2026 Lexus ES: Hybrid or EV For Your Commute in Ontario?

The 2026 Lexus ES gives you three electrified options - the ES 350h hybrid with standard AWD, the ES 350e battery electric with front-wheel drive, and the ES 500e AWD battery electric.

The ES 350h uses a 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder hybrid system with an integrated eAxle that pairs the power control unit and transaxle into a more compact, lightweight package.

The ES 350e produces 221 hp and is rated at up to 480 km of range, while the ES 500e AWD steps up to 338 hp and adds the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system that continuously adjusts torque distribution based on road conditions and driver inputs.

Powertrain Comparison

The ES 350h hybrid pairs its 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine with an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The hybrid system's integrated eAxle design reduces weight and vibration, which translates to a quieter cabin and smoother power delivery in stop-and-go traffic. The hybrid system recaptures energy during braking and uses it to assist acceleration.

The ES 350e battery electric uses a single eAxle powertrain with front-wheel drive and produces 221 hp. It is rated at up to 480 km of range, which covers most daily commutes in the Greater Toronto Area without needing to charge mid-week.

The ES 500e AWD uses dual eAxle motors (front and rear) to deliver 338 hp and adds the DIRECT4 system, which adjusts torque distribution continuously.

Both battery electric models sit on a redesigned GA-K platform with increased rigidity at the front, floor, and rear.

The stiffer structure reduces body flex and vibration, which sharpens steering response and makes acceleration and deceleration feel more controlled. A multi-link rear suspension replaces the previous setup, improving how the rear wheels track over uneven pavement.

Interior and Cargo Space

The ES cabin is larger than the previous generation - overall length increased by 165 mm and the wheelbase stretched by 80 mm. Front and side window frames sit lower, and the glass surface area increased, which creates an open, airy feel in the upper cabin.

The Executive VIP grade (available on the ES 350e Luxury model) adds heated and ventilated rear massage seats, triple-zone climate control, a two-way reclining rear seat on the driver's side, and a four-way power adjustable rear seat on the passenger side with an ottoman.

The rear armrest control panel includes two USB-C chargers, and a power rear sunshade blocks direct sun when you're stuck in traffic on the 401.

The trim introduces two new design elements. Bamboo layering uses 3D printing to recreate the depth and flow of natural bamboo, while synthetic leather embossing pairs sharp embossing with ambient lighting. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Audio system (available on Premium+ and Luxury grades) optimizes speaker placement for the ES's cabin dimensions.

The 14-inch touchscreen display runs the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system with Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect.

The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a native Voice Assistant. Native navigation and map functionality are integrated into the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Technology and Features

The ES debuts Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Bicycle Detection, and Motorcycle Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Automatic High Beam, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist with Active Support, Traffic Jam Assist, and a Driver Monitor Camera.

The Premium grade adds Front Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and responsive Parking Assist with auto braking. The Premium+ and Luxury grades add a head-up display, the Around View Monitor, Advanced Park system, and a digital rear view mirror.

The digital key with card key (available on Premium+ and Luxury grades) lets you unlock and start the vehicle without pulling the key fob from your pocket.

The panoramic glass roof is standard across all grades, and the power trunk with kick sensor (available on the Executive VIP grade) opens hands-free when you approach with the key.

Safety Comparison

All ES models include Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 as standard equipment. The system's Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Bicycle Detection, and Motorcycle Detection monitors the road ahead and can apply automatic braking if it detects a potential collision.

Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane on highways, while Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management adjusts speed based on the curve ahead.

Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking monitors oncoming traffic when you're turning left at an intersection and can apply braking if it detects a vehicle approaching. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist with Active Support helps you steer around an obstacle if automatic braking alone won't avoid a collision.

The ES includes driver and passenger front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. The Executive VIP grade adds a rear seat cushion airbag. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking is available on Premium and above.

Which ES Fits Your Ontario Commute?

If you're driving a pairing of highway and city routes, the ES 350h hybrid gives you the flexibility to run on electric power in stop-and-go traffic and switch smoothly to the gasoline engine on the highway.

If you have reliable charging at home or work and your daily commute stays within the Greater Toronto Area, the ES 350e battery electric covers most weekly driving on a single charge. The 480 km rated range handles the round trip from Ajax to downtown Toronto multiple times before you need to plug in.

If you want the performance of the dual-motor setup and the added traction of the DIRECT4 AWD system, the ES 500e AWD delivers 338 hp and adjusts torque distribution continuously based on road conditions.

Reserve your 2026 Lexus ES at Lexus of Lakeridge in Ajax.