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Lexus ES vs Toyota Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (302 HP vs 265 HP), trunk space and price (42,000 $ vs 39,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Lexus ES or Toyota Highlander?

Lexus ES vs Toyota Highlander: Key differences

Lexus ES

  • moderately more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • slightly lighter

Toyota Highlander

  • barely cheaper

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

ES

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Toyota Highlander is barely cheaper – starting at 39,300 $ , while the Lexus ES costs 42,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 2,770 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Lexus ES performs a bit better – achieving 43 mpg, compared to 36 mpg for the Toyota Highlander. That’s a difference of about 7 mpg.

Highlander

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus ES offers moderately more power – delivering 302 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 37 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Highlander delivers moderately more torque with 310 lb-ft compared to 267 lb-ft. That’s about 43 lb-ft more.

ES

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus ES is slightly lighter – 3,690 lbs compared to 4,155 lbs. The difference is around 465 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Lexus ES is slightly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $42,000
ES

Lexus ES

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 203 - 302 HP
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View detailed analysis

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General
View detailed analysis

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES rides like a rolling spa, with a plush cabin, hushed manners, and the kind of build quality that makes your shoulders drop the moment you shut the door. It’s not here to light up back roads, but if you want a stress-free commute, long-haul comfort, and the peace-of-mind ownership Lexus is famous for, it nails the brief with quiet confidence.

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Reviews Lexus ES

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Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
42,000 - 52,300 $
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
FuelEconomy City
22 - 43 mpg
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
31 - 44 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 - 15.9 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,690 - 3,737 lbs
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Trunk Volume
13.9 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Width
73.4 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
56 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
203 - 302 HP
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Torque
163 - 267 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 - 3.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Lexus
Brand
Toyota
What is the starting MSRP for the Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES starts at 42,000 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.