Lexus ES 350 vs. Lexus IS 300

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus ES 350 and Lexus IS 300 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 Lexus IS 300.

When we compare the Lexus ES 350's and the Lexus IS 300's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Lexus IS 300 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 resale value. The Lexus ES 350 and Lexus IS 300 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Lexus ES 350's and the Lexus IS 300's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 is a better car than the Lexus IS 300.

Pricing: A used 2025 Lexus ES 350 ranges from $39,995 to $53,481 while a used 2025 Lexus IS 300 is priced between $37,646 to $47,521. For a new model, the Lexus ES 350's price is between $45,876 and $56,904, with the Lexus IS 300 priced between $43,723 and $60,434.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus ES 350 loses 42.1 percent of its value and the Lexus IS 300 loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 300 retains 0.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lexus ES 350.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 8.4 out of 10 while the Lexus IS 300's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 1 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 7 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 300 the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus IS 300.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus ES 350’s base engine makes 302 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 300 base engine makes 241 horsepower. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. This gives the Lexus IS 300 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus ES 350. The ES 350 uses regular unleaded, and the IS 300 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus ES 350, 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 300, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The Lexus ES 350 and Lexus IS 300 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus ES 350 and the Lexus IS 300 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.