2023 Lexus ES 250

Price Range: $41,940 - $50,730 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2023 Lexus ES 250 Luxury Sedan Exterior Shown

+51

The Lexus ES 250 finally brings an all-wheel-drive powertrain to the ES lineup. Unfortunately, the 250's lethargic four-cylinder engine is unworthy of being in a luxury car such as this. Unless you absolutely need all-wheel drive, the V6-powered ES 350 is a better buy. The ES 250's endearing qualities are otherwise present in the ES 350 as well.

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28 mpg

Combined MPG

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2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.},

rating written byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Comfortable and mostly upscale interior
Smooth ride
Standard all-wheel drive on all ES 250 trims
Plenty of space for the price

Cons

Sluggish acceleration
Driving dynamics fall short of German competitors
Rear seats don't fold down

What's new

Updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New F Sport Design trim
Redesigned center console
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019

Overview

The Lexus ES 250 is the entry point for the ES family, which also includes the ES 350 and fuel-efficient ES 300h hybrid. It costs the same as the significantly more powerful ES 350 and a bit less than the 300h, but it provides something the other two don't: all-wheel drive. All three ES models share the same standard and optional features, so unless you need all-wheel drive, you'd likely be happier with either the additional 99 horsepower from the ES 350 or the 44 mpg combined you get from the ES 300h.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$151/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Lexus added two new sporty trim levels to the ES lineup for 2023, the F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims — but the ES 250 only received the F Sport Design trim. Like last year's F Sport trim, it adds sportier exterior styling but is missing the upgraded front seats and sport-tuned suspension. If the new trim level doesn't interest you, the new Lexus Interface infotainment system likely will because it adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration plus a "Hey Lexus" voice assistant. The new system also removes the hard-to-use touchpad, which freed up space for a new center console design.

The ES 250's high level of comfort, roomy interior and low starting price for a midsize luxury sedan will attract many shoppers, all bolstered by Lexus' reputation for reliability. However, its underpowered and loud four-cylinder engine, paired with dull driving dynamics, might send you elsewhere. The Acura TLX offers more power for a similar price, and if you have the budget, check out the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Genesis G80. Make sure to read the Edmunds Expert Rating below for our test team's thorough review of the Lexus ES 250.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.0/10

How does the ES 250 drive? The ES 250 isn't sporty and fun-to-drive like a 3 Series, but it's competent and stable when going around turns. The steering is a little light and uncommunicative, but it's nonetheless accurate. A smooth-shifting transmission and easy-to-control brakes are among the other highlights.

But these attributes are also generally applicable to the ES 350 as well — a vehicle that doesn't share the ES 250's albatross: the non-turbocharged four-cylinder. Borrowed from the more pedestrian Toyota Camry, it produces nowhere near the power expected of the class. A 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds is embarrassing for a luxury car. Unless you absolutely need all-wheel-drive traction, the V6-driven ES 350 is a better buy.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the ES 250? Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive and are easy to get in and out of. The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.

The ES platform is more comfortable cruiser than sport sedan, and it absorbs bumps and road rash without transmitting harshness to the cabin. There's a bit of intrusive wind noise at highway speeds — more than we'd expect of a Lexus — but maybe it's just more noticeable since the car tames road and tire noise so well. Engine noise is palpable, however. The four-cylinder makes such a racket during acceleration you'll ponder why Lexus greenlit this Toyota engine for use in its luxury sedan.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2023 Lexus ES 250 pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Getting in and out of the ES is no trouble thanks to the low seat cushions and wide door openings. There's also a good-size gap between front passengers and door panels that creates a feeling of space. There's loads of room in the back seat, especially between the seatbacks and knees, even for 6-foot-tall passengers. That said, a standard sunroof and sloping roofline create headroom issues for tall folks.

Drivers of most heights and body types should find a comfortable position given the power-adjustable seat and mostly clear views all around the car. Most controls are within reach. It's odd that Lexus didn't put the seat heating and cooling controls near the climate controls, but at least they are physical buttons and not virtual ones buried in a display screen menu. The ES' volume knob is great and feels like one from an old-school stereo receiver.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? Our test car came with the spectacular-looking 12.3-inch infotainment display. The widescreen navigation maps look great thanks to the excellent color contrast and indicators. The display has touchscreen capability and you can also control many nav, phone, audio and even climate control functions through voice commands. The optional Mark Levinson sound system is well worth its modest cost.

