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2018 Lexus ES

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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: 4-speed automatic
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: 2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 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 2018 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 44 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 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), 47% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 ES — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 ES →

Trims, performance & features

Engine268 hp3.5L 6-cyl

Engine156 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid

Transmission4-speed automatic

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

350300h

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringOptional

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Parking assistOptional

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamStandard

Keyless startStandard

Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky · Miyawaka, Fukuoka

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2018 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	+47%	$1,700	223
ES 350	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S6)	Front-Wheel Drive	21 / 30 / 24	-12%	$2,800	366

9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

9/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $3,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

27.2 MPG2018 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lexus ES.

Similar 2018 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2018 Lexus ES (this car)	40 MPG	Not rated	2
2018 BMW 5 Series	30 MPG	Not rated	0
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class	25 MPG	★★★★★	0
2018 Lexus IS	26 MPG	Not rated	1
2018 Audi A4	31 MPG	Not rated	4
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class	30 MPG	Not rated	0
2018 Tesla Model 3	310 mi	★★★★★	19

Recalls (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

15Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

3Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

4Injuries reported

9,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Unknown Or Other4

Vehicle Speed Control2

Engine2

Structure › Body2

Air Bags2

Seat Belts2

Service Brakes1

Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe1

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Lexus ES buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,000 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 2018 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
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
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 →