Safety

Airbags
The ES comes equipped with 10 standard airbags [1].  The sophisticated dual-stage driver's and front passenger's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that can deploy the driver's side airbag at different speeds.  And a front passenger's twin-chamber airbag deploys with a slight depression on its center.  There are also driver's and front passenger's knee airbags.  To help provide protection in certain types of serious side-impact collisions, the ES features front and rear side curtain airbags, plus front and rear-seat side-mounted airbags that are designed into the seats themselves, so that the airbags deploy in locations consistent with respect to the driver's and front passenger's positions.  Side airbags help to offer a larger protection area.

[1] All the airbag (“AB”) systems are Supplemental Restraint Systems. All ABs (if installed) are designed to inflate only under certain conditions and in certain types of severe collisions: frontal and knee ABs typically inflate in frontal collisions; side and side curtain ABs in side collisions; Roll-Sensing Curtain ABs at a severe tilt degree, roll or lateral G-force. In all other accidents, the ABs will not inflate. To decrease the risk of injury from an inflating AB, always wear seatbelts, sit upright in the middle of the seat as far back as possible and do not lean against the door. Do not put objects in front of an AB or around the seatback. Do not use a rearward-facing child seat in any front passenger seat. The force of an inflating AB may cause serious injury or death. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further information/warnings.

Vehicle Stability Features
To help you maintain authority when road conditions are less than ideal, the ES is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [1] and Traction Control (TRAC). VSC uses sensors to identify when there is lateral slip in the tires during cornering and responds by applying the brakes and reducing the throttle to help keep you on track.

[1] Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.

ABS With Brake Assist
A sophisticated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps give you authoritative driving control, even during hard braking. And because sometimes people don't push hard enough on the brake pedal during an emergency stop, Lexus includes the added benefits of Brake Assist [1] . This feature identifies a panic-stop situation by monitoring how quickly and forcefully the brake pedal is pressed by the driver, and automatically applies increased braking boost until the pedal is released.  An added safety feature, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), uses a computer to precisely modulate the amount of fluid pressure to the brakes, resulting in even future control.

[1] Brake Assist is designed to help the driver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.

Pre-Collision System
An advanced automotive safety feature, the available Pre-Collision System (PCS) [1] is equipped with a front-mounted radar sensor that constantly monitors the distance and closing speed of a vehicle traveling ahead.  When the system's computer determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable, it preemptively retracts the front seatbelts and preps the Brake Assist [2] for increased braking force the moment the brake pedal is depressed.

[1] The Pre-Collision System is designed to help reduce the crash speed and damage in certain frontal collisions only. It is not a collision-avoidance system and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, driver input and road conditions. Please see your Owner's Manual for further information.
[2] Brake Assist is designed to help the driver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.

Direct Tire Pressure Monitor
Proper tire pressure is important.  The Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System [1] in the ES constantly monitors the air pressure of all tires, including the available full-size spare. When it senses that tire pressure is critically low, it alerts the driver with an indicator light.

[1] TheTire Pressure Monitor System alerts the driver when tire pressure is critically low. For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge; do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Owner's Manual for details.

Reinforced Body
The front and rear of the ES help absorb impact energy by compressing at a controlled rate. For protection during possible side collisions, the reinforced side-impact door beams help resist cabin intrusion.

Rain-Sensing Wipers
When an available sensor detects the presence of rain on the windshield glass, the wiper blades are activated at the appropriate speed.

Smart Stop Technology
For additional peace of mind, this safety feature is designed to automatically reduce engine power when the driver is pressing down the accelerator and the brake pedals at the same time under certain conditions.  When the brake pedal is released, the Smart Stop Technology [1] disengages.  The feature does not engage if  the brake pedal is pressed before the accelerator.

[1] Smart Stop Technology operates only in the event of certain simultaneous brake and gas pedal applications.  When engaged, the system will reduce engine power to help the brakes bring the vehicle to a stop.  Factors including speed, road conditions and driver input can all impact stopping distance.  Smart Stop Technology is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving and does not guarantee instant stopping.  Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.


Specifications, features, equipment, technical data, performance figures, options, and color and trim are based upon information available at time of posting, are subject to change without notice, are for the State of Hawaii vehicles and may differ in the mainland U.S.A. vehicles and in other regions. For more information, call 808-54-LEXUS (808-545-3987).