2009 Lexus ES

The 2009 Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan that seats five people. It’s an ideal choice for drivers who want an upscale car that’s easy to drive and coddles its occupants with a plush and roomy cabin.

The ES 350 is a handsome and solid-performing – albeit conservative – midsize luxury car with a comfortable and refined interior, complemented by sophisticated road manners that skew toward comfort more than sportiness. Based on the Toyota Camry, it’s powered by a smooth 272-horsepower V6 engine that pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). As with the other cars in Lexus’ line, it has both plenty of standard features and a long list of options.

Lexus ES Changes for 2009

• No major changes.

Where the ES Sits in the 2009 Lexus Lineup

The ES is Lexus’ conservative midsize sedan, and it’s joined in the 2009 passenger car line by the compact IS and midsize GS sports sedans, the SC convertible, and the flagship LS.

2009 Lexus ES vs. the Competition

European entries in the midsize luxury class tend to emphasize aggressive operation, but other upscale sedans continue to prioritize a smooth ride and easygoing handling, including these four-door models:

• Buick LaCrosse: The definition of smooth, with a V6 and available all-wheel drive (AWD).

• Hyundai Genesis: Better-than-average upscale sedan with engaging driving dynamics.

• Volvo S60: Suave Scandinavian entry with a turbo engine and many luxury systems.

What’s the Best 2009 Lexus ES Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value?

The 2009 Lexus ES comes in a single trim, ES 350, that comes standard with amenities that include wood dashboard trim, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an audio system with a six-disc CD changer.

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Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The 2009 Lexus ES earned a decent EPA rating of 22 mpg combined city/highway.

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Best Trim for Trunk Space

The 2009 Lexus ES can accommodate up to 14.7 cubic feet of cargo in its trunk.

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Top-of-the-Line Trim

On top of its already impressive list of standard features, the 2009 Lexus ES can further be fitted with options that include adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision feature, heated and ventilated front seats, park assist, a power rear sunshade, and a premium Mark Levinson stereo.

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Should I Buy an Older Lexus ES Instead?

The Lexus ES was last given a full redesign for the 2007 model year and would run through 2012 with only nominal changes until its next big makeover. A well-maintained older ES can be a bargain choice from a used-car lot, but make sure to have any used model you’re considering inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying and run a title search to see if it’s been wrecked or salvaged and re-titled.

You can find a used Lexus ES with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the ES from other model years