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What is the difference between Lexus ES 250 and ES350?

In short, the ES 250 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6. The 350 offers more power and quicker acceleration, whereas the 250 emphasizes better fuel economy and a lower starting price. Details vary by market and model year, but these are the core distinctions.

How the two models differ under the hood

The primary distinction between the Lexus ES 250 and ES 350 lies in their powertrains. The ES 250 is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, delivering around 203 horsepower and roughly 184 lb-ft of torque. The ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6, producing about 302 horsepower and around 267 lb-ft of torque. Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and share the same basic platform and front-wheel-drive layout (with optional all-wheel drive in some markets).

Before examining the specifics, here is a quick comparison of the key powertrain facts to keep in mind:

Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder (ES 250) vs. 3.5L V6 (ES 350)

Horsepower: approximately 203 hp (ES 250) vs. about 302 hp (ES 350)

Torque: approximately 184 lb-ft (ES 250) vs. about 267 lb-ft (ES 350)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic for both

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard, with AWD available in some markets/trim levels

The practical upshot is that the ES 350 is notably quicker off the line and more confident in passing maneuvers, while the ES 250 focuses more on efficiency and everyday comfort.

Fuel economy and performance numbers

Fuel economy and performance figures help illustrate the trade-off between the two engines. The ES 250 generally delivers better fuel economy, while the ES 350 provides stronger performance and faster acceleration. Exact numbers vary by market and drivetrain, but common ballparks are:

ES 250 (FWD): around 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / ~32 mpg combined

ES 350 (FWD): around 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / ~26 mpg combined

All-wheel-drive variants, if offered in your market, will typically show slightly lower mpg than their FWD counterparts

Overall, the ES 250 is the more economical choice for daily commuting, while the ES 350 is better suited for drivers who value quicker acceleration and greater power on highways and merging lanes.

Interior, features, and technology

The interior quality and technology across ES 250 and ES 350 are largely shared, reflecting Lexus’s emphasis on a premium cabin and strong standard safety tech. Key points include:

Shared design: Similar seating, materials, and overall cabin layout across both engines

Infotainment and screens: Similar touchscreen sizes and interface in current generations, with options for larger displays on higher trims

Safety tech: Lexus Safety System+ is standard on most trims for both models, with available advanced driver-assist features depending on year and market

Comfort and convenience: Heated/ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and other comfort features are commonly offered on higher trims for both engines

In practice, your choice between the ES 250 and ES 350 for features often comes down to trim level and options rather than a strict engine-based split.

Market availability and naming conventions

Where you buy the car can affect how these models are named and equipped. The engine-based badges reflect the underlying powertrain, but availability varies by country and region. In many markets outside the United States, the ES 250 denotes the 2.5L four-cylinder variant and the ES 350 denotes the 3.5L V6 variant. In the United States, the current-lifecycle ES lineup has historically included ES 350 and a hybrid variant, with the ES 250 badge not always used on the modern generation. Always check local dealer listings for the exact specifications and naming used in your area.

Conclusion: Engine choice drives the core differences between ES 250 and ES 350, while interior quality and technology remain closely aligned. Regional availability can influence what you’ll see on showroom floors.

Summary

The Lexus ES 250 and ES 350 represent two powertrain philosophies within the same midsize sedan family. The ES 250 prioritizes efficiency with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering good fuel economy and easy daily driving. The ES 350 emphasizes performance with a 3.5-liter V6, delivering more horsepower and brisk acceleration. Beyond power, both share a high-quality interior, advanced safety tech, and the refined Lexus ride. For buyers, the decision often comes down to how much you value performance versus efficiency, plus local market availability and trim levels.

What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?

You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.

Years to avoid and common problems

2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common.
2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures.
2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks.
2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years.

Years that are generally considered more reliable

2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy.
2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features.
2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.

What is the gas mileage on a Lexus ES250 vs ES 350?

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, mileage for the Lexus ES350 tops out at 22/32 mpg city/highway. As you'd expect, the ES300h hybrid is even more frugal, achieving ratings of 43/44 mpg. The EPA's fuel economy estimates for the ES250 are 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

What is the difference between Lexus 250 and 350?

The main differences between a Lexus 250 and a 350 are engine power and, in some models, drivetrain. The 350 models have more powerful engines (like a 3.5L V6) that offer stronger acceleration, while the 250 models use smaller, more fuel-efficient engines (like a 2.5L 4-cylinder). For example, the ES 350 has a 302-horsepower V6, while the ES 250 has a 203-horsepower 4-cylinder. Similarly, the NX 350 has a 275-horsepower engine, compared to the NX 250's 203 horsepower.
This video compares the engines of Lexus IS 250 and 350, highlighting the difference in horsepower and acceleration: 56sMarty MotoringYouTube · Nov 13, 2018

Feature	Lexus 250	Lexus 350
Engine	Smaller, more fuel-efficient engine (e.g., 2.5L 4-cylinder)	Larger, more powerful engine (e.g., 3.5L V6)
Horsepower	Lower (e.g., 203 hp in NX and ES models)	Higher (e.g., 275 hp in NX and 302 hp in ES)
Drivetrain	Often front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option or in specific trims. The NX 250 is not standard with all-wheel drive.	Can be FWD or AWD, depending on the model. For example, the NX 350 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Performance	Good for daily driving; less focus on acceleration	Stronger acceleration and passing power
Customization	Fewer options for customization compared to 350 models	More opportunities for customization

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.