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What is the difference between the Lexus 250 and 350?

Across Lexus model lines, the 250 and 350 suffixes typically indicate different engine configurations and performance, with the 350 variants generally offering more power. The exact engine size, output, and drivetrain options vary by model year and model family (IS, ES, NX, etc.).

To understand what this means in practice, it helps to look at the most common pairs where you’ll encounter a 250 or 350 designation, note how the engines differ, and consider how that translates to acceleration, towing, efficiency, and price. Below are model-by-model breakdowns that reflect typical configurations in recent generations.

Model-by-model breakdown

IS lineup: IS 250 vs IS 350

Before listing the key differences, it’s important to know that the IS line has used both 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter engines to distinguish the 250 and 350 variants. The exact figures have shifted across generations, but the general pattern remains: a larger engine means more power and torque, with corresponding differences in acceleration and price.

Engine and power: IS 250 typically uses a 2.5L V6 with roughly 200 horsepower, while IS 350 uses a 3.5L V6 with around 300+ horsepower.

Performance feel: The 350 variant offers noticeably stronger acceleration and quicker mid‑range response due to the bigger engine.

Economy and emissions: The 250 usually returns better fuel economy, while the 350 sacrifices some efficiency for power.

Pricing and equipment: The 350 is typically priced higher and often paired with more standard features or optional upgrades.

In short, IS 350 versions deliver substantially more power and quicker acceleration than IS 250 versions, at a higher purchase price and usually with similar or slightly lower fuel economy.

ES lineup: ES 250 vs ES 350

The ES sedan has also used 2.5L and 3.5L engines in various generations to distinguish the 250 and 350 trims. In modern contexts, the 350 is the more powerful, more capable variant, with differences carrying through to performance and pricing.

Engine and power: ES 250 typically features around 200 horsepower from a 2.5L engine, while ES 350 uses a 3.5L V6 with roughly 300 horsepower.

Driving feel: The ES 350 is noticeably quicker from a stop and in passing maneuvers due to the larger engine.

Fuel economy: The ES 250 generally offers better fuel economy than the ES 350.

Equipment and price: The 350 often comes with stronger performance tuning and higher pricing, with more standard or optional features.

Overall, ES 350 variants provide more power and confident highway performance, balanced against higher fuel use and price relative to the ES 250.

NX lineup: NX 250 vs NX 350

In recent NX generations, Lexus shifted the lineup to pair NX 250 and NX 350 as distinct engine options, with the 350 adopting a turbocharged setup for greater output. This difference is especially noticeable in city driving and response at freeway speeds.

Engine and power: NX 250 uses a 2.5L inline-four with roughly 200 horsepower; NX 350 uses a 2.4L turbocharged engine with about 270–275 horsepower.

Torque and responsiveness: The turbocharged 350 delivers significantly more torque for strong, steady acceleration; the 250 feels more modest in city driving.

Fuel economy: The NX 250 typically returns better MPG than the NX 350 due to a less powerful engine.

Pricing and features: The NX 350 generally carries a higher price tag and may include more standard or optional performance-oriented features.

For NX buyers, the choice often comes down to whether you want stronger performance and highway confidence (350) or better daily efficiency and lower cost of entry (250).

What to verify for your year and model

Because Lexus numbering can vary by generation and market, it’s essential to check the exact specification sheet for the vehicle you’re considering. Look for:
- The engine displacement and turbocharging details listed in the window sticker or the official brochure.
- The horsepower and torque figures, as these determine real-world acceleration.
- Transmission type and drivetrain availability, which can influence performance and fuel economy.
- The trim level, as some 250/350 variants include different features and packages that affect value.

In summary, the 250 and 350 suffixes signal a difference in engine size and performance within a given model line. The 350 variants are typically more powerful and pricier, while 250 variants emphasize efficiency and affordability. Always confirm the exact engine and specs for the specific model year you’re evaluating.

Summary

The Lexus 250 vs 350 distinction is a model-by-model affair: 350 variants usually pair with larger or turbocharged engines delivering more horsepower and torque, while 250 variants use smaller engines with better fuel economy and lower price. For accurate comparisons, verify the exact engine specs, horsepower, torque, and equipment on the specific year and trim you’re considering.

Is 250 and ES 350 which is better?

When comparing the Lexus IS 250's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Lexus IS 250 and Lexus ES 350 have the same fuel efficiency.

What year Lexus IS 250 to stay away from?

A: While the Lexus IS 250 is generally a reliable vehicle, the 2007 and 2008 model years are the ones you should avoid if possible. These two years have more reported issues compared to other model years, though they still perform better than the worst years of many other vehicle models.

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

The biggest difference is that the 250 has a 2.5-liter displacement and makes about 200 horsepower (good for a 7 second 0-60 time), and the 350 has a 3.5-liter displacement and makes 300ish (good for a 5 second 0-60 time).

What is better, Lexus IS 250 or IS 350?

The main difference is performance: the IS 350 is more powerful with its larger engine (3.5L3.5 cap L3.5𝐿 vs. 2.5L2.5 cap L2.5𝐿), while the IS 250 offers better fuel economy and could be found with a manual transmission, though it has a known carbon buildup issue. The IS 350 has more horsepower (306306306 hp vs. 204204204 hp), but the IS 250 is lighter and has a better-balanced feel, making it a potential choice for some enthusiasts. The IS 350 is considered more reliable by some due to its dual port and direct injection system, which helps prevent carbon buildup on the valves, a problem that can affect the IS 250.
This video discusses the main differences between the Lexus IS 250 and IS 350: 1mRide with MieeYouTube · Jun 12, 2022

Feature	IS 250	IS 350
Engine	2.5L2.5 cap L2.5𝐿 V6	3.5L3.5 cap L3.5𝐿 V6
Horsepower	204204204 hp	306306306 hp
Fuel Economy	Slightly better average MPG	Slightly worse average MPG
Transmission	Available with manual transmission on some models	Automatic only on some models
Reliability	Potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection	Dual port and direct injection helps prevent carbon buildup
Performance	Slower acceleration (approx. 777 sec 0−600 minus 600−60 mph)	Faster acceleration (approx. 555 sec 0−600 minus 600−60 mph)
Weight	Lighter, potentially better-balanced feel	Heavier due to larger engine
Price (used)	Lower price range	Higher price range

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.