Used 2021 Lexus ES for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Lexus ES cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

With 793 listings available, you have a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Lexus ES a good car?

Yes — the 4.86/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.33/10. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the 2021 Lexus ES for its luxurious feel, smooth ride, and fuel efficiency. Reviewers also highlight the value it offers compared with other options, and the model’s quiet, comfortable cabin fits buyers who want refinement over excitement. The trade-offs are familiar: some drivers want more power, and the technology can feel unintuitive. In practical terms, this is a strong fit if you want a relaxed luxury sedan with a roomy cabin and an easygoing personality. Good and great deals account for 39.5% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?

Owners rate it 4.86/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback repeatedly points to a reliable, dependable, and trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers saying they feel confident counting on the car over time. The expert evaluation also reinforces that impression by describing the ES as reliable and emphasizing its calm, comfortable character. Lexus also includes a first scheduled maintenance visit at no charge, which helps reduce early ownership costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right equipment and condition.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Lexus ES?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the cabin electronics, driver-assistance systems, and overall condition, since the car’s technology can be a weak point. Focus on how the car was maintained and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims are available, and the base trim misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you want the best mix of equipment and value, the higher trims are easier to recommend because they close important feature gaps.
• Powertrain: The ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The car is tuned for smoothness more than speed, and the available adaptive damping suspension adds Sport+ and Custom drive modes.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety System 2.0 is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all versions except the base trim.
• Infotainment: The standard display is 8 inches, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display is available. All trims include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services, while the larger screen adds dynamic navigation and Destination Assist.
• Fuel efficiency: The ES 350 is rated at 25 mpg combined, and the test loop returned 22.9 mpg.

Which 2021 Lexus ES trim should I buy?

The 2021 Lexus ES is offered in 4 trim levels: Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury.

Here's the short version:

• Standard: This is the entry point, but it leaves out blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It makes sense only if you’re focused on getting into the ES at the lowest possible price.
• F Sport: This is the best-value choice if you want the ES to feel more distinctive. It adds 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, a rear spoiler, F Sport instrumentation, and a black headliner, and it pairs especially well with the available adaptive damping suspension.
• Luxury: This is the trim to consider if you want a more upscale feel without chasing the top end. It should suit you if comfort and equipment matter more than sporty styling.
• Ultra Luxury: This is the most feature-rich choice and the one to target if you want the most complete ES experience. It’s the trim that best fits buyers who want maximum comfort and convenience.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all versions except the base trim.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Lexus ES?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 39.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 793 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,007, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Lexus ES's resale value?

The current average of $31,421 sits slightly below last year's $31,626.

That small decline suggests the market has been stable rather than volatile, which is helpful if you plan to sell later. A steady price pattern usually means you’re less likely to face a sharp drop in value over a short ownership period. The ES’s broad appeal as a comfort-focused luxury sedan should also help keep demand consistent among used buyers who want refinement and value.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.86/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Lexus ES safe?

The 2021 Lexus ES earns a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Lexus Safety System 2.0 is standard, and it includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all versions except the base trim. The main caveat is that the lane-centering system can feel intrusive at times, and the adaptive cruise can react more abruptly than you might expect in traffic.

Should I buy a 2021 Lexus ES or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 39.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds the new ES 250 series and broadens the lineup with more powertrain choice.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $29,729, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,421 average.
• It keeps the comfort-first formula while adding some in-cabin tech.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $34,942, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,421 average.
• It broadens powertrain choice with four-cylinder, V6, and hybrid options.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the best balance of price stability, strong owner satisfaction, and a broad trim lineup. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the 2020 is the smarter value play, while the 2022 makes sense only if you want to spend more for a newer model-year alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.