The Lexus ES can tow a maximum load of 1000 lbs, but it is not made for towing and does not come with a hitch. It can not pull a camping trailer or much of anything.

Lexus ES Engine

The Lexus ES has a different engine for every trim:

• 2.5 L A25A-FKS I4: The engine used in the ES 250 is a Dual cam, four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i). The ES 250 can generate 203 hp at 6600 rpm and 182 lb-ft of torque at 4000-5000 rpm.

• 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6: The engine used for the ES 350 is a 24-valve, dual Overhead Camshaft, six-cylinder engine with VVT-iW intake and VVT-i exhaust. The ES 350 gives a power output of 302 hp at 6300 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque.

• 2.5 L A25A-FXS I4: The engine used for the ES 300h hybrid is similar to the engine used in the ES 250, except that it gives a combined power output of 215 horsepower.

Out of all the trims, the ES 350 would be the best one for towing as it has the highest power output.

Is It Recommended to Tow with the Lexus ES?

Without purchasing a towing hitch, which is sold at aftermarket shops, towing is not possible with the ES. The manufacturer has given a clear warning in the owner’s manual against towing because the ES was designed for luxury rather than towing.

As a result, the engine and transmission will be unable to handle the additional stress required to pull loads, resulting in transmission or engine failure. Towing should be avoided because the loads pulled by the vehicle might cause the vehicle’s frame to deform. Also worth mentioning is that the ES would be prone to overheating, especially when towing, due to the lack of a cooling system.

Therefore if towing is going to be done, the air-conditioning should be switched off. Since towing puts a lot of pressure on the vehicle’s load-bearing components, such as the engine, transmission, and brake pads, frequently towing with the ES would result in more frequent servicing.

Only when both wheels on either axle of the hauled load have brakes does this overall limit apply. The towing power of the ES would be greatly reduced if it were to tow an unbraked load; however, it is better to avoid towing unbraked trailers because towing unbraked loads puts additional pressure on the vehicle’s brake pads.

Introduced in 1989, the Lexus ES entered its Seventh generation in 2018. The ES stands for Executive Sedan; however, some Lexus importers use the name “Elegant Sedan”.

The ES has a front-wheel-drive system that can be upgraded to an all-wheel-drive.

Finally, when fitted with a towing hitch, the Lexus ES has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 lbs. Just because the vehicle can tow doesn’t mean we should, as the manufacturer explicitly states in the owner’s manual that towing is not the vehicle’s intended purpose. As a result, anyone insisting on towing with the ES does so at their own risk.