For a long time there was a special place in automotive culture for sporty cars.
While their role and influence have diminished, manufacturers still want them in line-ups because they often attract discerning customers passionate about cars looking for something unique or special.
For Lexus, the F Sport models have been given special design features such a metal-capped pedals, driver’s seats taking cues from racing seats, and more powerful engines. The suspensions also has been refined and beefed up to enhance the cars driving dynamics. F Sport models such as the 2022 Lexus ES F Sport also is equipped with driver-assistance and connectivity features.
The care and attention to detail Lexus has taken in equipping the ES F Sport serve to make it a fun drive even if it is not the most practical vehicle on market for anyone with family responsibilities.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2022 Lexus ES 250 F Sport has the low silhouette traditionally associated with sporty cars with two or four doors. Toyota’s stylists have stretched out the car’s profile with long overhangs in the front and rear and the long slope at the ES 250’s rear, which extends from the roofline and caps the cars low-slung profile.
The overall design is reinforced by the sleek light fixtures at the vehicles of the vehicles over the arched wheel wells and 19-inch wheels with a unique design. The exterior design of the ES 250 is amplified by the bold, and now easy to recognize hourglass-shaped Lexus grille, which also is home for the Lexus badge.
Interior
The cabin of the ES 250 F Sport is carefully laid out to put the controls within the reach of the driver. Lexus also has taken care with the driver’s seat, which has 10-way controls. The heated and ventilated driver’s seat also comes with bolsters to hold the driver in place on sharp curves. The advanced technology is neatly folded into the cabin, including a 12.3-inch screen for navigation and entertainment.
The overall view from the driver’s seat is excellent and augmented by the head up display. In addition, the back seat of the ES 250 has plenty space for any passengers thank to the longer wheelbase and the position of the seats, which are pushed to the rear of the cabin.
Powertrain
The 2022 Lexus ES 250 F Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also is equipped with drive modes and paddle shifters for the driver who wants to control the shifts. The version I drove also came with all-wheel drive. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports the ES 250 F Sport has a combined fuel economy rating of 28 mpg, including 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Technology
For 2022, Lexus has equipped the ES 250 F Sport with Lexus Safety system with pre-collision alert and pedestrian detection. It also has radar-based cruise control, lane tracing assistance, lane-departure alert and steering assistance and intelligent high beam with three settings and road sign detection as well as 10 airbags.
It is also equipped with a premium sound system, Bluetooth, 12.3-inch screen for navigation and entertainment, 10-inch Head-Up Display, USB ports, surround-sound audio system and voice recognition. It also has a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing windshield wipers both of which are underrated features as well as illuminated door sill.
Driving Impressions
The horsepower on the Lexus ES 250 F Sport is only 203 hp, leaving it at a disadvantage to competitors in the BMW 3 Series range. But the car is equipped with a F Sport Suspension, which gives it impressive driving dynamics, which, when coupled with the all-wheel drive, come into play on all kinds of road surfaces and under varied conditions. The on-road appeal is enhanced by the different drive modes and the model shifters, which are very responsive. The shifts are clean and timely.
2022 Lexus ES 250 F Sport AWD Specifications
| Dimension | L: 195.9 inches/W: 73.4 inches/H: 57.1 inches/Wheelbase: 1113 inches |
| Weight | 3,649 pounds |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; 8-speed automatic transmission |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg city/34 mpg hwy/28 mpg combined |
| Performance Specs | 202 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque |
| Price | Base price: $41,288; As tested: $53,965 plus $1,075 destination charge. |
| On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
The Lexus ES models compete in what used to be called the “near luxury” segment where prices used to start at $40,000. Moreover, any Lexus always makes a good impression, which is why they have always been popular in Southern California where the car you drive helps define social status. But the underwhelming horsepower in this version of the ES seems to hold it back. However, the car is very nicely equipped with pleasing features and the design touch in the interior separate it from competitors, and the competition also is getting thinner as one-time rivals turn to SUVs.
2022 Lexus ES 250 F Sport AWD — Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ES 250 drive?
The ES 250 is not sporty and fun-to-drive like a 3 Series, but it is competent and stable when going around turns. The steering is a little light and uncommunicative, but it’s nonetheless accurate. A smooth-shifting transmission and easy-to-control brakes are among the other highlights.
How comfortable is the ES 250?
Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive and are easy to get in and out of. The rear seats are just as comfortable if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.
How’s the storage?
You get a big trunk with the ES 250. Cargo space stands at 13.9 cubic feet, slightly more than most competitors offer. Unfortunately, you cannot fold the rear seats to increase space, and there is only a pass-through slot for long items.
