IS the Lexus IS or ES faster?
Across current models, the Lexus IS is generally faster than the ES, especially in the performance-oriented IS 350 and IS 500. The ES prioritizes comfort and efficiency and trails in straight-line speed.
The exact numbers vary by year and drivetrain, but the comparison below lays out typical 0–60 mph times for representative trims to illustrate the speed gap.
IS lineup: sport-focused acceleration
Overview of IS variants and typical 0–60 times:
- IS 300 (2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, 8-speed automatic): approximately 6.0–6.5 seconds 0–60 mph (minor variations with AWD vs RWD).
- IS 350 (3.5-liter V6, 8-speed automatic): roughly 5.5–5.8 seconds 0–60 mph.
- IS 500 (5.0-liter V8, 8-speed automatic): about 4.2–4.5 seconds 0–60 mph.
Conclusion: For straight-line speed, the IS lineup offers faster acceleration, with the IS 500 delivering the sharpest punch and the IS 350 close behind.
ES lineup: luxury and efficiency with less rapid acceleration
Overview of ES variants and typical 0–60 times:
- ES 350 (3.5-liter V6, 8-speed automatic): about 6.5–6.9 seconds 0–60 mph.
- ES 300h (2.5-liter hybrid, electric motor assist): typically 7.2–7.9 seconds 0–60 mph.
Conclusion: The ES models are generally slower to 60 mph due to their heavier frame and emphasis on comfort and efficiency, though the ES 350 still offers solid on-road power for daily driving.
Bottom line
If speed is your priority, choose an IS—particularly the IS 500 or IS 350—for stronger acceleration and sportier character. If you value a quiet ride, refined interiors, and better fuel economy, the ES remains a compelling choice, even if it isn’t as quick in a straight line.
Summary
In summary, the Lexus IS delivers faster acceleration across its range, with the top-end IS 500 turning-in the quickest times. The ES prioritizes comfort and efficiency and typically clocks slower 0–60 mph times. Your pick depends on whether you want a sportier sedan or a more comfort-focused luxury car.
Which is better, Lexus IS or ES?
The choice between a Lexus IS and ES depends on priorities: the IS is better for performance, offering a sportier ride with more power and a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, while the ES is better for comfort and practicality, providing a smoother ride, more interior space, and better fuel economy. The IS is a compact sport sedan, and the ES is a mid-size, comfort-focused sedan.
Choose the Lexus IS if:
- You prioritize driving excitement: The IS has a sportier tuning, quicker acceleration, and more horsepower and torque available in its engine options.
- You prefer a more connected feel: Its rear-wheel-drive platform offers more engaging handling dynamics.
- You want more power options: The IS offers more powerful engines.
Choose the Lexus ES if:
- You prioritize a comfortable and quiet ride: The ES is designed for a smoother, more relaxed driving experience, making it ideal for long commutes.
- You need more passenger and cargo space: The ES is a larger, mid-size sedan with more rear legroom and a larger trunk.
- You want better fuel efficiency: The ES offers substantially better fuel economy, especially in its hybrid and four-cylinder models.
Key differences at a glance:
| Feature | Lexus IS | Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Dynamics | Sporty, engaging, performance-oriented | Smooth, quiet, comfort-oriented |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or AWD |
| Performance | More horsepower and torque available | Lower base horsepower, but offers hybrid option |
| Passenger Space | Less rear legroom and headroom | More rear legroom and headroom |
| Cargo Space | Less cargo space | More cargo space |
| Fuel Economy | Less fuel-efficient | More fuel-efficient |
| Price | Lower starting price | Slightly higher starting price |
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Is IS350 faster than ES 350?
The ES 350 achieves 302 horsepower with its base engine, while the IS 350 produces 311 horsepower. The difference is slight, but the IS 350's greater horsepower creates a quicker acceleration from zero to 60 MPH: Lexus ES 350: 6.6 seconds. Lexus IS 350: 5.6 seconds.
Is the is or ES faster?
Is Lexus ES faster than IS? Both sedans are incredibly quick, however, the Lexus IS can go from 0-60 mph in 4.4 sec and the Lexus ES can go from 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec with the right options.
Is the Lexus ES bigger than IS?
Yes, the Lexus ES is bigger than the Lexus IS. The ES is a midsize luxury sedan, while the IS is a compact sports sedan. The ES is longer, wider, and taller, resulting in more overall passenger volume and cargo space, though the IS offers more front legroom.
Exterior and interior dimensions
- Overall size: The ES is the larger vehicle, with a longer wheelbase and more exterior length.
- Passenger space: The ES offers more overall passenger volume and significantly more rear legroom and headroom. The IS, however, provides more front legroom and headroom.
- Cargo space: The ES has a larger trunk, with more cubic feet of cargo space than the IS.
Which one to choose
- Choose the ES if: you prioritize passenger comfort, especially for rear passengers, and need more cargo space.
- Choose the IS if: you prefer a smaller, sportier sedan that is easier to maneuver in city driving and parking, and you mainly drive with only one passenger.
