The 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid is an Endangered Species | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #530

This week, we're talking all about the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid. We share our first impressions of this perennial CR favorite, discuss how it stacks up against its all-new EV twin, the Lexus ES 500e, and debate whether the 2026 redesign offers enough improvements over older, popular (and reliable) models from Toyota/Lexus. We also answer questions about the risks of buying a redesigned car in its first production year and about how child seat technology, seat belts, and driving habits have changed over the last 60 years. SHOW NOTES: 0:10 - Intro 0:25 - 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid, Overview 1:30 - Pricing 1:55 - First Impressions 7:13 - Hybrid system quirks 11:20 - Driving & Interior characteristics 16:00 - Infotainment system 19:05 - Beeps & safety systems 22:26 - Lexus ES 350 Hybrid vs. Toyota Avalon 34:02 - Question #1: Is it safe to buy a vehicle in the first year of production? 42:02 - Question #2 (video): How have cars become safer for child passengers when you compare data from the 1960’s to today? LINKS: Review: The Redesigned Lexus ES Hybrid Is in Its Soft Era: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lexus-es-hybrid-review-a1014364803/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2026 Lexus ES EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 Toyota Crown: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 BMW X3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x3/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT