If you’re looking to buy a new or used sedan, the Lexus ES is a reliable and respectable option. The ES has been around for over 30 years and delivers luxury, comfort, and peace of mind from one of the most reliable brands on the market. However, before you go hunting for your own Lexus ES, there are some things to know about this venerable sedan.
Multiple Trims of the New Lexus ES
If you’re looking at the latest Lexus ES, you’ll have a wide range of trims to choose from. The base ES 250 AWD starts at around $43,000, which is about average for a base luxury model. The ES 350 is your next choice with a more powerful engine, but it only comes in a FWD layout. Beyond these trims lies the Ultra Luxury line with more advanced features and quality materials inside.
Toyota is known for its strong hybrid lineup, and as the Lexus parent company, it’s no surprise that the ES can be had in hybrid variants. If getting maximum savings at the fuel pump is your goal, then the ES Hybrid is probably your ideal model. The newest version gets up to 44 mpg combined, making it the most efficient Lexus hybrid available.
Lexus Used Cars Hold Value
If you’re looking at Lexus used cars, it’s good to know that these models hold their value compared to many rivals. Recently, Lexus has been named the most reliable brand for used cars, and the ES is no different. Compared to other Lexus models, the ES sits somewhere in the middle, but when you compare it to German and American luxury sedan models, the difference is quite stark.
According to KBB, the Lexus ES retains about 46.7% of its value after five years. To compare, a BMW 3 Series only holds onto 37.1% of its value after five years, and the Cadillac CT4 holds even less at 34.1%. In other words, the Lexus ES is a pretty safe bet when it comes to buying a new one and expecting it to hold value when you decide to trade it in.
The Lexus ES is the Luxury Toyota Camry
You may or may not be surprised to find out that the Lexus ES shares a platform with the Camry. The current Lexus ES shares its platform with the Toyota Camry, as well as the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. If the Lexus is a little out of your price range, the Camry is a good alternative, and it retains up to 52.5% of its value as a used car as well.
You can get a base Camry for about $30,000 after fees, but you can also get a top model with AWD and plenty of niceties for right around $43,000. That’s roughly the same as the base Lexus ES.
Back to the Lexus ES, in the current days of tariffs, it’s good to know that the ES is one of two Lexus models built in the United States. This should mean that it will be shielded from tariffs for the foreseeable future, and those costs won’t be passed down to the consumer.
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