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Lexus ES 350 vs. Lexus IS 250 Review

How the Lexus ES 350 stacks up against the Lexus IS 250 - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Lexus ES 350
Price Range: $34,470 - $34,800
2010 Lexus IS 250
Price Range: $31,305 - $35,475
Lexus ES 350 vs. Lexus IS 250 Review

Utility
The IS 250 and the Lexus ES 350 can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Lexus ES 350 packs quite a punch and will knock the IS 250 down a few rungs. On the other hand, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The Lexus IS 250's tank is about the same size as the ES 350's, though the ES 350's is somewhat larger. The IS 250 and the Lexus ES 350 compete for the same parking spaces.

Convenience
You won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Lexus IS 250 than with the Lexus ES 350, as both offer similar mileage ranges.

Cost
Producing a precise gas mileage evaluation is so tough that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though both the Lexus IS 250 and the Lexus IS 250 perform almost similarly in terms of gas mileage. There isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Lexus ES 350 is a bit more economical than the Lexus IS 250. Regarding MSRP, the Lexus IS 250 costs approximately as much as the Lexus ES 350 (though the Lexus ES 350 is a little cheaper).

Handling
With its tighter turning circle, the Lexus IS 250 is definitely nimbler than the ES 350, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The ES 350 has a more massive engine than the Lexus IS 250. Note that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. The Lexus IS 250 could learn a lesson or two from the Lexus ES 350 with respect to torque. The Lexus ES 350 packs quite a punch compared to the Lexus IS 250 when it comes to torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Lexus ES 350 offers a bit more head room than the IS 250, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Lexus ES 350 make it significantly roomier for your passengers than the IS 250.

Warranty
The Lexus ES 350 and the Lexus IS 250 have the same basic after-sale protection.

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