2021 Lexus IS vs. 2021 Lexus ES: Which Lexus Luxury Sedan Is Right For You?

Lexus has two luxury sedans on the market, and at first glance, there aren't many price differences. This is a feature of the Lexus range, which offers two premium sedans which at first glance seem to be from the same segment. That said, the Lexus IS and the Lexus ES are two different sedans and they have two different personalities. Let's take a closer look.

Behavior on the road

The first difference between the Lexus IS and ES is found on the road. The 2021 Lexus ES is considered quite a unique vehicle in the industry because of its impressive level of comfort. Although Lexus improved the sporty side of the ES with the latest redesign in 2018, the ES remains one of the most comfortable cars (if not the most comfortable car) in this price range.

The 2021 Lexus IS is very comfortable too, but it is more focused on sportiness with slightly sportier handling and steering than the ES. The IS, against its direct rivals, sets the benchmark for comfort, but the ES has the advantage. Conversely, the IS is more dynamic.

The IS also offers more powerful engines, at least as standard. The Lexus ES 250 offers 205 standard hp and all-wheel drive while the IS offers 241 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. The IS in its version IS 350 offers 311 horsepower while the ES 350 offers 305 horsepower and the latter is front-wheel drive while the IS 350 offers all-wheel drive as standard.

The hybrid

The 2021 Lexus ES offers a hybrid version that is not found in the IS lineup. This hybrid offers 215 horsepower and an average fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. If fuel economy is a priority for you, the ES will certainly be able to meet your needs.

Interior space

The Lexus ES is arguably the more spacious option of the two sedans. The ES offers 394 liters of cargo space and 996mm of rear legroom. Headroom, front or rear, is more generous in the ES as well.

The Lexus IS offers 306 liters of cargo space and 812mm of rear legroom.

Price

In terms of price, the differences are more subtle, but the IS is slightly more affordable than the ES with a starting price of $ 45,560 versus $ 47,860 for the ES.

It's possible to get all-wheel drive from 46,010 in the Lexus IS so while the ES comes standard with AWD, the IS all-wheel drive will be more affordable. That said, when leased, the ES is actually more affordable. Our sales representatives will be able to look at all of this with you and ultimately, in terms of price, the differences are quite minimal between the IS and the ES.

The best way to find out which Lexus luxury sedan is right for you is to take each for a test drive!