The quest for luxury often comes with a hefty price tag, but what if you could experience premium comfort and sophisticated features without breaking the bank? Enter the realm of Affordable Luxury Sedans, where vehicles like the Lexus ES redefine expectations. Sharing its foundation with the practical Toyota Camry, the Lexus ES elevates the driving experience by prioritizing unparalleled comfort and a serene cabin environment, setting it apart from competitors who lean towards a sportier, and often less forgiving, ride.
Unlike some sedans in its class that emphasize athletic handling at the expense of ride quality, the 2025 Lexus ES distinguishes itself with a focus on passenger well-being. Its meticulously engineered suspension system excels at absorbing road imperfections, ensuring a smooth and composed journey even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Complementing this is Lexus’s renowned dedication to noise reduction, creating a tranquil interior sanctuary shielded from the clamor of the outside world.
Under the hood, the Lexus ES offers a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. Front-wheel-drive gas models boast a refined V6 engine producing 302 horsepower, delivering confident acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. For those seeking all-weather capability, an all-wheel-drive variant is available, powered by a 203-hp four-cylinder engine. However, the true gem in the ES lineup is its hybrid models. These combine a four-cylinder engine with electric motors, boosting total output to 215 hp while achieving exceptional fuel economy, making them ideal companions for daily commutes and environmentally conscious drivers. Hybrid ES models achieve an impressive 44 mpg, solidifying their position as leaders in fuel efficiency within the affordable luxury sedan segment.
Stepping inside the Lexus ES reveals a cabin crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Even in lower trims, the imitation leather upholstery is remarkably appealing, while higher trims indulge occupants with genuine leather in a variety of inviting color palettes. Both front and rear passengers enjoy generous space, ensuring comfortable journeys for all occupants. The trunk space is also competitive within the midsize luxury class, providing ample room for luggage and cargo. Technologically, the ES is well-equipped with a modern infotainment system featuring a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen display, seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a highly responsive voice recognition system.
Safety is paramount in the Lexus ES, and it comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. While the 2024 model year saw adjustments in crash-test ratings due to more stringent testing methods by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to award the 2025 Lexus ES its top five-star safety rating, reaffirming its commitment to occupant protection.
When considering competitors in the affordable luxury sedan market, the Acura TLX emerges as a close rival, though it emphasizes sportier driving dynamics. The Genesis G70 and G80, with their rear-wheel-drive platforms and opulent interiors, also compete in this space, albeit with a different performance and price positioning. While some rivals offer mild-hybrid technology, the Lexus ES stands out as the only model in its class to offer a full hybrid powertrain, excluding the all-electric Genesis Electrified G80. This hybrid advantage further solidifies the Lexus ES as a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable luxury sedan that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and a refined driving experience.
