Lexus ES (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,328 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,413
£201/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2494cc Hybrid
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £2,413/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.
97% of MOT tests on Lexus ESs from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 2,328 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 28,657 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
28,657
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Lexus ES had 28,657 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Lexus ES by Year
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About the 2021 Lexus ES
The 2021 Lexus ES is a premium car. Our records list a 2494cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,328 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 28,657 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus ES owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 Lexus ES Fuel Costs
The 2494cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Lexus ES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,413 (£201/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Lexus ES Reliability Trend
The Lexus ES has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 Lexus ES
At 5 years old, the Lexus ES offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 Lexus ES stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES(2021) | 97% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2019) | 94% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
| Toyota RAV4(2020) | 95% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413same |
| Land Rover Range Rover(2019) | 94% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
| BMW 330E M Sport Auto(2021) | 88% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,236-£177 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2021 Lexus ES
Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 97% of MOT tests on 2021 Lexus ESs ended in a pass, from 2,328 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Lexus ES cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,413 a year (£201 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Lexus ES?
97% of 2,328 MOT tests on the 2021 Lexus ES ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 275th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (top 9%).
Which year Lexus ES has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Lexus ES has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 2020 the lowest at 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Lexus ES?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Lexus ES is 28,657 miles, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
Lexus NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
Lexus UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
Lexus CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
Toyota RAV4
2020 · 2500cc Hybrid
Land Rover Range Rover
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
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