DecodedCars2016 Lexus ES
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 350 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 156–268 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 40 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,549–3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 268 hp, versus about 340 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus ES is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb (300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (40 city / 39 highway), 53% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 ES — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 ES →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka · Georgetown, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 ES configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 111 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,660 lb | 59/41 |
| 350 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 71.7 in | 57.1 in | 111 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,549 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 / 39 / 40 | +53% | $1,700 | 223 |
| ES 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | -8% | $2,800 | 363 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus ES.
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus ES (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Apr 7, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V198000 · 16,656 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Not every 2016 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus ES buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus ES. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ES years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ES | 46 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2024 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2023 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2022 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2021 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 35 |
| 2020 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2019 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 40 |
| 2018 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2017 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2015 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2014 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 39 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →