DecodedCars2013 Lexus ES
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 350 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 275 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 — 58% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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), 58% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 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 55 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions: 1.6 in longer, wheelbase +1.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 40
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 ES →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2013 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 | +58% | $1,700 | 224 |
| ES 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 24 | -5% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Lexus ES.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Lexus ES (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (1)
Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking · Nov 3, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V728000 · 30,812 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
- Risk
- A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.
Not every 2013 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Lexus ES buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 7 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 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 2013 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 |
| 2016 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 2015 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →