What is the difference between IS250 and ES 350?

In short, the IS250 is the sportier, smaller rear-wheel-drive sedan, while the ES350 is the larger, comfort-focused front-wheel-drive sedan with more interior space. This article breaks down how they differ in performance, ride, size, and daily use, to help you decide which Lexus fits your needs.

Core differences at a glance

To help you compare quickly, here are the main distinctions organized by drivetrain and platform, size, performance, ride quality, interior and tech, and ownership considerations.

• Drivetrain and platform: IS250 emphasizes rear-wheel drive with a more driver-focused chassis; ES350 uses front-wheel drive (with optional all-wheel drive on some years) for a smoother, more passenger-friendly ride.


• Size and packaging: ES350 is longer and wider with more rear legroom and a larger trunk; IS250 is more compact with a tighter cabin and sportier stance.


• Power and performance: IS250 typically offers around 200 horsepower from a 2.5-liter V6, yielding quicker, more nimble responses; ES350 produces around 268 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6, delivering stronger highway acceleration.


• Ride and handling: IS250 prioritizes engaged handling and sharper steering, often at the expense of ride comfort; ES350 emphasizes a cushioned, quiet ride with refined highway cruising.


• Interior, materials, and tech: ES350 generally presents a roomier, more serene cabin with more trunk space; IS250 focuses more on driver-centric controls and a sportier cockpit feel. Equipment varies by year, with navigation, premium audio, and safety tech offered across both generations.


• Fuel economy and maintenance: Smaller IS250 engines typically yield modestly better city efficiency, while ES350’s larger engine trades some efficiency for power. Maintenance costs are broadly similar, reflecting Lexus reliability, though newer generations may have different warranty and technology packages.

Taken together, these distinctions define how the models appeal to different buyers—one prioritizes agile driving and a compact footprint, the other emphasizes space, refinement, and cruising comfort.

Which model fits which buyer?

Sport-oriented buyers and tighter garages (IS250)

The IS250 is a better fit if you want a compact footprint, sharper handling, and a more engaging drive. It’s typically easier to park in urban settings and can feel more nimble on twisty roads. Pros include quicker steering feedback and a sportier cockpit; potential downsides are a firmer ride and less interior space and trunk volume.

Comfort-focused buyers who value space (ES350)

The ES350 suits buyers who prioritize interior room, a smooth, quiet ride, and strong highway performance. It offers a larger back seat, a bigger trunk, and a more serene cabin. Potential downsides are a heavier body and less agile handling compared with the IS lineup.

Note: Specifications and features vary by model year and market. The IS250/IS350 and ES350 names refer to commonly traded variants in the late 2000s and early-to-mid 2010s. In newer Lexus sedans, powertrains and naming have evolved (for example, ES 300h and newer IS variants). If you are shopping, verify the exact specs for the year and region you’re considering.

Summary

In essence, the IS250 and ES350 occupy different ends of Lexus’s sedan spectrum: the IS250 emphasizes sportier driving dynamics in a compact package, while the ES350 emphasizes space, comfort, and highway refinement in a larger, front-drive platform. Your choice depends on whether you value agile handling and a driver-centric feel or you need more room, a quieter cabin, and smoother daily cruising. Always review the specific year’s options, maintenance history, and local market variants when comparing these two models.

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. 

What IS the difference between is250 and ES 350?

The main differences are that the Lexus ES 350 is a larger, more comfort-focused sedan with a more powerful V6 engine, while the IS 250 is a smaller, sportier sedan with a less powerful engine. The ES 350 prioritizes a smoother, more spacious ride with its V6 engine, whereas the IS 250 provides a sportier, more engaging driving experience with a smaller 2.5L V6 engine.
 
This video compares the exterior and interior design of the Lexus IS and ES, including their size and driving dynamics: 1mPerformance LexusYouTube · Apr 22, 2023
Lexus ES 350

• Engine and performance: Features a powerful 3.5L V6 engine that delivers more horsepower than the IS 250. 
• Driving experience: Built for comfort, with a smoother and more spacious ride. 
• Drivetrain: Primarily front-wheel drive (FWD), which can be better in snow than RWD. 
• Interior and space: Offers more interior volume, legroom, and cargo space. 
• Best for: Drivers seeking a comfortable, luxurious, and spacious sedan for everyday use. 

This video shows a comparison between the Lexus ES 250 and 350, focusing on driving experience and acceleration: 59sMarty MotoringYouTube · Nov 13, 2018
Lexus IS 250

• Engine and performance: Comes with a smaller 2.5L V6 engine, resulting in less horsepower than the ES 350. 
• Driving experience: Designed to be sportier and more nimble. 
• Drivetrain: Available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). 
• Interior and space: Has less interior volume, legroom, and cargo space compared to the ES 350. 
• Best for: Drivers who prefer a sportier driving feel and the flexibility of AWD, especially in areas with snow. 

You can watch this video to learn about the features and differences in the second generation of the Lexus IS 250 and IS 350: 56sRide with MieeYouTube · Jun 12, 2022
Key takeaway
The choice between the IS 250 and ES 350 depends on your priorities. If you prioritize a spacious, comfortable ride and have a need for FWD in areas with poor weather, the ES 350 is the better choice. If you prefer a sportier, more driver-focused experience, and potentially need AWD for snowy conditions, the IS 250 is the better option.

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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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.