The ES also includes several standard driver assist features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, which helps minimize lane wandering.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? You get a big trunk with the ES 250. Cargo space stands at 13.9 cubic feet, slightly more than most competitors offer. Unfortunately, you can't fold the rear seats to increase space, and there's only a pass-through slot for long items.

Storage for small items inside the cabin is abundant. There's also plenty of space for child safety seats, and they're easy to install. Just detach the plastic tabs over the car seat anchors in the seat cushions. Generous rear seat room means most seats will fit without needing to slide up the front seats.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The ES 250 is estimated to achieve 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway). This is a few mpg better than most other four-cylinder-powered midsize luxury sedans with all-wheel drive, such as a BMW 530i xDrive. However, those rival sedans are considerably more powerful.

Value

8.5/10

Is the ES 250 a good value? For a relatively affordable sum, the ES 250 delivers a compelling luxury experience. The upholstery feels supple and substantial, and the cabin shows typical Lexus attention to detail in the tight panel gaps, high-quality controls and detailed stitching. Only the coarse and underpowered engine takes away from the typically excellent Lexus experience. Warranty coverage is on par for the segment.

Wildcard

6.5/10

The Lexus ES 250 does not deliver the driving dynamics afforded by any of its rivals or even the V6-powered ES 350. The four-cylinder/AWD combo makes this ES feel more ponderous than anything else in the class. Even when you look past the powertrain, there's not much else going on here to stir excitement.

The distinctive design affords the ES 250 some personality, and the interior is larger and more lovingly crafted than the price tag suggests. It's a definite step up from the Toyota Avalon, on which it is based, but it's a shame that the four-cylinder is so groany and loud.

Which ES 250 does Edmunds recommend?

The new F Sport Design trim might get more looks, but the Luxury trim is the one to get because it has more to offer for the same price. The Luxury trim includes the features found in the Premium package and adds an upgraded suspension, perforated leather seats and interior ambient lighting. The 12.3-inch center touchscreen display is a worthwhile upgrade.

Lexus ES 250 models

The 2023 Lexus ES 250 is available in four trim levels: ES 250, F Sport Design, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. All ES 250s are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the ES 350 and ES 300h, all ES 250s come standard with all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:

ES 250
Comes reasonably well equipped with:

17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
Sunroof
Synthetic leather upholstery
10-way power-adjustable front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
8-inch touchscreen display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
10-speaker audio system
Satellite radio
Lexus app (remote engine start, service scheduling and vehicle alerts)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

Every ES 250 also comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the ES 250 and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Automatic high-beam assist
Road sign assist (detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel)

Optional for the base ES 250 is the Premium package. It adds:

Wood interior trim
Heated and ventilated front seats
Rain-sensing wipers
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
Wireless charging pad
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

F Sport Design
As the name implies, the F Sport Design is the sportiest ES 250 trim available. Upgrades include:

All features from the Premium package
19-inch gloss black wheels
Sportier exterior trim
Rear spoiler

Luxury
The Luxury trim builds off the base ES 250 and serves as a more comfortable counterpart to the F Sport trim. Features on the ES 250 Luxury include:

All features from the Premium package
18-inch wheels
Windshield wiper de-icer
Performance suspension dampers
Ambient interior lighting
Leather upholstery
Wood- and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel
Additional driver's seat adjustments
Power rear window sunshade

Ultra Luxury
The top-level Ultra Luxury trim includes the Luxury features, plus:

18-inch wheels designed to reduce noise
Hands-free power trunklid
12.3-inch center touchscreen display
Navigation system
Voice assistant
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the ES 250 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Manual rear door sunshades

Many of the features on the upper trims can be added to the lower trims as options. Notable stand-alone options include:

Upgraded 18-inch wheels
Upgraded LED headlights
Smart Access card key (can replace the key fob)
Rear spoiler
17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
12.3-inch center touchscreen display with navigation and voice assistant
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Surround-view monitor (gives you a top-down view of the ES 300h and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Wood trim with interior ambient lighting
Power rear window sunshade

Lexus ES 250 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

10 reviews

5(80%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great luxury car for the money

Brian , 02/20/2021

2021 Lexus ES 250 Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Other poster talked about cheap interior and bad stereo. Luxury version has leather seats. Mark Levinson upgrade provides great stereo. Features are as good or better than what you find on higher priced cars. ES250 isn't powerful but I got 37 mpg on a long trip. I would like to see better ambient lighting.

