DecodedCars2017 Lexus ES
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 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
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- 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 — 49% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 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 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 41 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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), 49% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 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 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 ES — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 ES →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky · Miyawaka, Fukuoka
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2017 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 | +49% | $1,700 | 223 |
| ES 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -11% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Lexus ES.
Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lexus ES (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | Not rated | 16 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Jun 29, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V415000 · 1,761 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017 Lexus ES350 vehicles. The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.
- Risk
- If the lock nut loosens, the tie rod may separate causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lock nut and, if it is found loose, replace the lock nut, steering gear assembly, and tie rod assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is HLC.
Not every 2017 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Lexus ES buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,900 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 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 →