunk. Liftover is low, but the opening is cramped for loading bulky boxes. The rear seatback has a pass-through opening. Cabin storage is just adequate. The center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.
Value within Class
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 2008 Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 6.1 |
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 2008 Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.
Total Score
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
| 73 | 72 | 66.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 66 | |
| High Score | 77 |
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Also in the 2009 Lexus ES 350 Review:
1.
2.
Lexus ES 350 Road Test
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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