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What Lexus is like Toyota Avalon?

The Lexus ES is the closest match to the Toyota Avalon in size and market niche.


The Avalon was Toyota’s large, front-drive sedan that sat near the luxury segment, offering roomy rear seats and a comfortable ride. It was sold through the 2022 model year, after which Toyota retired the nameplate. With Avalon discontinued, Lexus positions the ES as its direct large-luxury sedan alternative, delivering similar space and comfort with distinct Lexus luxury touches.


Closest Lexus counterpart


The Lexus ES is the direct analogue to the Avalon, sharing a focus on comfort, space, and a refined ride, while delivering Lexus-branded luxury and technology.


Here are the key similarities and differences between Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES.



  • Size and interior space: Both target buyers who want a roomy back seat and a comfortable front cabin.

  • Platform and propulsion: Both are front-drive biased sedans built on Toyota/Lexus TNGA-based architectures; emphasis is on ride quality and efficiency rather than sportiness.

  • Powertrains: Avalon offered V6 and hybrid options; ES offers gasoline and hybrid configurations in the current lineup, prioritizing smooth power delivery and efficiency.

  • Luxury and interior: ES upgrades the interior with Lexus materials, seating comfort, and sound insulation for a more premium feel.

  • Technology: ES includes Lexus Safety System+ and advanced driver-assistance features; Avalon had Toyota Safety Sense with similar capabilities on earlier models.

  • Pricing and market status: Avalon is no longer in production; ES remains in production and serves as the current large-luxury sedan option in the Lexus lineup.


Concluding: The ES serves as the closest alternative to the Avalon in today’s market, delivering similar space and comfort with Lexus-level refinement and technology. For a step up in luxury, the LS remains the larger flagship option.


Understanding market positioning


The Avalon occupied a space similar to large, comfortable sedans from premium brands, offering broad practicality at a mainstream price point. Lexus responded with the ES as the brand’s practical, upscale alternative that preserves interior space, ride comfort, and reliability, while pairing it with premium materials and advanced safety tech. With the Avalon retired, the ES stands as the direct successor in this segment.


Other Lexus options to consider


Beyond the ES, buyers seeking more space, prestige, or performance can consider larger or more premium Lexus models. The LS is the full-size flagship sedan with greater rear-seat space and exclusive luxury features; the IS and GS lines provide sportier dynamics in the luxury category, though availability varies by year and market. For those prioritizing comfort and efficiency in a luxury package, the ES remains the primary target.


LS as a larger luxury alternative


The LS provides extra space, higher levels of refinement, and a more opulent interior, with a higher price tag. It’s ideal for buyers who want flagship luxury and distance-from-the-pack presence, rather than the more practical, all-around balance offered by the Avalon’s closest modern equivalent, the ES.


Summary


The Toyota Avalon’s closest Lexus counterpart is the ES. The ES mirrors Avalon’s roominess and comfort while delivering Lexus luxury and up-to-date technology. Since Avalon is no longer offered, the ES is the practical, current choice for buyers seeking a large, comfortable, well-equipped sedan in the Lexus lineup, with the LS as the larger, more prestigious alternative if desired.

Is the Lexus 350 the same as a Camry?


The Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry share the same platform but serve different purposes. The ES 350 is a luxury sedan with a quieter, more refined ride, premium interior materials, and more advanced features. It comes only with a 3.5L V6 engine tuned for smooth performance.



What is the Lexus version of Avalon?


The Lexus ES is the Toyota Avalon's direct Lexus equivalent, as they share platforms, engines, and other mechanical components. The main differences are that the Lexus ES is positioned as a more upscale and luxurious vehicle, while the Avalon offers a greater degree of value and a simpler feature set for a lower price.
 
You can watch this video to see a comparison between the Lexus ES and Toyota Camry: 22sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Oct 3, 2024

Feature Lexus ES Toyota Avalon
Positioning Luxury sedan Value-oriented, full-size sedan
Price Higher starting MSRP Lower starting MSRP
Interior & Materials More upscale materials, higher quality finishes High-quality, but less luxurious than Lexus
Ride & Noise More sound deadening, quieter ride Quieter ride, but less than the ES
Features More available premium features, such as a panoramic sunroof and power sunshades Fewer premium features available
Engine Often has a slightly more powerful V6 engine Shares a similar 3.5L V6 engine with the ES, sometimes with slightly less horsepower
Platform Shared platform with the Avalon Shared platform with the ES
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In short, if you are looking for a more luxurious and refined vehicle with a higher-end interior and more features, the Lexus ES is the equivalent. If you are looking for a similar large sedan with great value and reliability, the Toyota Avalon is the right choice.



Is Avalon or es350 better?


As the Lexus is more of a luxury vehicle, it comes with some perks that the Avalon doesn't have. These upgrades include higher quality materials inside, more sound deadening and insulation material for a quieter ride, more comfortable seats, a better audio system, a better ownership experience and a longer warranty.



What cars are comparable to Toyota Avalon?


The main competitors to the Toyota Avalon include the Lexus ES (as they share a platform), Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Honda Accord. Other competitors include the Toyota Camry (for a smaller option), Volkswagen Arteon, Kia Stinger, and former models like the Ford Taurus or Buick LaCrosse. 
Direct competitors

  • Lexus ES: Often considered the more luxurious version of the Avalon, sharing many components. 
  • Nissan Maxima: Positioned as a sporty competitor, with bold styling and a focus on performance. 
  • Chrysler 300: A large sedan with a distinctive design that competes in the same segment. 
  • Honda Accord: A strong competitor, particularly for those who may find the Avalon too large but still want a comfortable and well-equipped sedan. 

Other notable competitors
  • Toyota Camry: For those who want a similar Toyota experience in a slightly smaller package. 
  • Volkswagen Arteon: A stylish option that competes in the premium-leaning sedan market.
  • Kia Stinger: A performance-oriented sedan that offers a different take on the large sedan formula.
  • Former Models: Older competitors included vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, and Buick LaCrosse. 
  • Toyota Crown: Effectively the modern successor to the Avalon in Toyota's lineup, offering a premium, hybrid-only experience. 


Kevin's Auto

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.