2020 Lexus ES vs 2019 Toyota Prius

2019 Toyota Prius
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Prius is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2020 Lexus ES scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Lexus ES is the recommended choice, offering a more luxurious and powerful driving experience with advanced technology and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$23,770

MSRP

$39,900

Average price

$21,478

Average price

$30,625

Listings

218

Listings

199
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2019 Toyota Prius Reviews Summary

Reliable, efficient, affordable, practical, and safe, the 2019 Toyota Prius checks off multiple boxes on a typical car shopper’s list. The latest version is even decent to drive, but the Prius' styling does the car no favors. For 2019, Toyota tries to tone down the design, revises its trim-level strategy, and adds a new electric all-wheel-drive option to the car.

2020 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

0.7 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

58

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

53

MPG Highway

32
2019 Toyota Prius
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Prius is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2020 Lexus ES scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Lexus ES is the recommended choice, offering a more luxurious and powerful driving experience with advanced technology and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$23,770
$39,900
Average price
$21,478
$30,625
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Summary
Reliable, efficient, affordable, practical, and safe, the 2019 Toyota Prius checks off multiple boxes on a typical car shopper’s list. The latest version is even decent to drive, but the Prius' styling does the car no favors. For 2019, Toyota tries to tone down the design, revises its trim-level strategy, and adds a new electric all-wheel-drive option to the car.

SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid
3.5L 302 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
0.7 kWh
MPG City
58
22
MPG Highway
53
32
Look and feel
2019 Toyota Prius
5/10
2020 Lexus ES
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not known for its looks. Its design, especially the fourth-generation model introduced in 2016, was considered more extroverted but arguably less appealing. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Prius offered a practical solution for daily driving. The 2019 lineup included L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trims, with prices starting at $23,770. The AWD-e system was an additional option, enhancing traction but slightly reducing fuel efficiency. The interior featured centralized controls and a unique design, though the gloss black trim attracted dust.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation to shed its "boring" label. The aggressive spindle grille and larger proportions gave it a more commanding presence. The rear design was more subdued, with sleek taillamps and a distinctive window kink. Inside, the ES blended modern technology with luxurious materials, offering a spacious and elegant cabin. The infotainment system, available in 8-inch or 12.3-inch displays, was controlled via the Remote Touch pad. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system, with options for a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system and a head-up display.

Performance
2019 Toyota Prius
9/10
2020 Lexus ES
7/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, enhancing traction at low speeds. The standard front-drive Prius achieved 52 mpg in combined driving, while the AWD-e variant managed 50 mpg. The Prius offered a smooth ride and decent handling, with a CVT managing power delivery. The EV mode allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds, and the regenerative brakes helped recharge the battery. Despite its complex systems, the Prius was easy to drive and offered a quiet ride in urban settings.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The F Sport trim offered an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers, enhancing the driving experience with Sport+ mode. The ES was not a high-performance vehicle but offered a balanced and enjoyable drive, especially with the F Sport's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters.

Form and function
2019 Toyota Prius
8/10
2020 Lexus ES
6/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. Rear passengers had decent legroom but lacked air conditioning vents. The Prius's SofTex leatherette upholstery could trap sweat on hot days. The hatchback design provided up to 27.4 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The AWD-e variant had slightly less cargo space. The Prius was practical for daily use but not suited for off-road adventures.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. The center console offered multiple storage options, and the trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of space. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to transport larger items. The ES's interior was well-designed, with deep door pockets and a well-organized center console.

Technology
2019 Toyota Prius
5/10
2020 Lexus ES
8/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius's most advanced infotainment system was limited to the Limited trim, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium JBL sound system. The standard setup included a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a CD player. The instrumentation was housed in a horizontal strip below the windshield, with some displays appearing outdated. The Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and adaptive headlights but fell short of expectations. The Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it offered wireless smartphone charging.

The 2020 Lexus ES's technology centered around the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with real hard buttons for easy navigation. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization options. The infotainment system was intuitive, though not a touchscreen, and the Remote Touch pad required some acclimation.

Safety
2019 Toyota Prius
7/10
2020 Lexus ES
10/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius included the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Prius received a 5-star rating in federal crash tests and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous driving. The ES included a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Toyota Prius
10/10
2020 Lexus ES
8/10
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