2023 Lexus ES 250
MSRP Range: $41,940 - $50,730 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.9/10
edmunds TESTED
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.
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.
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
good
7.9/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
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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2023 Lexus ES 250 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
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:
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Compare the Lexus ES 250
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.
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.
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.
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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 8 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
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 8 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
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