Lexus ES 350 F Sport (2021) Review

Let's dive into the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport, a car that blends luxury with a dash of sporty flair. If you're looking for a comfortable, reliable, and stylish sedan, the ES 350 F Sport might just be your perfect match. This isn't just your average car review; we're going to break down everything that makes this car tick, from its performance and interior to its tech and overall value.

Exterior Design: Sleek and Sporty

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport makes a statement with its bold and distinctive exterior design. The F Sport trim adds a more aggressive touch to the already elegant ES 350. At the front, you'll notice the signature Lexus spindle grille, which is larger and more pronounced in the F Sport version. This gives the car a confident and assertive presence on the road. The grille features a unique mesh pattern that sets it apart from other ES models.

Flanking the grille are sleek LED headlights that incorporate the Lexus L-shaped daytime running lights. These headlights not only look stylish but also provide excellent illumination, enhancing visibility during nighttime driving. The front bumper is also unique to the F Sport, with larger air intakes and a more aerodynamic design. These elements contribute to the car's sporty aesthetic and improve airflow.

Moving to the side, the ES 350 F Sport boasts a coupe-like silhouette with a sloping roofline that adds to its dynamic appearance. The F Sport model comes with exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels that further enhance its sporty stance. These wheels feature a dark finish and a multi-spoke design that complements the car's overall look. The side mirrors are heated and feature integrated turn signals, adding to both convenience and safety.

At the rear, the ES 350 F Sport features LED taillights that wrap around the corners of the car, creating a seamless and modern look. The rear spoiler, unique to the F Sport, adds a touch of sportiness while also improving aerodynamics. The rear bumper is also designed to be more aggressive, with integrated exhaust outlets that add to the car's performance-oriented appearance. Overall, the exterior design of the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is a perfect blend of elegance and sportiness, making it a standout in its class.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport, you're greeted with a cabin that's both luxurious and technologically advanced. The interior is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers. The F Sport trim adds unique touches that enhance the sporty feel of the cabin.

The seats in the ES 350 F Sport are designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even on long drives. They're upholstered in high-quality NuLuxe synthetic leather with enhanced bolsters to hold you in place during spirited driving. The front seats are power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. They're also heated and ventilated, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather.

The dashboard features a clean and modern design, with a large 12.3-inch infotainment display taking center stage. This display is crisp and clear, providing easy access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The infotainment system can be controlled using a touchpad located on the center console. While some users find the touchpad a bit finicky, it does offer a unique way to interact with the system.

The ES 350 F Sport comes standard with a premium audio system that delivers excellent sound quality. You can also upgrade to a Mark Levinson sound system for an even more immersive listening experience. The car also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps.

Other notable interior features include a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light, a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield, and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. The ES 350 F Sport also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The interior of the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is a comfortable, luxurious, and technologically advanced space that makes every drive a pleasure.

Performance and Handling: A Sporty Drive

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a satisfying blend of power and refinement. This engine produces 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for both city driving and highway cruising.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently. The F Sport model also comes with paddle shifters, allowing you to take control of the gears and enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine, providing quick and responsive shifts.

The ES 350 F Sport features a sport-tuned suspension that enhances its handling capabilities. The suspension is firmer than the standard ES 350, providing better control and reduced body roll in corners. This makes the F Sport more fun to drive on twisty roads, while still maintaining a comfortable ride on the highway.

The steering in the ES 350 F Sport is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback from the road. This allows you to confidently place the car where you want it, whether you're navigating tight city streets or carving through mountain passes. The brakes are also strong and responsive, providing plenty of stopping power when you need it.

While the ES 350 F Sport is not a true sports car, it does offer a more engaging driving experience than the standard ES 350. The sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and responsive engine make it a fun car to drive, while still providing the comfort and refinement that Lexus is known for. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport are well-balanced, making it a great choice for drivers who want a sporty sedan that's also comfortable and practical.

Fuel Efficiency: Decent for its Class

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport offers decent gas mileage for its class. The EPA estimates that the ES 350 F Sport gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 25 mpg. These numbers are competitive with other V6-powered sedans in its segment.

During real-world driving, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. However, you can expect to get close to the EPA estimates if you drive conservatively. The ES 350 F Sport also comes with several features that help to improve fuel efficiency, such as an ECO mode that optimizes the engine and transmission for maximum efficiency.

The ES 350 F Sport has a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, which gives it a decent range. You can expect to drive around 400 miles on a full tank of gas, depending on your driving conditions. While the ES 350 F Sport is not the most fuel-efficient sedan on the market, it does offer a good balance of performance and fuel economy. If fuel efficiency is a top priority for you, you may want to consider the ES 300h hybrid model, which offers significantly better gas mileage.

Overall Value: A Smart Choice

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport offers excellent overall value for the money. It combines luxury, performance, and reliability in a stylish and well-equipped package. While it may not be the cheapest sedan in its class, it offers a lot of features and amenities for the price. The ES 350 F Sport is a smart choice for drivers who want a comfortable, sporty, and reliable sedan that will last for years to come.