You’re staring at that massive spindle grille. It’s jagged, dark, and looks like it wants to eat a section of the Autobahn for breakfast. This is the 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport, a car that basically suffers from a bit of an identity crisis, but in a way that actually works for most people. For years, the ES was the "grandpa car." It was soft. It was quiet. It was the automotive equivalent of a warm glass of milk and a beige cardigan. Then 2022 happened, and Lexus decided to lean even harder into this F Sport persona.
But here’s the thing.
If you buy this car thinking you’re getting a cut-price BMW M3, you’re going to be disappointed. Seriously. If you’re looking for a razor-sharp canyon carver, you're looking at the wrong badge. But if you want a daily driver that looks aggressive enough to turn heads at the valet stand while keeping your lower back perfectly massaged and your cabin silent? Well, that’s where this specific model starts to make a whole lot of sense.
The 2022 Refresh: What Actually Changed?
Lexus didn't just slap a badge on the trunk and call it a day. For the 2022 model year, the ES 350 received some much-needed surgery. The biggest win? The screen. Honestly, the old infotainment system was a nightmare. You had to use that weird, glitchy touchpad that felt like trying to operate a laptop while wearing oven mitts. In the 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport, they finally moved the screen closer to the driver—about 4.3 inches closer, to be exact—and made it a touchscreen. It sounds like a small thing. It’s not. It changes the entire usability of the interior.
They also messed with the chassis. Lexus engineers added new rear suspension member braces to increase torsional rigidity. They wanted the car to feel "linear." That’s engineer-speak for "it doesn't flop around as much when you hit a corner."
Then there’s the F Sport Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). If you find a 2022 model with this, you’re getting Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). This is the tech that actually bridges the gap between the soft ES legacy and the "Sport" badge. It adjusts the dampers based on how you're driving. In Eco or Normal mode, it’s a cloud. In Sport+ mode, it tightens up. It won't break your kidneys over a pothole, but you'll definitely feel the road more than you would in a standard ES.
The Engine: Old School Power in a Turbo World
Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V6. No turbos. No electrification (unless you opt for the 300h, but we’re talking about the 350 here). It produces 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
In a world where everything is moving toward small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinders, this V6 feels like a relic—but a glorious one. The power delivery is smooth. It doesn't have that sudden "whoosh" of a turbo; it just builds and builds. It sounds good, too. Lexus uses Active Noise Control to keep the cabin quiet, but they also use it to pump a bit of that V6 growl into the cabin when you’re pinning the throttle. It’s fake, yeah, but it sounds convincing.
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The 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission is... fine. It’s not a dual-clutch. It’s not lightning-fast. It’s designed for smoothness. If you try to use the paddle shifters to drive like a maniac, you’ll notice a slight delay. It’s the car gently reminding you that it’s still a Lexus.
Living With the Interior
Lexus interiors are basically a masterclass in "perceived quality." Everything you touch feels heavy, expensive, and well-vetted. The F Sport seats are different from the base model. They have more bolstering. They "hug" you. For some people, these seats might feel a bit tight in the ribs, but for most, they provide that secure feeling that makes you want to drive just a little bit faster.
The 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport comes with specific aluminum trim called Hadori. It’s inspired by traditional Japanese sword-polishing techniques. Does it make the car faster? No. Does it look cooler than standard wood grain? Absolutely. It gives the cabin a technical, modern vibe that matches the exterior's sharp angles.
Space is where this car absolutely destroys the competition. If you look at a Mercedes C-Class or an Audi A4, the back seats are cramped. The ES 350 is built on the TNGA-K platform (the same one under the Toyota Avalon), meaning the rear legroom is massive. You can fit three adults back there without them hating you by the end of the trip. It’s basically a limousine in disguise.
Safety and Tech: The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
The 2022 model saw an upgrade to Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This isn't just a marketing buzzword. It includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with better camera and radar range.
- Intersection Turn Assist (it stops you from turning left into an oncoming car).
