The Last Lexus ES Made in America Rolls Off the Production Line

A Quiet Goodbye for the Executive Sedan

The Lexus ES was never the flashiest sedan in the luxury segment, but it’s been a substantial seller for the luxury marque in America. Since 2015, it’s been a mainstay for Lexus in North America, consistently delivering what buyers wanted. With the last US-built ES, that chapter comes to a close.

Toyota North America confirmed on LinkedIn that the last US-built Lexus ES has left the Georgetown, Kentucky plant. In total, 438,133 units were produced there, backed by a $350 million investment, a dedicated assembly line, 3,750 new jobs, and 1.5 million hours of training.

Evidently, it was a good run for the nameplate by numbers alone. With production transitioning back to Japan, the ES leaves behind a strong manufacturing legacy in Kentucky.

Toyota North America/LinkedIn

What to Expect from the Next Lexus ES

Revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show last year, the eighth-generation Lexus ES gets a ground-up redesign, drawing inspiration from the LF-ZC concept. For the first time, it will offer both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, plus a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Inside Toyota’s Biggest Factory That Builds the Camry and RAV4 Hybrids

The new ES rides on a reengineered TNGA GA-K platform and grows noticeably in size, with a longer wheelbase and a roomier cabin focused on comfort and refinement. The lineup now includes the ES 350h hybrid, as well as two battery-electric versions: the ES 350e, estimated at 300 miles of range, and the dual-motor ES 500e, targeting about 250 miles.

Lexus sees the 2026 ES as a bridge into electrification, playing a central role in the brand’s wider EV rollout. US sales are set to start later this year, with pricing and final specs coming closer to launch.

Toyota

What’s Next for Toyota Kentucky

With ES production wrapped up, the Georgetown plant will now focus on Toyota models. Toyota has been ramping up investment in US-built hybrids, and Kentucky is now at the heart of that plan. The facility is turning its attention to all-hybrid Toyota Camry and RAV4 production, both models seeing strong demand and, for the RAV4, continued supply challenges.

Toyota has already put hundreds of millions into expanding hybrid capacity in the US, with Kentucky as a key site. Looking ahead, the company has confirmed that future all-electric vehicles are also in the long-term plans for the plant.

Toyota

About the author

Jacob Oliva

Senior Editor, Autoblog

Jacob Oliva has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade, covering industry news, price analysis, aftermarket modifications, and in-depth reviews of new vehicles. He’s the current managing editor of Autocar Philippines, where he also manages and produces video content. Jacob’s work has also appeared in outlets including AutoDeal, Motor1, Philkotse, Philstar Wheels, and CarBuzz, and he has covered major motor shows across Asia. He lives in Manila and is a recipient of the Henry Ford Awards for auto journalism.