The 2026 Lexus ES now gets native route planning that will make road trips significantly easier for owners. It gets Toyota's new Arene software platform, and with that comes the vehicle's ability to automatically plan trips based on distance and suggest charging stops en route. That means owners themselves don't have to do mental gymnastics or rely on third party apps to figure out where and when to stop to charge.
The feature comes with a Drive Connect trial or subscription. The lack of route planning has been long overdue on Lexus and Toyota EVs—it's something that has been offered on Teslas and Rivians for years. But the Japanese automaker is now catching up. The ES also gets an upgraded infotainment with iPhone-like user interface, better responsiveness, and an AT&T 5G connection. There's also a built-in Drive Recorder, similar to the new RAV4, eliminating the need for aftermarket dashcams.
