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What is better, ES or LS?

The short answer: the LS is the pinnacle of luxury and performance, while the ES offers better value and efficiency. Your pick depends on budget and priorities: luxury and power versus practicality and economy.


In practice, the Lexus ES and LS occupy very different positions in Lexus’s lineup. The ES prioritizes value, fuel efficiency, and everyday comfort, while the LS emphasizes premium materials, ample space, and higher-performance options. This article compares them across price, performance, interior quality, technology, and ownership costs to help readers decide which sedan fits their lifestyle.


Key strengths of each model


Below are the core strengths you’ll likely consider when choosing between these two Lexus sedans.


Strengths of the Lexus ES


Why buyers choose the ES often centers on efficiency, cost, and ease of use in daily life. Here are the main advantages:



  • Lower starting price and typically lower ownership costs than the LS

  • Excellent fuel economy, especially with the ES 300h hybrid variant

  • Quicker to maneuver and easier to park in urban settings

  • Refined ride and comfortable seating suited to daily driving

  • Proven reliability and a simpler maintenance profile


In sum, the ES shines as a practical, efficient, and value-focused luxury sedan.


Strengths of the Lexus LS


The LS aims at the top tier of luxury and performance. Its key strengths include:



  • Premium interior with expansive space and high-grade materials

  • Stronger performance options and confident highway manners

  • Greater rear-seat comfort and overall ride isolation for long trips

  • Advanced technology, top-tier audio, and exclusive features on higher trims

  • Impressive quietness and refinement that characterize a flagship sedan


Taken together, the LS is built for buyers who want the utmost in luxury, space, and prestige, even if it comes with a higher price tag to match.


Choosing by use case


Best fit for daily drivers and city dwellers


For everyday commuting and budget-conscious buyers, the ES typically offers the better balance of efficiency, upfront cost, and practicality.


Best fit for executive travel and long trips


For executives, families needing spacious back seats, or those who prize top-tier luxury, the LS delivers a superior experience—even if it costs more upfront and to operate.


Ownership costs and reliability considerations


Both Lexus models share strong reliability histories, but ownership costs diverge with trim and features. The ES generally costs less to buy, insure, and maintain, while the LS entails higher depreciation, fuel use (with non-hybrid engines), and maintenance but offers more premium amenities and potential resale value for flagship buyers.


Bottom line


There isn’t a universal winner between the ES and LS. If your priority is value, efficiency, and a comfortable daily ride, the ES is the smarter pick. If you want flagship luxury, quiet power, and generous interior space, the LS justifies its higher price. Your decision should reflect how you weigh price against luxury, space, and performance.


Summary


In short, ES and LS cater to different priorities within the luxury-sedan segment. The ES stands out for value and efficiency; the LS stands out for luxury, space, and performance. Buyers should consider budget, driving needs, and desired level of refinement to choose the model that best fits their lifestyle.

Is Lexus ES or LS more expensive?


LS Lexus Sedan Comparison – Pricing & Performance. One of the main differences between the Lexus ES and the Lexus LS is their prices. The 2024 Lexus ES starts at $43,190 MSRP, while the 2024 Lexus LS comes in at $80,685 MSRP.



Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?


No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
 

  • Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine. 
  • Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry. 
  • Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning. 



Is Lexus LS or ES better?


The main differences are that the Lexus ES is more affordable and fuel-efficient, while the Lexus LS is a larger, more powerful, and more luxurious flagship sedan. The ES is a midsize car with a lower starting price and better gas mileage, whereas the LS is a full-size luxury car with a much higher price point, a more powerful standard engine, a sportier rear-wheel-drive-based platform, and a more refined interior. 
This video compares the Lexus IS, ES, and LS sedans: 55sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · May 31, 2025

Feature Lexus ES Lexus LS
Price Lower starting price Higher starting price
Size Midsize sedan Full-size sedan
Engine Power Less powerful (e.g., 302 hp) More powerful (e.g., 416 hp)
Fuel Efficiency Better (e.g., up to 43 city/44 highway mpg) Less efficient (e.g., 22 city/29 highway mpg)
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive (FWD) Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Interior & Refinement Comfortable but less luxurious than the LS More refined, quieter, and more plush
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Choose the Lexus ES if:
  • Your budget is a priority: The ES has a significantly lower starting MSRP. 
  • Fuel efficiency is key: The ES is more fuel-efficient, with some models achieving over 40 mpg on the highway. 
  • You prefer a front-wheel-drive platform: The ES comes standard with FWD. 

Choose the Lexus LS if:
  • You want the most power: The LS comes with a much more powerful standard engine. 
  • A rear-wheel-drive platform is preferred: The LS offers a sportier driving experience with its standard RWD. 
  • You prioritize luxury and refinement: The LS is Lexus's flagship sedan, offering a more spacious and luxurious interior with higher-end materials. 
  • Maximum range is important: The LS has a larger fuel tank which can give it a longer highway driving range, despite lower fuel efficiency. 

This video compares the interior and exterior of the Lexus ES and LS: 49sMy Lex UpgradesYouTube · Feb 4, 2023



Which is better between Lexus IS and ES?


The Lexus IS is better for a sportier driving experience, while the Lexus ES is better for comfort and fuel efficiency. Choose the IS if you prioritize performance, a more engaging and agile drive, and rear-wheel drive handling. Choose the ES if you want a smoother, quieter ride, more passenger and cargo space, and better fuel economy, especially with the hybrid option.
 
Choose the Lexus IS if:

  • You want performance: The IS is built for a more exciting drive with sportier tuning and a rear-wheel-drive platform that enhances performance. 
  • You want to feel connected to the road: It offers a more engaging driving experience, making it the better choice for enthusiasts. 
  • You need smaller dimensions: The IS is the smaller, more compact model, making it potentially more maneuverable. 

Choose the Lexus ES if:
  • You prioritize comfort: The ES is designed for a smooth, quiet, and relaxing ride, making it ideal for long commutes. 
  • You need more space: It offers more passenger and cargo space compared to the IS. 
  • You want better fuel economy: The ES is the better option for fuel efficiency, particularly the hybrid model. 
  • You need a higher safety rating: The 2025 ES has achieved a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.