Lexus ES 350 vs. Hyundai SONATA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus ES 350 and Hyundai SONATA 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 350 and the Hyundai SONATA.
When we compare the Lexus ES 350's and the Hyundai SONATA's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Hyundai SONATA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Lexus ES 350's and the Hyundai SONATA's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Lexus ES 350 ranges from $41,664 to $55,146 while a used 2024 Hyundai SONATA is priced between $27,359 to $36,865. For a new model, the Lexus ES 350's price is between $44,902 and $56,496, with the Hyundai SONATA priced between $28,439 and $36,660.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus ES 350 loses 41.1 percent of its value and the Hyundai SONATA loses 41.4 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 0.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SONATA.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Hyundai SONATA's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 9.0 out of 10. For the Hyundai SONATA the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 an advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus ES 350’s base engine makes 302 horsepower, and the Hyundai SONATA base engine makes 191 horsepower. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles. The SONATA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 572 miles. This gives the Hyundai SONATA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus ES 350. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Hyundai SONATA has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus ES 350 and the Hyundai SONATA have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Lexus ES 350 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,902 - $56,496
Starting MSRP:
$42,040
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,439 - $36,660
Starting MSRP:
$27,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$26,143
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$24,700 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,885
Price Range:
$41,664 - $55,146
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
145
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
10,015
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,688
Price Range:
$27,359 - $36,865
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$29,305
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,951 - $31,688
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,125
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,131
# Good or Great Deals:
163
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,494
Depreciation %:
41.6%
Resale Value $:
$24,546
Residual Value %:
58.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,619
Depreciation %:
42.3%
Resale Value $:
$15,881
Residual Value %:
57.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
37.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
32.1% - 45.7%
Lexus ES 350 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Hyundai SONATA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus ES 350
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
54.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SONATA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.7 - 15.5
Lexus ES 350 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Hyundai SONATA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Lexus ES 350 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT Design, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury
Hyundai SONATA Trim Levels
N Line, SEL
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.082 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 32 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 509 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 572 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
13.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
46.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
195.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3192 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Beige
Moonbeam Beige Metallic
Black
Caviar / Obsidian
Blue
Nightfall Mica
Gray
Cloudburst Gray
Green
Sunlit Green
Red
Matador Red Mica
Silver
Iridium
White
Eminent White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Onyx Black Pearl
Blue
Carbon Blue Pearl / Transmission Blue Pearl
Gray
Nocturne Gray / Portofino Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Aero Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Open-Pore Black Wood Trim / Black w/ Striated Black Film Trim
Brown
Acorn w/ Open-Pore Black Wood Trim / Acorn w/ Striated Black Film Trim / Palomino w/ Open-Pore Brown Walnut Trim / Palomino w/ Striated Black Film Trim
White
Macadamia w/ Ash Bamboo Trim
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
White
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray