Is the Lexus ES 250 fast?

The Lexus ES 250 is not a sports car; it prioritizes comfort and refinement over outright speed. In markets where it’s offered, it uses a 2.5-liter inline-four that delivers roughly 200 horsepower, with acceleration typically landing in the high-8s to low-9 seconds for a 0–60 mph sprint and a top speed around 130 mph.

Performance numbers at a glance

Here are the core specs that influence the ES 250’s pace.

• Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four Dynamic Force engine, about 203 horsepower and around 184 lb-ft of torque


• Transmission: 8-speed automatic


• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD); all-wheel drive is not typically offered on the ES 250


• 0–60 mph: approximately 8.5–9.0 seconds


• Top speed: around 130 mph (electronically limited in many markets)


• Fuel economy: roughly 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined (EPA estimates; varies by year and market)

These figures underline the ES 250’s role as a refined, comfortable sedan rather than a performance-driven vehicle.

Driving experience and daily practicality

What the numbers translate to in real driving is a smooth, unobtrusive pace that works well for daily commuting and long highway cruises. Below are some key notes from the cockpit.

• Throttle response: Smooth and linear, with ample mid-range torque for confident merging and passing


• Transmission behavior: The 8‑speed automatic shifts are generally soft and unobtrusive, prioritizing comfort over zing


• Drive modes: Eco reduces throttle sensitivity for efficiency, Normal balances comfort and responsiveness, and Sport tightens the throttle for quicker responses


• Ride and handling: The suspension favors a quiet, plush ride; body control is adequate, but the ES 250 isn’t tuned for agile handling or corner-carving fun


• Braking and steering: Brakes offer strong, progressive stopping; steering is light and reassuring at highway speeds

In everyday use, the ES 250 delivers a serene and refined experience, with enough punch for confident highway overtakes, but it remains a luxury cruiser rather than a performance sedan.

If you want more speed from a Lexus ES

For faster acceleration, consider the more powerful variants in the ES family. The ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 typically offers notably quicker 0–60 mph times, often in the mid-6 to low-7 second range, while the ES 300h hybrids can balance efficiency with respectable pace thanks to electric motor assist. However, the core ES lineup remains focused on comfort and smooth power delivery rather than outright speed.

Summary

Bottom line: the Lexus ES 250 is not designed to be fast; it’s built to deliver quiet, refined, and comfortable transportation with adequate everyday performance. If speed is a priority, look to the ES 350 or the hybrid ES 300h for stronger acceleration and a sportier feel in a luxury sedan package.

Is the Lexus IS 250 a fast car?

The Lexus IS250 is not considered fast compared to modern sports cars, but it is quick enough for most daily driving and offers a balanced performance with its 204 horsepower 2.5L V6 engine. While it accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 7.4-7.8 seconds, which is a modest time, the lack of torque can be more noticeable on steep inclines compared to more powerful rivals. For a luxury daily driver, its performance is sufficient and it handles well, but it's not a performance-focused sports car. 
This video shows a test drive of the Lexus IS250 and its 0-60 mph acceleration: 59sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 15, 2024

• 0-60 mph time: The IS250 typically takes around 7.4 to 7.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. 
• Engine and power: It has a 2.5L V6 engine that produces about 204 horsepower. 
• Performance in context: While not a sports car, it's quick enough for everyday driving and freeway cruising. Some reviewers found it can reach high speeds quickly, but this is often in comparison to other cars in its class and not high-performance vehicles. 
• Weaknesses: The car can feel underpowered on steep hills due to a lack of torque, especially when compared to higher-performance models like the IS350. 
• User perspective: Whether the IS250 is fast enough depends heavily on the driver's expectations and driving environment. For those used to high-performance cars, it may feel slow, but for others, it provides a good balance of luxury, comfort, and sufficient power for daily use. 

This video discusses why some consider the IS250 to be slow, despite its V6 engine: 43sVučkoHDYouTube · Oct 23, 2022

Is the Lexus ES250 underpowered?

The ES 250's high level of comfort, roomy interior and low starting price for a midsize luxury sedan will attract many shoppers, all bolstered by Lexus' reputation for reliability. However, its underpowered and loud four-cylinder engine, paired with dull driving dynamics, might send you elsewhere.

Is the Lexus ES fast?

What is the 0-60 Time of the Lexus ES 350? Very aerodynamic and finely tuned, the Lexus ES 350 can go from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. This will show the beautiful sedan as something more than an average car. The Lexus ES 350 compares well amongst other sporty 4-door vehicles.

Is the Lexus ES 250 a good car?

Yes, the Lexus ES 250 is generally considered a good car, especially for buyers who prioritize comfort, luxury, and reliability over sporty performance. It is praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, high-quality interior, and standard all-wheel drive, which is useful in adverse weather. However, potential downsides include a less powerful four-cylinder engine, a frustrating infotainment touchpad, and rear seats that don't fold down.
 
Pros

• Comfort and Luxury: The ES 250 provides a comfortable, quiet, and luxurious ride with premium materials. 
• Reliability: Lexus is known for reliability, and the ES 250's simple four-cylinder engine is expected to be dependable. 
• All-Wheel Drive: All-wheel drive is standard, making it a good option for those who live in snowy climates or need extra traction. 
• Safety: The car comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, and the Lexus Safety System+ is included. 
• Fuel Efficiency: It offers good fuel economy for a luxury sedan. 

Cons

• Performance: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate for daily driving but can feel underpowered for some, especially when merging or accelerating quickly. The V6 is a more powerful option, but it is not available with the ES 250 model. 
• Infotainment: The touchpad controller for the infotainment system is often criticized for being clunky and difficult to use while driving. 
• Cargo Space: The rear seats do not fold down, limiting the car's versatility for hauling large items.