- Emergency Steering Assist.
- All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The cruise control is particularly good. It doesn't "hunt" for the speed. It doesn't slam on the brakes when someone cuts you off; it gradually slows down, mimicking how a human actually drives. It makes highway commuting significantly less soul-crushing.
The Reality of the "Sport" Badge
Let’s be real for a second. The 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is front-wheel drive.
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That is the single biggest "limiting factor" for enthusiasts. Most true sport sedans—the ones people rave about—are rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Because the ES is FWD, if you really floor it from a standstill, you might feel a bit of torque steer. The nose might lift. The tires might chirp. It doesn't have that "pushed from behind" feel that a BMW 5 Series has.
But here’s the counter-argument: Who cares?
For 95% of driving—commuting to work, going to dinner, picking up kids—front-wheel drive is safer, more predictable, and provides better traction in the rain. Lexus knows their audience. They aren't trying to beat Porsche at the Nürburgring. They’re trying to give you a car that looks like a predator but behaves like a butler.
Pricing and Value in the Used Market
When it was new, the 2022 ES 350 F Sport started somewhere around $46,000. With the Dynamic Handling Package and some navigation upgrades, you were looking at $50,000+.
Now? You’re looking at a different story. Lexus vehicles hold their value incredibly well—often better than their German rivals—because people trust the reliability. A 2022 model is likely just coming off a lease or being traded in. You’re getting a car that likely still has some factory warranty left, or better yet, is sitting on a dealer lot as a "L/Certified" vehicle.
Maintenance is another huge win. Because it shares some DNA with Toyota, basic service (oil changes, brakes, filters) is significantly cheaper than what you’d pay at a BMW or Mercedes dealership. You aren't paying $400 for a simple oil change.
Common Gripes and Real-World Issues
No car is perfect. Even a Lexus.
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First, the trunk. While the cabin is huge, the rear seats don't fold down. There's a small pass-through for skis or long items, but you can't just drop the seats to fit a giant TV from Costco. It’s a structural thing—Lexus put bracing there to make the car quieter and stiffer.
Second, the fuel economy. The V6 is great, but it’s thirsty. You’re looking at about 22 mpg in the city and maybe 31 on the highway if you’re being gentle. If you have a heavy foot, that city number is going to drop into the teens. If gas prices are your main concern, the ES 300h (the hybrid) is the smarter play, though it loses that V6 punch.
Finally, the tires. The F Sport comes with 19-inch wheels. They look fantastic. However, the lower profile sidewall means you’ll feel sharp bumps more than you would on the 17 or 18-inch wheels found on the Luxury trim. It’s the price you pay for the "Sport" aesthetic.
Actionable Insights for Buyers
If you are currently hunting for a 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport, here is exactly what you need to do to ensure you get the right one:
1. Check for the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP).
Don't just look for the F Sport badge. Look at the drive mode dial. If it has "Sport+" as an option, it has the DHP and the Adaptive Variable Suspension. This is the version you want. It transforms the ride quality from "good" to "sophisticated."
2. Inspect the Front Splitter.
Because the F Sport sits a bit lower and has a more aggressive front apron, these cars are notorious for getting scraped on steep driveways or parking curbs. Get on your hands and knees and look under the front bumper. If it's shredded, use that to negotiate the price down.
3. Test the Infotainment System.
Ensure the touchscreen response is snappy. Some early 2022 builds had software glitches that required updates. Make sure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connects immediately when you plug in your phone.
4. Verify the Mark Levinson Audio.
If you find one with the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system, buy it. It is widely considered one of the best car audio systems in the world. The base Pioneer system is okay, but the Mark Levinson is a religious experience for audiophiles.
The 2022 Lexus ES 350 F Sport isn't a race car. It’s a high-style, high-comfort cruiser that happens to look like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. It’s for the person who wants the reliability of a Toyota but the "arrival" factor of a luxury brand. It’s a sensible choice wrapped in an emotional design.