Which one is better, Lexus GS or ES?
The Lexus ES is the clearer choice for most buyers today. The GS is no longer sold new in most markets and survives mainly as used inventory or in select regions, while the ES benefits from ongoing updates, better reliability, and lower ownership costs.
To understand which model suits you, this article compares the two sedans across driving dynamics, comfort and interior quality, technology and safety features, and ownership costs. It also highlights who each car is best suited for in 2025.
Current Availability and design philosophy
The Lexus GS was discontinued in most markets after its final 2020 model year, making new GS models a rarity outside of certain regions. Since then, Lexus has concentrated its mainstream sedan effort on the ES, which remains in active production with regular updates, a hybrid option, and broader dealer support. The ES is designed for daily comfort, efficiency, and all-around practicality, while the GS was positioned as a more driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive sport sedan in its prime.
In this section, a side-by-side look at how the two compare in real-world terms helps you decide which should dominate your garage—new or used.
Performance and driving dynamics
To compare how they feel on the road, consider these key dimensions:
- Handling and ride: The GS emphasizes sportier handling with rear-wheel drive and sport-tuned dynamics (and, in some years, the option of all-wheel drive). The ES prioritizes a smooth, refined ride with comfort-oriented tuning, even in performance-minded trims.
- Powertrains: Most GS models rely on a V6, with a high-performance GS F offering a V8 in earlier years; the ES uses a refined V6 in the ES 350 and a capable hybrid system in the ES 300h, plus AWD options in some markets.
- Transmission: Both cars use smooth automatic transmissions (GS and ES typically with an 8-speed), but the driving feel of a sportier drivetrain in the GS can translate to more immediate throttle response for enthusiasts.
- Fuel economy and efficiency: The ES, especially in hybrid form, generally offers better fuel economy and lower running costs than the non-hybrid GS variants, which are older and less efficient by comparison.
- Practicality and everyday usability: The ES’s ride comfort and cabin quietness tend to win for daily commuting and long trips, while the GS’s driving feel suits enthusiasts who value cornering sharpness and a more dynamic experience.
In short, the ES is the more versatile, all-around package for most drivers, while the GS remains appealing to those who value sportier dynamics and a badge with a storied performance legacy—often in the used-market tier.
Interior, comfort, and technology
Interior quality, space, and tech features influence daily satisfaction just as much as outright speed. Below is a quick look at what to expect in each model:
- Interior quality and space: The ES generally offers a more spacious, welcoming cabin with rear-seat practicality and modern materials across trims. The GS cabin is driver-focused with a slightly more intimate feel and, on some models, tighter rear accommodations.
- Infotainment and controls: The ES features Lexus’s newer multimedia interface in recent generations, with updates to touchpad-free usability and clearer menus. The GS, when still sold new, often carried older iterations of Lexus’ infotainment as it aged, which could feel behind the curve by today’s standards.
- Comfort and ride quality: The ES emphasizes plush ride quality, quietness, and long-ride comfort. The GS offers a firmer, more engaging ride in sport-oriented trims, at the expense of some day-to-day softness.
- Safety and driver-assistance tech: ES models benefit from ongoing availability of Lexus Safety System+ and newer driver-assistance features as part of regular updates. The GS, being discontinued in new-car form, may not have access to the latest tech in current markets.
For buyers prioritizing cabin refinement and up-to-date tech, the ES is typically the safer bet. Enthusiasts who value a sharper, more driver-centric feel might still prefer the older GS experience, provided they are comfortable with potentially higher maintenance costs and older hardware.
Ownership cost, reliability, and resale
Costs over ownership can determine the smarter financial choice, especially when comparing an ongoing-production model to a discontinued one.
- Reliability: The ES benefits from Toyota-backed reliability and widespread service knowledge, contributing to typically lower maintenance anxiety and predictable ownership costs. The GS, especially older models, can incur higher maintenance costs as parts age and technology becomes dated.
- Warranty and service: ES buyers generally have broad dealer coverage, easier access to replacement parts, and longer-term support. GS buyers may face more limited new-car warranty options (if buying used, warranty status depends on remaining coverage).
- Resale value: ES retains value well due to ongoing production, broad demand, and reputation for reliability. The GS, now a discontinued model, can hold appeal in the used market but may depreciate more quickly and have a smaller pool of buyers.
- Overall ownership cost: Hybrid ES variants tend to deliver efficiency benefits that translate into lower fuel costs, while the GS’s sportier variants can carry higher maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Overall, for buyers who want a more predictable, lower-cost-to-own sedan, the ES is typically the stronger option. If you’re shopping used and crave a sportier feel, budget for potential higher maintenance and insurance costs and a smaller, older-technology footprint.
Bottom line for different buyers
Choosing between the GS and ES comes down to personal priorities: sportiness vs. practicality, new-car confidence vs. used-market charm, and modern technology vs. badge and driving feel.
Choose the ES if you want a reliable, comfortable daily driver with modern tech and strong efficiency
The ES is the practical choice for most households. It delivers a smoother ride, better fuel economy in hybrid form, and ongoing updates that keep it current with safety and infotainment tech. It also benefits from widespread dealer support and predictable maintenance costs.
Choose the GS if you crave sharper handling and a sportier footprint, and you don’t mind shopping used
For driving enthusiasts or collectors who prize a more dynamic sedan and the GS’s historic badge, a well-maintained used GS (including the GS F variant in its era) can be compelling. Be prepared for higher maintenance costs, aging tech, and potentially limited availability of parts or service on older units.
Summary
As of 2025, the Lexus ES stands as the better overall package for most buyers thanks to ongoing production, advanced safety and infotainment features, superior efficiency with hybrid options, and lower ownership costs. The Lexus GS remains a niche choice—strong in its driving feel and badge history but no longer available new, making it best suited for enthusiasts who value sport-oriented dynamics and are comfortable with the trade-offs of a discontinued model.
Did the Lexus ES replace the GS?
In 2018, Lexus discontinued the GS for European markets and replaced it with the front-wheel drive ES already sold in North America and.
What is the most common problem with Lexus GS 350?
Top Lexus GS350 Problems
- Brief Rattle or Knocking Noise on Initial Start Up.
- The Inside Rear View Mirror May Become Discolored.
- Software Upgrade for Navigation & Heater Control Displays.
- Lexus GS350 sputtering issue with check engine light and traction control warning.
Which Lexus is better, ES or GS?
The better car depends on your priorities: the GS is a better choice for performance-oriented drivers due to its rear-wheel-drive platform and sportier feel, while the ES is better for those prioritizing comfort, practicality, and a more affordable price tag. The GS is discontinued, but the ES is the current model and is known for a smoother, quieter ride with a more spacious cabin for rear passengers.
| Feature | Lexus GS | Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | More performance-oriented, rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) | Front-wheel drive (FWD), more comfort-focused |
| Ride and Handling | Sporty and engaging | Smoother, quieter, and more comfortable |
| Engine | Higher horsepower options, including a hybrid with 338 hp | Lower horsepower options, with the newer V6 producing 302 hp. The hybrid has lower horsepower. |
| Price | Generally more expensive | More affordable |
| Features | Older models may have dated interiors | Newer models have more up-to-date technology and features, including more rear-passenger legroom |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current model |
| Best For | Drivers who want a more connected, sporty driving experience | Drivers who prioritize comfort, practicality, and a quieter ride |
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Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?
No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
- Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine.
- Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry.
- Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning.
