For those in the market for affordable luxury sedans, the Lexus ES emerges as a compelling option, skillfully blending opulence with sensible pricing. Sharing its foundation with the Toyota Camry, the ES elevates the driving experience, prioritizing passenger comfort and a serene cabin ambiance over outright sportiness, a trait often found in its class competitors. Unlike sedans that compromise ride quality for athletic handling, the 2025 Lexus ES distinguishes itself with a meticulously engineered suspension. This sophisticated system effectively minimizes disruptions from uneven road surfaces, ensuring a smooth and composed ride. Staying true to Lexus’s renowned commitment to tranquility, the ES cabin is fortified with exceptional sound-deadening materials, creating a peaceful sanctuary from the external commotion.
Under the hood, front-wheel-drive gas models boast a refined V6 engine producing 302 horsepower. This robust powertrain delivers ample performance for confident merging and effortless cruising in diverse traffic conditions. For those opting for all-wheel drive, the ES is equipped with a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Hybrid variants also feature four-cylinder engines, enhanced by electric motors to achieve a combined output of 215 hp. The luxury hybrid models stand out as exceptionally economical choices for daily commutes, boasting impressive official fuel-economy ratings of 44 mpg, making them leaders in fuel efficiency within the Cheap Luxury Sedans category.
Stepping inside, the Lexus ES cabin is a testament to sophisticated design and premium materials. Even in lower trims, occupants are treated to high-quality imitation leather, while higher trims indulge in genuine leather upholstery, available in a range of attractive color palettes. Both front and rear passengers enjoy generous space, and the trunk capacity aligns competitively with other vehicles in the midsize luxury sedan segment. The modern infotainment system is anchored by a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen display, offering seamless wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a highly responsive voice recognition system. This suite of features ensures that the Lexus ES remains a strong contender among affordable luxury sedans offering advanced technology.
While the 2024 Lexus ES experienced a dip in crash-test ratings due to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s updated testing protocols, the 2025 model rebounded, once again securing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest five-star safety rating. Reaffirming Lexus’s dedication to safety, every ES trim is comprehensively equipped with advanced safety technologies. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. This commitment to safety features further solidifies the ES’s position as a smart choice within the realm of cheap luxury sedans.
When considering competitors, the Acura TLX stands as a close rival, tilting slightly towards a sportier demeanor but mirroring the ES in size and standard features. The rear-wheel-drive Genesis G70 and Genesis G80, known for their sharp handling and opulent interiors, also occupy a similar space in the market, albeit with a different driving dynamic. While mild-hybrid technology is becoming increasingly common in the midsize luxury sedan class, the Lexus ES distinguishes itself as the sole model offering a full-fledged hybrid powertrain, with the Genesis Electrified G80 representing the all-electric alternative. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy and hybrid technology in affordable luxury sedans, the Lexus ES presents a unique and compelling proposition.
