Home FAQ

What is the difference between IS 250 and ES 350?

The Lexus IS 250 and ES 350 are two popular luxury sedan models from the Toyota-owned Lexus brand. While they share some similarities as premium vehicles, there are distinct differences between the two in terms of size, performance, and target audience.

Size and Dimensions

The Lexus IS 250 is a compact luxury sedan, measuring approximately 183 inches in length and 71 inches in width. It has a smaller, sportier profile compared to the larger ES 350. The ES 350, on the other hand, is a midsize luxury sedan, measuring around 193 inches in length and 73 inches in width. This makes the ES 350 a more spacious and comfortable vehicle, particularly in the rear seating area.

Performance and Powertrain

The Lexus IS 250 is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produces 204 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides a more engaging and responsive driving experience, making the IS 250 a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. The Lexus ES 350, in contrast, is equipped with a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 302 horsepower, coupled with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350's powertrain is tuned more for comfort and refinement, rather than outright performance.

Target Audience and Positioning

The Lexus IS 250 is marketed as a sporty, performance-oriented luxury sedan, appealing to younger, more enthusiastic drivers who prioritize driving dynamics and a more engaging behind-the-wheel experience. The ES 350, on the other hand, is positioned as a more comfortable, luxurious, and refined midsize sedan, targeting a slightly older demographic that values a smooth, relaxed driving experience over outright performance.

In summary, the key differences between the Lexus IS 250 and ES 350 lie in their size, performance characteristics, and target audience. The IS 250 is a compact, sportier sedan, while the ES 350 is a larger, more comfort-focused midsize 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

What is the difference between a Lexus 250 and a Lexus 350?

The main differences between a Lexus 250 and a 350 are performance and features. The 350 model typically offers a more powerful engine, a more luxurious feel with higher-end interior options, and in some cases, standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The 250 is generally more fuel-efficient, has a lower starting price, and is designed more for balanced daily driving comfort rather than high-speed performance. The best choice depends on priorities like performance vs. efficiency, budget, and desired features.

This video compares the IS 250 and IS 350 models from 2006-2014: 55sRide with MieeYouTube · Jun 12, 2022
Lexus 250

Engine and performance: Features a less powerful engine, such as a 2.5L2.5 cap L2.5𝐿 4-cylinder (203 hp) in the NX, which is sufficient for daily driving but less capable than the 350.
Features: Comes with standard luxury features like NuLuxe interior trim, dual-zone climate control, and 8-way power-adjustable driver's seats.
Fuel efficiency: Generally has better fuel economy.
Drivetrain: Often comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD available as an option.
Price: Has a lower starting price.

Lexus 350

Engine and performance: Features a more powerful engine, such as a turbocharged 2.4L2.4 cap L2.4𝐿 4-cylinder (275 hp) in the NX, providing faster acceleration.
Features: Offers more premium options for customization, like perforated leather seats, higher-end trim materials, and features like a Head-Up Display.
Fuel efficiency: Slightly less fuel-efficient due to the more powerful engine.
Drivetrain: Often comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Price: Has a higher starting price.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the NX 250 and 350 models: 58sHawkeye RidesYouTube · May 28, 2025
Which one should you choose?

Choose the 250 if: You prioritize fuel efficiency and a lower purchase price. It's a great choice for daily driving and comfortable commutes where high-speed performance isn't a priority.
Choose the 350 if: You want a more powerful and dynamic driving experience and are willing to pay more for it. The extra features and standard AWD (in some models) are appealing.

What's faster, ES 350 or IS250?

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.

What is the difference between Lexus ES 250 and ES 350?

The main difference is the engine and drivetrain: the ES 250 has a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the ES 350 has a more powerful 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and is front-wheel drive. This means the ES 350 is faster, but the ES 250 is more fuel-efficient and provides better traction in various conditions due to its AWD. Both models share many features like an 8-speed automatic transmission, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, and a power moonroof on the base models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the similarities and differences between the ES 250 and ES 350: 57sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Mar 16, 2022

Feature	Lexus ES 250	Lexus ES 350
Engine	2.5L 4-cylinder	3.5L V6
Horsepower	203 hp	302 hp
Torque	184 lb-ft	267 lb-ft
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (standard)	Front-wheel drive (standard)
Fuel Efficiency (Average MPG)	~28 MPG	~25 MPG
0-60 Time	~7 seconds	~5 seconds
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Best for	All-weather traction and better fuel economy	Performance and acceleration

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.