2009 Lexus ES 350: Road Test
2009 Lexus ES 350 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $34,470 -
- Invoice: $31,253 -
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Lexus ES
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
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.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
ES 350 scoots from a stop with satisfying strength. In Consumer Guide testing, an ES 350 did 0-60 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
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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. Lexus recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
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
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7.2 |
ES 350 has competent front-drive behavior. But the ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the cornering poise of its sportier rivals. The steering filters out most road feel. Brake performance is good, though the pedal feels mushy in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
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
| 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
| 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)
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
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)
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
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
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6.5 |
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. If that's what you're looking for in a premium car, put this Best Buy at the top of your list.
Total Score
| Base w/Premium Plus | Base w/Ultra Luxury | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 72 | 69.2 |
Total Score: 73
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
