Is the Lexus ES250 a good car?

The ES250 is generally a solid pick for buyers who prize comfort, quiet refinement, and strong reliability in a mid-size luxury sedan. It isn’t designed to be a sports car, but it excels at delivering a serene daily-driving experience with a high-quality interior.

In this article, we evaluate what the ES250 offers in terms of ride quality, interior comfort, technology, safety features, and ownership costs, drawing on current model-year specifications and expert reviews to help you decide if it fits your needs and budget.

Ride, comfort, and interior quality

The ES250 prioritizes a smooth, refined ride and a premium cabin. Here are the core strengths that matter most to daily drivers and long-distance travelers.

• Quiet, comfortable ride with well-damped suspension that soaks up road imperfections.


• High-quality interior materials and build feel, with comfortable front seats and ample insulation from outside noise.


• Spacious front seating and a practical rear area with a reasonably sized trunk for the class.

Taken together, these attributes make the ES250 a comfortable and easy car to live with day to day, especially on longer trips.

Performance, efficiency, and technology

Performance and driving dynamics

Under the hood, the ES250 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers adequate acceleration for highway merging and daily commuting, prioritizing refinement over sportiness. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available in some markets or trims. The emphasis remains on a calm, predictable driving experience rather than blistering speed.

For most buyers, the ES250’s performance is sufficient for relaxed cruising and confident highway driving, though enthusiasts may wish for more spirited acceleration or sharper handling to match rivals that emphasize sportier dynamics.

1. Engine and transmission deliver a smooth, quiet power delivery suitable for everyday use.


2. Handling leans toward cushioning comfort rather than corner-carving agility.


3. Fuel economy generally sits in the upper 20s to mid-30s mpg range depending on configuration and driving conditions.

Overall, the ES250 trades some sportiness for serenity, which suits buyers who value a relaxed and civilized driving style.

Technology, features, and safety

Inside, the ES250 offers modern conveniences and a strong safety suite. Standard and available tech typically include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a quality speaker system, and a suite of advanced safety assists as part of Lexus Safety System+. However, some owners and critics note that the infotainment interface can feel dated compared with newer rivals.

In terms of safety, the ES250 benefits from reliable collision avoidance and driver-assistance features that help with everyday driving, particularly in congested areas or when traveling at highway speeds.

1. Standard and available driver-assistance features provide strong protection and help with highway driving.


2. Infotainment is solid but can feel dated or less intuitive than some rival systems.


3. Smartphone integration and cabin tech are commonly well-executed but may lack the latest novelty features found in some competitors.

In short, the ES250’s technology and safety package are competitive for the segment, with a dependable user experience and ongoing software updates that keep features current.

Value, ownership costs, and reliability

Reliability and resale value are hallmarks of Lexus, and the ES250 benefits from that reputation. Maintenance costs tend to be reasonable for a luxury sedan, and depreciation is typically favorable compared with other luxury brands. Fuel economy and insurance costs are important considerations, and the hybrid variant (when available) can offer stronger efficiency in everyday driving.

Potential buyers should weigh the initial purchase price against mid-to-long-term ownership costs, as well as any optional features that may significantly affect the total cost of ownership over several years.

1. Strong reliability track record and favorable resale values.


2. Maintenance and repair costs are generally predictable for a luxury sedan.


3. Hybrid variants can improve efficiency but may carry higher upfront costs and potential battery-related considerations.

Considering ownership costs and reliability, the ES250 represents solid long-term value for buyers who prioritize comfort and dependability over cutting-edge performance or the latest tech gimmicks.

Should you buy one? Alternatives and what to consider

If you want a refined, comfortable, and quiet luxury sedan with strong reliability, the ES250 is a compelling option. If you crave sharper handling, sportier styling, or the very latest infotainment interfaces, you might prefer some rival models.

Before shopping, compare these commonly considered alternatives and how they stack up in price, performance, and features.

1. Acura TLX: offers more assertive handling and a more modern interior in many trims, often at a similar or lower price point.


2. Toyota Camry (hybrid or conventional): more value and efficiency in a non-luxury package, with comparable ride comfort and reliability.


3. Audi A4 / BMW 3 Series / Mercedes C-Class: typically more dynamic driving experiences and a more premium badge, but with higher price and potentially higher maintenance costs.

For buyers who prioritise a tranquil ride, premium cabin feel, and dependable ownership, the ES250 remains a strong contender in its segment.

Bottom line

In summary, the Lexus ES250 is a good car for those who value comfort, refinement, and reliability above sporty performance or the latest tech gimmicks. It delivers a serene driving experience, a high-quality interior, and solid ownership costs. If you want more engaging driving dynamics or the most cutting-edge infotainment, you may want to explore rivals or the hybrid variant for improved efficiency.

Summary

The ES250 excels as a practical, comfortable, and dependable mid-size luxury sedan. It shines in ride quality, cabin quietness, and long-term value, while its performance and tech advancement may lag behind some rivals. It’s a solid choice for buyers seeking everyday luxury with minimal hassle, and a smart option to consider against both its luxury rivals and broader family-sedan alternatives.

Is the Lexus ES 250 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.

What are common problems with Lexus IS 250?

Common problems with the Lexus IS250 include carbon buildup in the direct injection engine, which can lead to misfires and rough idling, and issues with the plastic dashboard material fading or becoming sticky. Other reported problems include various check engine light codes, a clicking noise from the rear suspension, and potential moisture damage to the amplifier or other electrical components due to clogged AC drain tubes.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Lexus IS250 and IS350, including engine issues and plastic degradation: 50sLife with SondurenYouTube · Apr 9, 2023
Engine and drivetrain 

• Carbon buildup: This is a frequent issue, especially on second-generation models, due to the direct injection system and frequent idling. It can cause misfires, check engine lights, and rough idling. 
• Check engine light: Specific codes like P0751, P2714, P0894, or misfire codes (P0300-P0306) are reported, often related to the carbon buildup issue or other engine problems. 
• Transmission problems: Some drivers report transmission issues like slipping, which can be caused by a lack of fluid maintenance. 

Interior and electrical

• Sticky/aging dashboard: The plastic material on the dashboard can become sticky or fade over time, sometimes unresolved by recalls. 
• Moisture damage: Clogged AC drain tubes can lead to water leaking onto the carpet, and moisture can also get into the amplifier, causing it to malfunction. 
• Old infotainment system: The original infotainment system is often outdated, with common complaints about glitches, such as the radio randomly shutting off. 
• GPS and radio issues: Some owners have reported issues with the navigation system, sometimes fixable by a software or map disc update. 

Other issues

• Rear suspension noise: A clicking noise from the rear suspension has been reported by multiple owners. 
• Safety issues: Some specific model years have had safety recalls and investigations, including for airbag and steering components. 

You can watch this video for a detailed discussion of potential issues when buying a used Lexus IS250: 55sMiguel's GarageYouTube · Jan 19, 2018

Does the Lexus ES 250 require premium gas?

Which Lexus Models Can Use Regular Gas? If you're looking for a Lexus that runs on 87-octane fuel, there are a few options in the lineup: Lexus ES (ES 250, ES 350, ES 300h) Lexus UX (UX 250h)

What are common Lexus ES 250 problems?

Most Common Lexus ES250 Problems
There are reports of premature automatic transmission failures. Head gasket may fail if engine overheats/coolan... The head gasket will fail if the cooling system is not serviced with the recommended frequency or if the car is...