Whats the difference between a Lexus ES 350 and a Lexus GS 350?

The ES 350 is Lexus’s comfort-focused, front‑wheel-drive (with available all‑wheel drive) midsize sedan, while the GS 350 was the sportier, rear‑wheel-drive luxury sedan with stronger performance—though the GS line was discontinued after the 2020 model year. Today, the ES remains the mainstay in that size class.

Overview and positioning

Both models sit in Lexus’s midsize luxury family, but they appeal to different priorities. The ES 350 emphasizes smooth ride quality, quiet cabin comfort, and practicality for daily driving. The GS 350 aimed to deliver a more dynamic driving experience with sharper handling and more aggressive performance credentials. Because the GS was phased out after 2020, buyers shopping new cars now will find the ES as the primary option in this segment.

The distinction comes down to layout, chassis tuning, and the kind of driving experience you want. Here are the main areas where the two models diverge.

The following list covers the key differences in drivetrain, performance, interior, technology, and practicality.

• Drivetrain and platform: ES 350 is built on a front‑wheel‑drive (with optional all‑wheel drive) platform aimed at comfort and efficiency; GS 350 uses rear‑wheel drive as its baseline with an optional all‑wheel-drive system, focusing more on sport handling.


• Performance and handling: ES 350 prioritizes a smooth, quiet ride with steady acceleration and forgiving handling. GS 350 offers sportier characteristics, sharper steering, and a more dynamic feel thanks to its rear‑drive chassis and stiffer tuning.


• Interior space and comfort: ES 350 generally provides generous rear‑seat space and a comfortable, refined cabin designed for long trips. GS 350 cabins are still luxurious, but the focus leans more toward a driver‑centric, performance‑oriented ambiance.


• Technology and safety features: Both models share Lexus safety tech and modern connectivity, but ES trims often emphasize comfort and convenience options, while GS variants historically offered sport‑oriented tech and optional upgrades like performance dampers or F Sport packages.


• Practicality and pricing: New ES models are more affordable and practical with better fuel efficiency and lower running costs; GS models (when they were available) carried a higher purchase price and maintenance cost due to their performance hardware. Since GS is no longer in production, used‑car pricing reflects depreciation and condition rather than a current lineup price.

In summary, the ES 350 is the value‑oriented, comfort‑driven choice with versatile practicality, while the GS 350 was the more engaging, driver‑focused option that emphasized performance—now retired from the new‑car market.

Current status and availability

As of the 2020 model year, Lexus discontinued the GS lineup, including the GS 350, in North America and several other markets. That legacy remains in the used‑car market. The ES 350, along with the ES 300h hybrid, continues to anchor Lexus’s mid‑size sedan lineup with ongoing updates to safety tech, infotainment, and comfort features.

If you’re shopping today, here’s how to approach it:

• New cars: The ES is the only current, readily available option in this size class from Lexus. Look for the ES 350 or ES 300h depending on your preference for hybrid power.


• Used GS 350: Available only as pre‑owned models (pre‑2020). Inspect for wear on the rear‑wheel‑drive suspension, brakes, and tires, and review maintenance history carefully, since the sportier design can incur higher ownership costs.

For shoppers, the retirement of the GS 350 means prioritizing ES features, efficiency, and reliability in the current lineup, while enthusiasts may seek out well‑maintained used GS models if they value the sportier heritage and driving feel.

What to consider when shopping for each model

Use these quick guidelines to steer your decision based on priorities and budget.

• If you value comfort, quiet cabins, and daily practicality: prioritize the ES 350. Consider AWD if you live in regions with inclement weather.


• If you prize sportier dynamics and a more engaging drive: seek used GS 350s with a solid maintenance history, understanding that parts and upkeep may be higher and the model is no longer in production.


• Technology and safety: both generations offer strong safety suites and modern infotainment, but ensure your chosen model has the features you want (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, advanced driver assists, etc.).

Summary

The Lexus ES 350 represents the contemporary, comfort‑oriented route in the brand’s midsize sedan lineup, featuring efficient, refined performance and practical packaging. The GS 350, once the sportier alternative with a rear‑wheel‑drive bias, is now a completed chapter in Lexus history, available only as used examples. For most buyers today, the ES offers the best balance of ride quality, reliability, and value in this segment, while enthusiasts may still seek out a well‑preserved GS 350 if they want a more dynamic driving character from Lexus’s past.

Summary: ES 350 = comfort, practicality, modern tech; GS 350 = performance‑leaning heritage, now discontinued, available only used. The ES remains the current, mainstream choice in Lexus’s midsize sedan lineup.

What is the difference between GS 350 and ES 350?

The main differences are that the GS 350 is a rear-wheel-drive (or optional all-wheel-drive) sports sedan, while the ES 350 is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan. The GS has a more powerful engine and sportier handling, while the ES prioritizes a smoother, more comfortable ride and generally offers better gas mileage and a lower price point. 
You can watch this video to compare the GS 350 and ES 350 in detail: 56sSerg Car ReviewsYouTube · Sep 16, 2019

Feature	Lexus GS 350	Lexus ES 350
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD)	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Performance	Sportier handling, better performance, more powerful engine	Smoother ride, more comfort-oriented
Engine	Higher horsepower output (e.g., 311 hp)	Lower horsepower output (e.g., 268 hp or 302 hp depending on the model year)
Ride Quality	More firm, better for sporty driving	Smoother and softer, focused on comfort
Interior	Slightly higher-end interior feel, though the differences are minimal in some model years	More rear legroom and rear passenger comfort
Fuel Economy	Lower gas mileage	Better gas mileage
Price	Higher starting price	Lower starting price

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This video discusses the differences between the Lexus GS and ES models: 52sSammy Drives NZYouTube · Apr 26, 2023
Choose the GS 350 if:

• You prioritize a sportier driving experience.
• You want the option of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
• You're looking for more horsepower.
• The slightly more premium interior and handling are important to you. 

Choose the ES 350 if:

• You prefer a comfortable and quiet ride.
• You want better fuel economy and lower ownership costs.
• You need more rear seat space and comfort.
• You prioritize front-wheel drive for better performance in snowy conditions. 

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 does GS mean in Lexus?

In the context of Lexus, "GS" stands for Grand Sedan. It refers to the mid-size luxury sedan that was part of the Lexus lineup until its discontinuation in 2020. The "Grand" designation was intended to signify the model's luxury and comfort, rather than its size.
 

• Grand Sedan: The primary meaning for the GS model line. 
• Mid-size luxury sedan: The GS was a mid-size sedan positioned between the smaller IS and larger LS sedans. 
• "Grand": This prefix highlighted the model's luxury and performance-oriented features compared to other models in the sedan range. 

Why did Lexus discontinue the GS 350?

The GS was killed because it was just never competitive enough after the introduction of the 2GR engine. It was a great engine with high output for the time that it was added, in 2007. When it came out it was always available with a 6 or 8 cylinder engine if you wanted, except for the newest model.