New standard 17-inch wheels feature thicker spoke ends and are layered in "V" formations. Base and Luxury trims are available with 18-inch wheels that features a split-10-spoke design with a two-tone black and machined finish. Buyers also have the option of getting 18-inch five-spoke alloy noise reduction wheels on their Luxury and Ultra Luxury models. ES F Sport cars get exclusive 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels finished in black paint.

Lexus has made a number of driving and handling changes to the ES, including a new rear suspension member brace that is designed to improve torsional rigidity, stability, and comfort. The car has an enlarged brake pedal on all trim levels. On gasoline-powered ES models, the brake system has been recalibrated for better feeling and response. Regenerative brakes on the ES hybrid have also been re-optimized.

The 2022 Lexus ES will be offered in a new ES 300h F SPORT trim level in select regions. This model will give buyers the combination of efficiency and dynamic performance. It will be sold alongside the existing ES 250 AWD and ES 350 F Sport models.

The new version of the car will feature F Sport badging, mesh grille with dark surround, trunk lid spoiler, unique 19-inch wheels with new Black finish, steering wheel, front seats, pedals, shift lever and knob, and gauges with a removable display ring.

Buyers who opt for the ES 350 F Sport can get their model with the new Dynamic Handling Package, which includes Sport+ and Custom drive modes, park assist, and an adaptive variable suspension.

Lexus will offer the car in 11 paint colors for the new year including Eminent White Pearl, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, Sunlit Green, Nightfall Mica, Ultra White (F Sport only), Ultrasonic Blue 2.0 (F Sport only), Iridium, and Cloudburst Gray.

Base ES models come equipped with a NuLuxe-trimmed cabin in the buyer's choice of Black, Acorn, or Palomino paired with black striated wood trim accents. ES Luxury and Ultra Luxury models get semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats in Black, Acorn, or Rich Cream, paired with black open pore wood trim. The Palomino interior will be paired with matte walnut open pore wood trim accents. F SPORT ES models come with Black, Circuit Red, or White NuLuxe-trimmed upholstery that is paired with Hadori Aluminum accents.

The car's cabin now features a standard 8.0-inch or an available 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen. The screens sit 4.3 inches closer to center of the car allowing for easier touch functionality. The car also gets a more streamlined instrument panel.

The automaker will make Lexus Safety System 2.5+ (LSS 2.5+) standard on all ES models for the 2022 model year. The safety system includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and bicyclist detection. Intersection turning assist is new works to minimize forward collisions in intersections. Emergency steering assist is also new and is designed to keep a vehicle stable during an emergency evasive steering maneuver.

Adaptive cruise control can be activated at over 30 mph. LSS 2.5+ introduces curve speed reduction technology, which can automatically reduce vehicle speed, if needed, on certain types of curves.