What is the difference between Lexus ES 250 and ES 350?
The Lexus ES 350 offers more power and faster acceleration, while the ES 250 emphasizes efficiency and a lower entry price. In the United States, the ES 250 nameplate is no longer offered in recent model years, with buyers choosing between the ES 350 and the ES 300h hybrid instead.
Both versions sit in Lexus’s midsize ES sedan family and share many design cues, interior comforts, and core engineering, but they cater to different priorities—sporty performance versus fuel economy and price. Availability and exact specifications can vary by market and year, so it’s important to check local offerings when comparing these trims.
Powertrain and performance
The following section compares engines, drivetrain choices, and how they translate to real-world performance.
- Engine and power: ES 250 uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 with roughly 206 horsepower; ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with around 300-plus horsepower (commonly cited as about 302 hp in recent years).
- Transmission and drivetrain: Both trims typically pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is commonly available on the ES 350 in many markets; the ES 250 is usually front-wheel drive where offered.
- Performance figures: 0-60 mph is typically around the mid-7 seconds for the ES 250 and the mid-to-low 6 seconds (often about 5.6–6.0) for the ES 350, depending on year and drivetrain.
- Fuel economy: The smaller 2.5L ES 250 prioritizes efficiency, usually delivering higher mpg figures than the V6, while the ES 350 trades some efficiency for stronger acceleration.
In practical terms, the ES 350 delivers quicker acceleration and stronger highway performance, while the ES 250 focuses on lower running costs and better efficiency where it’s offered.
Market availability, pricing, and features
regional availability and pricing structures influence which model makes financial sense for buyers. Here is a snapshot of typical differences by market.
- Market availability: In the United States, the ES 250 is not offered in recent years; the lineup centers on the ES 350 and the ES 300h hybrid. In some other regions, the ES 250 has appeared in past years with varying equipment and powertrains.
- Pricing and trims: The ES 350 generally carries a higher starting price than what the ES 250 would have, reflecting the larger engine and possible all-wheel-drive options. Higher trims can bring similar luxury features across both models.
- Technology and features: Across markets, many driver-assistance and interior features are shared, though standard equipment and available options can differ by year and region. The ES 350 may offer more standard powertrain-related features in some markets.
Because specifications shift with model-year updates and regional regulations, prospective buyers should verify current options with a local dealer to confirm exact features and pricing.
What to consider when deciding
Use these criteria to guide your choice between the two models, factoring in availability in your region and your personal preferences for performance versus efficiency.
- Power and performance: If you want quicker acceleration and more muscular highway performance, the ES 350 is the better choice.
- Efficiency and cost of ownership: If you prioritize fuel economy and a lower upfront price where available, the ES 250 (in markets where it exists) may be preferred, or consider the ES 300h hybrid for strong efficiency with a hybrid setup.
- Market availability: Check which trims are actually sold in your country and for your model year, as the ES 250 may not be offered in some regions.
- Equipment and trims: Compare standard and optional equipment across trims and years, since features can shift with updates and regional packages.
Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value performance and refinement (ES 350) or efficiency and lower entry cost (ES 250 where offered, or alternatives like the ES 300h in the US).
Summary
The ES 350 delivers more power, stronger performance, and often broader all-wheel-drive options, along with a higher starting price. The ES 250 emphasizes efficiency and lower initial cost where it remains available in regional markets. In the United States, the ES 250 designation has been dropped from recent lineups, so buyers typically compare the ES 350 with the ES 300h hybrid instead. Always verify current regional specifications and dealer offerings for the latest details.
