Lexus ES vs Lexus LS

The 2018 Lexus LS presented a bold design that polarized opinions. Its distinctive spindle grille, with its wide-mouthed and jagged-edge appearance, was likened to a robotic fish or an angry vacuum cleaner by some, while others appreciated its unique and aggressive aesthetic. The LS 500 was immediately recognizable, aided by its long and wide stance, which made the large front section seem necessary. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like gray 20-inch wheels and a blacked-out grille, while the interior boasted a luxurious red and black leather combination with intricate detailing, making it a standout in the luxury sedan market.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES maintained a more conservative design approach, appealing to a broader audience. The ES had elegant proportions with a sleek roofline and a prominent spindle grille that was a matter of taste. The interior, while nice, was not overwhelmingly luxurious, featuring an asymmetrical dashboard that gave a cockpit feel but appeared jumbled. The F Sport model added sporty two-tone leather seating, but the overall design leaned towards practicality and functionality, with features like a small analog chronometer that added a touch of heritage but also cluttered the dash.

The 2018 Lexus LS offered a powerful performance with its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was available in rear- or all-wheel drive, and the LS 500h hybrid variant provided 354 combined horsepower. The LS 500 F Sport, particularly with the optional F Sport Performance Package, transformed the car into a luxury vehicle that handled like a sports car, with features like rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension enhancing its agility. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for RWD models, with the hybrid offering significant gains.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, while the ES 350 offered a more robust 307 hp from its 3.5-liter V6 engine. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp. The ES 250 AWD was noted for its smooth handling but felt underpowered for a luxury sedan. The ES 350's V6 provided a more engaging drive, and the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy with 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway.

The 2018 Lexus LS boasted a spacious interior with generous door openings and a 17-cubic-foot trunk. However, its functionality was marred by an annoying touchpad interface for the infotainment system, which was difficult to use. The lack of rear-seat amenities in the F Sport trim was also a drawback. Despite these issues, the LS 500 offered a stellar experience with its roomy interior and excellent sightlines for the driver.

The 2022 Lexus ES provided practical advantages with its 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which remained unaffected in the hybrid model. The ES offered a lower center of gravity and better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage and convenience features, with a functional dash layout that catered to mature drivers. The sedan's design allowed for a tighter turning circle, making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces.

The 2018 Lexus LS was equipped with innovative features like the Lexus Concierge, which synced seat and steering-wheel temperatures, and an air suspension with an "entry height" feature. The optional 24-inch head-up display and 23-speaker Mark Levinson stereo added to the luxury experience. The LS also offered a comprehensive navigation system with custom route programming and a 360-degree camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with upper trims offering a 12.3-inch screen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The touchpad interface was an improvement over previous setups but still challenging to use. The ES also featured a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2018 Lexus LS had not been tested by major safety organizations, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+, which included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The LS also offered optional advanced safety features through the Lexus Safety System+ A package.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety for its occupants.