Lexus ES 250 vs. Lexus IS 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus ES 250 and Lexus IS 350 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus ES 250 and the Lexus IS 350.

When we compare the Lexus ES 250's and the Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 250 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Lexus IS 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lexus ES 250's and the Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 350 is a better car than the Lexus ES 250.

Pricing: For a new model, the Lexus ES 250's price is between $45,980 and $54,994, with the Lexus IS 350 priced between $46,323 and $56,587.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus ES 250 loses 44.6 percent of its value and the Lexus IS 350 loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 350 retains 5.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lexus ES 250.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus ES 250 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Lexus IS 350's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Lexus ES 250 being ranked 6 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus IS 350 being ranked 2 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus ES 250 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 350 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 350 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus ES 250.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus ES 250’s base engine makes 203 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The ES 250 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 525 miles. The IS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 487 miles. This gives the Lexus ES 250 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus IS 350. The ES 250 uses regular unleaded, and the IS 350 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus ES 250, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Lexus IS 350, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The Lexus ES 250 and Lexus IS 350 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus ES 250 and the Lexus IS 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.