The 2019 Lexus ES 350 marked a significant redesign for the model, bringing with it updated safety features and structural enhancements. As a prospective buyer or current owner, understanding the safety performance of your vehicle is paramount. This article delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings for the 2019-2025 Lexus ES 350 models, providing a comprehensive overview of its safety strengths.
The Lexus ES 350 underwent rigorous testing by the IIHS, evaluating its performance in various crash scenarios and safety systems. The results offer valuable insights into how well this vehicle protects its occupants in the event of a collision. Below is a detailed breakdown of the IIHS ratings for the 2019 Lexus ES 350.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier, representing scenarios like hitting a tree or pole. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 performed exceptionally well in the driver-side small overlap test, achieving the highest rating of Good.
Evaluations covered key aspects such as the structural integrity of the vehicle, safety cage, and potential driver injuries. The Lexus ES 350 earned “Good” ratings across all driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. The driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated as “Good,” indicating effective occupant protection systems.
Technical measurements from both the IIHS and Toyota-conducted tests confirmed minimal occupant compartment intrusion. For instance, the lower hinge pillar maximum intrusion was only 1 cm in both tests, and footrest intrusion was minimal, ranging from 2 to 3 cm. These measurements demonstrate the robust structure of the Lexus ES 350 in this challenging crash scenario.
The data further indicated low injury risk for the driver. Head injury criteria (HIC-15) remained low, and there was no head contact with hard surfaces. Neck tension and bending moments were also within safe limits. Chest compression and femur forces were minimal, reinforcing the vehicle’s ability to protect the driver in a small overlap frontal crash.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses protection for the front passenger. Like the driver-side, the 2019 Lexus ES 350 achieved an overall Good rating in the passenger-side small overlap test.
The structural performance and safety cage integrity were again rated “Good.” Crucially, passenger injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot all received “Good” ratings. Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics also performed at a “Good” level. Interestingly, driver injury measures are also assessed in this test, and they too received “Good” ratings across the board, highlighting consistent safety performance for both front occupants.
Technical measurements revealed slightly more intrusion on the passenger side compared to the driver side, but still within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating. For example, lower hinge pillar intrusion was 4 cm, footrest intrusion was 8 cm, and right toepan intrusion was 12 cm. Despite these slightly higher intrusion measurements, the injury measures for both passenger and driver remained low, demonstrating effective occupant protection.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 again earned a Good overall rating in this test.
The structure and safety cage held up well, achieving a “Good” rating. Driver injury measures for head/neck, chest, and leg/foot (both left and right) were all rated “Good.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also received a “Good” rating, confirming consistent performance in frontal crash scenarios.
Technical measurements showed controlled occupant compartment intrusion. Footwell intrusion measurements were in the range of 4 to 9 cm, and instrument panel and steering column movement were minimal. These measurements indicate effective energy absorption and structural integrity in a moderate overlap frontal crash.
Driver injury measures remained low. Head injury criteria (HIC-15) was acceptable, and there was no head contact. Neck forces and chest compression were within safe parameters. Leg injury measures, including femur forces and tibia index, were also low, indicating a low risk of significant leg injuries in this type of crash.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side impact collision with another vehicle. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 demonstrated excellent side impact protection, earning a Good overall rating.
Structure and safety cage performance were rated “Good.” Driver injury measures for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg all achieved “Good” ratings. Driver head protection was also rated “Good,” indicating effective side airbag deployment and structural design to mitigate head injuries in side impacts. Rear passenger injury measures and head protection also received “Good” ratings, extending excellent safety performance to rear occupants.
Technical measurements showed minimal B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment, indicating a strong side structure. Driver injury measures were low across the board. Head injury criteria (HIC-15) was well within acceptable limits. Neck forces, shoulder deflection and forces, torso deflection, and pelvis forces were all low, demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the structural integrity of the roof in a rollover scenario. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 achieved a Good rating in roof strength.
With a curb weight of 3,657 lbs and a peak force of 21,051 lbs, the Lexus ES 350 achieved a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.76. This high ratio indicates that the roof is more than capable of withstanding forces significantly greater than the vehicle’s weight, providing robust protection in rollover accidents.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection in rear-end collisions is evaluated through head restraint and seat testing. The 2019 Lexus ES 350, equipped with power leatherette seats, earned a Good overall rating for head restraints and seats.
Both the dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good.” Technical measurements confirmed effective head restraint geometry with appropriate backset and height relative to the head. Seat design parameters passed the test criteria, and neck forces were minimal, indicating a low risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end impacts.
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime visibility and accident prevention. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 offers two different headlight variations. The trim levels equipped with the Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps package achieved a Good overall rating.
These LED projector headlights are curve-adaptive and feature high-beam assist. Low beam visibility was good on straightaways and right curves, and fair on left curves. High beam visibility was fair on straightaways and good on curves. The high-beam assist feature compensates for some limitations of the low beams.
The standard headlight variations on the 350, 350 F Sport, and 300h trims, which are also LED projectors but not curve-adaptive, received an Acceptable overall rating. While still performing adequately, they did not achieve the top “Good” rating due to limitations in visibility on curves, particularly left curves, with the low beams.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are essential for mitigating or avoiding frontal collisions. The 2019 Lexus ES 350, with its standard Lexus Safety System + 2.0 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
In both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests, the system successfully avoided collisions. While the system does not meet the requirements for forward collision warning, its automatic emergency braking capabilities are highly effective in preventing crashes at tested speeds.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection and prevention systems are increasingly important safety features. The 2019 Lexus ES 350’s standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection earned an Advanced rating for pedestrian front crash prevention (daytime).
In tests involving a crossing child, the system avoided collisions at both 12 mph and 25 mph. In adult crossing scenarios, the system reduced impact speed significantly in the 12 mph test and avoided a collision at 25 mph. In parallel adult scenarios, collisions were avoided at 25 mph, and impact speed was reduced in the 37 mph test. These results demonstrate a capable pedestrian front crash prevention system.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Ease of use of child seat anchors is important for ensuring proper child restraint installation. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 received a Good rating for child seat anchors (LATCH).
The vehicle has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. The LATCH hardware is easy to find and access, and requires minimal force to attach child seats, contributing to safe and convenient child seat installation.
Conclusion
The IIHS crash test results for the 2019-2025 Lexus ES 350 models unequivocally demonstrate its commitment to safety. Earning Good ratings in all crashworthiness evaluations, a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention, and an Advanced rating for pedestrian front crash prevention, the 2019 Lexus ES 350 stands out as a safe and reliable vehicle choice. Whether you prioritize occupant protection in various crash scenarios, advanced collision avoidance technologies, or ease of child seat installation, the 2019 Lexus ES 350 delivers exceptional safety performance, making it a top contender in its class for safety-conscious drivers and families.
