Lexus ES vs Lexus LS

The 2018 Lexus LS was a polarizing figure in automotive design, with its distinctive spindle grille that divided opinions. Some saw it as a bold, aggressive statement, while others likened it to a robotic fish or an angry vacuum cleaner. The LS 500's design was immediately recognizable, with its long and wide stance complementing the prominent front section. 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. Despite its daring design, the LS 500 was unmistakably a Lexus, offering a unique blend of luxury and sportiness.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus ES underwent a significant transformation, growing in size and adopting a more angular and edgy design. The spindle grille was minimized to a flat trapezoidal section, and the bodywork featured flatter panels and harder edges. The ES's profile was marked by beveled surfaces and a graphical slash across the doors, while the rear showcased a fastback-like roofline and a horizontal taillight bar. Inside, the ES embraced a modern, simplified layout with a broad horizontal dashboard and a large infotainment touchscreen. The use of NuLuxe synthetic leather and high-quality materials maintained a sense of luxury, even as the ES shifted towards a more contemporary aesthetic.

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 was powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The LS 500h hybrid variant combined a gas engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 354 horsepower. The hybrid's unique transmission blended a CVT with a 4-speed automatic to mimic a 10-speed experience. The LS 500 excelled in smooth acceleration and seamless power delivery, with the F Sport trim enhancing driving dynamics through features like rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension. Fuel economy for the LS ranged from 18/27 mpg for AWD models to 25/33 mpg for the hybrid.

The 2026 Lexus ES 350h featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine, generating 244 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a CVT, with an AWD option available. The ES 350h's acceleration was modest, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds for the front-drive model and 7.1 seconds for the AWD version. While not particularly thrilling, the ES prioritized comfort over performance, offering a smooth and quiet ride. The brake system provided seamless transitions between regenerative and physical braking, and the handling was adequate for everyday driving. The ES's soft suspension absorbed road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The 2018 Lexus LS offered a spacious interior with generous dimensions, making entry and exit easy through large door openings. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of cargo space, although the rear seatbacks did not fold down. However, the LS's infotainment system was hindered by a frustrating touchpad interface and low-resolution graphics. The lack of rear-seat amenities in the F Sport trim was a notable omission, but overall, the LS delivered a luxurious and roomy experience.

The 2026 Lexus ES expanded its interior space, gaining 1.4 inches of rear legroom and 0.4 inches of headroom. Despite the increased dimensions, the sloping roofline could pose challenges for taller passengers. The front seats offered ample space, though storage options were average. The trunk capacity increased to 17.4 cubic feet, providing a wide and practical space for cargo. While the rear seatbacks did not fold, a center pass-through allowed for longer items. The ES's interior was modern and functional, with thoughtful design elements enhancing usability.

The 2018 Lexus LS was equipped with innovative features like the Lexus Concierge, which synchronized seat and steering-wheel temperatures. The air suspension offered an "entry height" for easier access, and the 360-degree cameras aided parking. The navigation system allowed for custom route programming, and the optional 24-inch head-up display provided valuable information. The Mark Levinson 23-speaker stereo delivered exceptional audio quality, making long drives enjoyable.

The 2026 Lexus ES introduced the latest infotainment system with customizable widgets and a new on-screen shortcut button. The 14-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument panel offered sharp graphics and intuitive menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Premium+ trim added a Mark Levinson 17-speaker sound system and a digital key feature. The integrated Drive Recorder provided a multi-camera dash cam for added security.

The 2018 Lexus LS came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Rear-side thorax airbags were also standard, a rarity in many luxury sedans. The optional Lexus Safety System+ A added advanced features like active steering and road-sign detection. Telematics services, including stolen-vehicle alerts and automatic 911 dialing, were included for 10 years.

The 2026 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, offering advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, lane departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium+ trim added a surround-view camera system, automated parking, and a digital rearview mirror. While most safety features performed well, the lane departure warning was overly sensitive, and the Proactive Driving Assist was considered intrusive.