2023 Lexus ES 250 Sedan

　　

2023 Lexus ES 250 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　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 zzdcar 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 byMichael CantuManager, 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 zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　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 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$132/mo  for ES 250 Base

　　ES 250 Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,940 MSRPF SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $46,525 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $47,110 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $50,730 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　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 zzdcar Expert Rating below for our test team's thorough review of the Lexus ES 250.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar 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 zzdcar Expert Rating below