Extremely under powered

John, 01/08/2021

2021 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Brought my older es350 in for service and got a 2021 es250 as a loaner. I was thinking on trading my es350 for newer model since in am nearing 150k miles but after driving the new es250 I will be keeping my old one. Biggest first impression is the vehicle is extremely under powered and takes excessive throttle input to get it to move. 4 cylinder engine is loud and feels like I am …

Love our Lexus

Stephen Bowman, 08/29/2023

2021 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Purchased 2021 ES250, 30,000 miles, Lexus Certified two weeks ago. We absolutely love our car. Quality throughout, very comfortable ride and seats. Roomy. Easy to get in and out of. Love the styling. Top Safety Pick. Loaded with safety features. Getting 34+ MPG highway. Power is adequate. All wheel drive a plus for us.

Old school reliable daily

VaLexusDriver, 10/08/2022

2021 Lexus ES 250 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Traded my beloved Infiniti QX70 Limited but I really like this car. It’s the 4 cylinder so it’s not as powerful as others in the class but the simplicity and old school demeanor and AWD is what sold me. I’m getting high 30’s low 40’s mpg and the luxury look/feel is top notch. I have the F Sport with red interior with every option except the HUD and rear window shade. ML audio and triple …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus ES 250, so we've included reviews for other years of the ES 250 since its last redesign.

See all 10 reviews of the Lexus ES 250

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2023 Lexus ES 250 Features Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,940
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$151/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Lexus ES 250

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Lexus ES 250 vs. Acura TLX

The TLX delivers more power and fun behind the wheel. It's also one of the few midsize luxury sedans that's more affordable than the ES 250. You can choose front- or all-wheel drive and the TLX provides a comfortable ride. It's not as fuel-efficient as the Lexus, but the sound of its engine isn't obnoxious when accelerating like the 250's. Also like the ES 250, the TLX comes standard with several advanced driver aids. On the downside, the Acura has tight rear seats.

Compare Lexus ES 250 & Acura TLX features

Lexus ES 250 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class is one of our highest-rated luxury sedans and tops the ES 250 in most ways. It packs more luxury, power and technology. All of that, however, comes at a price. The base Mercedes E 350 model is considerably more expensive, but if you can afford it, it's worth the extra cost. However, it's not all bad news for the Lexus, which is more efficient and has more rear legroom. The ES 250 also comes standard with several advanced driver aids that cost extra in the Mercedes.

Compare Lexus ES 250 & Mercedes-Benz E-Class features

Lexus ES 250 vs. Genesis G80

The G80 delivers a lot for the money, packing more value than most other luxury sedans in its class. The base model costs about as much as the ES 250's midlevel Luxury trim but provides more features, power and an interior that's more stylish and modern-looking. Its striking design will turn more heads and impress more of your friends. Like the Lexus it's very comfortable but it's more engaging to drive. The G80 is a bit less fuel-efficient, though the power difference more than makes up for it.

Compare Lexus ES 250 & Genesis G80 features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite ES 250 safety features:

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front.
Panoramic View Monitor: Gives you a top-down view of the ES 250 and its surroundings for tight parking situations.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5: Bundles a variety of standard driver assist and collision avoidance safety features.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	10.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Lexus ES 250 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 ES 250 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 ES 250 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the ES 250 has 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus ES 250. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Lexus ES 250?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus ES 250:

Updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New F Sport Design trim
Redesigned center console
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019

Learn more

Is the Lexus ES 250 reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus ES 250 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the ES 250. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the ES 250's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Lexus ES 250 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus ES 250 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 ES 250 and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 ES 250 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 ES 250 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus ES 250?

The least-expensive 2023 Lexus ES 250 is the 2023 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $41,940.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $41,940
F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $46,525
Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $47,110
Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $50,730

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus ES 250?

If you're interested in the Lexus ES 250, the next question is, which ES 250 model is right for you? ES 250 variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), and Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A). For a full list of ES 250 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Lexus ES 250

Pricing

2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

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2023 Lexus ES 250 pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which ES 250 does Edmunds recommend?

Lexus ES 250 models

Lexus ES 250 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great luxury car for the money

Extremely under powered

Love our Lexus

Old school reliable daily

Helpful shopping links

2023 Lexus ES 250 Features Specs

Compare the Lexus ES 250

Lexus ES 250 vs. Acura TLX

Lexus ES 250 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Lexus ES 250 vs. Genesis G80

Safety

Our experts’ favorite ES 250 safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Lexus ES 250 a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Lexus ES 250?

Is the Lexus ES 250 reliable?

Is the 2023 Lexus ES 250 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus ES 250?

What are the different models of Lexus ES 250?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Save as much as $3,157 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}