Lexus ES vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the ES: 10 comparisons against 5 rivals across the 2025–2026 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
_Auto_Zuerich_2025_DSC_3061.jpg){kind=link}
By rival
5 rivals · verdicts at default weightsTesla Model 3Model 3 leads 1–0
Hyundai ElantraES leads 1–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the ES wins and loses
10 scored head-to-headsThe ES leads on safety in 10 of 10. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the ES scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | ES leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel & range | 5 of 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Safety | 10 of 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Space & cargo | 0 of 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Performance | 1 of 2 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions about the Lexus ES head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Lexus ES or the Toyota Camry?
The Lexus ES wins clearly, 100 to 62.3, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Lexus ES comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Toyota Camry). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Lexus ES or the Honda Civic?
The Lexus ES wins clearly, 100 to 71.8, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Lexus ES comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Honda Civic). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Lexus ES or the Tesla Model 3?
Too close to call: Lexus ES 96.8 vs Tesla Model 3 95.4 with these weights. The Tesla Model 3 is ahead on fuel & range. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 and it flips. Too close to call at default weights: the 2026 Lexus ES is nominally ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Tesla Model 3). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Lexus ES or the Hyundai Elantra?
The Lexus ES wins clearly, 100 to 65, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Lexus ES comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Lexus ES or the Nissan Sentra?
The Lexus ES wins clearly, 100 to 65.3, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Lexus ES comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Lexus ES vs 2026 Nissan Sentra). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Lexus ES win and lose against its rivals?
The ES leads on safety in 10 of 10. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.