Makes›Lexus›ES›2020

2020 Lexus ES

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Class: Midsize Cars
Body styles: 300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 350 4dr Sedan
Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower: 176–301 hp
Transmission: CVT
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Seats: 5
Fuel: Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best): 44 combined · 43 city / 44 hwy
Length: 196.1 in
Curb weight: 3,649–3,704 lb
NHTSA rating: Not rated
Recalls: 3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 59% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 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 32 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 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 196 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,704 lb (300h Hybrid 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (43 city / 44 highway), 59% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,500 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 ES — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 ES →

Trims, performance & features

Engine301 hp3.5L 6-cyl

Engine176 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid

TransmissionCVT

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

350 Premium350 F Sport300h Premium300h Luxury350 Luxury

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringOptional

Rear cross-traffic alertOptional

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Parking assistOptional

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Adaptive driving beamStandard

Keyless startStandard

LED headlightsYes

Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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	196.1 in	73.6 in	57.1 in	113 in	63.8 / 63.8 in	3,704 lb	59/41
350 4dr Sedan	196.1 in	73.6 in	57.1 in	113 in	63.8 / 63.8 in	3,649 lb	60/40

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	43 / 44 / 44	+59%	$1,500	201
ES 350	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	Front-Wheel Drive	22 / 32 / 26	-6%	$2,600	346
ES 350 F Sport	3.5L 6-cyl	Automatic (S8)	Front-Wheel Drive	22 / 31 / 25	-9%	$2,700	352

9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

9/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

27.6 MPG2020 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus ES.

Similar 2020 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2020 Lexus ES (this car)	44 MPG	Not rated	3
2020 BMW 5 Series	28 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class	26 MPG	★★★★★	0
2020 Audi A4	30 MPG	Not rated	3
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class	28 MPG	Not rated	0
2020 Audi A6	27 MPG	★★★★★	9
2020 Lincoln Continental	21 MPG	★★★★★	2

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 6, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V064000 · 44,191 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Risk: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

24Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

6Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

8Injuries reported

30,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Air Bags11

Unknown Or Other5

Service Brakes4

Electrical System3

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control2

Vehicle Speed Control1

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking1

Seat Belts1

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Lexus ES buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 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 2020 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
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
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 →