Toyota Camry vs. Lexus ES: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a luxury sedan, the 2025 Toyota Camry and the 2025 Lexus ES consistently shine as top contenders. Both models showcase a perfect blend of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. In this article, we’ll compare the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES to help you decide which luxury sedan aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Performance and Engine Options

Let’s kick things off by examining what lies under the hood of these two impressive sedans. The 2025 Toyota Camry and the 2025 Lexus ES offer distinct performance and engine options tailored to different driving preferences. 

The Camry is available with exclusive hybrid powertrains, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors. The base front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup produces a combined 225 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant boosts this to 232 horsepower. The Camry’s hybrid system provides smooth acceleration, with the FWD model accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.4 seconds and the AWD model in about 7.1 seconds. Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the Camry, with the FWD variant delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 51 mpg combined and the AWD variant achieving around 47 mpg combined. 

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus ES offers a broader range of engine options, catering to both performance enthusiasts and those seeking luxury. The base ES 250 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 203 horsepower and 184 Ib-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.6 seconds and offers fuel efficiency of 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

For more power, the ES 350 features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 302 horsepower and 267 Ib-ft of torque. With FWD, it achieves 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and has a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid model combines a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors to produce 215 horsepower, emphasizing fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg combined and a 0-to-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, while the F Sport trims add a touch of sportiness to the handling. 

Interior and Comfort

Both the Camry and the ES offer comfortable and stylish interiors. The Camry features soft-touch surfaces and a user-friendly layout, including an 8-inch touch screen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims, such as the XSE and XLE, come with a 12.3-inch display and JBL audio. With supportive seats and generous legroom, the Camry ensures comfort for both short and long drives.

The 2025 Lexus ES highlights luxury and refinement with premium materials such as leather upholstery and wood trims inspired by traditional Japanese swords. It includes a cutting-edge infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The spacious, plush seats provide excellent comfort, though the trunk space is slightly smaller at 13.9 cubic feet compared to the Camry’s 15.1 cubic feet. Overall, the Lexus cabin experience is more serene and upscale.

Safety and Reliability

Both the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES prioritize safety. The 2025 Camry features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes a precollision system, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. It has received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its crashworthiness. The Camry is also known for its reliability, backed by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with coverage for hybrid components.

Similarly, the Lexus ES excels in safety with its Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, featuring advanced technologies such as precollision systems, lane-tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. It has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and high marks from the IIHS. The ES also boasts strong reliability, reflected in its high J.D. Power score of 82 out of 100. It comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and extensive hybrid coverage.

Cost of Ownership

The cost of ownership is a vital consideration for anyone looking to buy a new car. The Camry, known for its affordability and efficiency, has a lower overall cost of ownership, with a five-year estimate of around $33,867 on its base trim. This includes expenses such as depreciation, taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. 

Conversely, the Lexus ES, being a luxury vehicle, incurs higher costs, with a five-year estimate of around $53,690 on the base model. This higher cost is attributed to greater depreciation, more expensive insurance, and higher maintenance and repair expenses. However, the Lexus ES offers a more luxurious experience, which can justify the additional expense for those seeking premium comfort and features.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The Toyota Camry boasts a more affordable price, excellent fuel efficiency, and a strong reputation for reliability. Its sporty handling makes it a fun drive, while the roomy interior offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. However, some may find the Camry lacks the upscale materials and finishes that are hallmarks of luxury sedans.

On the other hand, the Lexus ES dazzles with its luxurious interior, premium features, and advanced safety technology. It also provides a smooth, quiet ride that enhances the overall driving experience. However, the higher price and potentially higher maintenance costs can be drawbacks for some buyers. Additionally, while it offers great performance, it may not match the sportiness of the Camry for those who crave a more dynamic driving experience.

Which Sedan Fits Your Lifestyle?

In this 2025 Toyota Camry vs. 2025 Lexus ES showdown, your choice ultimately boils down to what you value most in a vehicle. If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly sedan with a sporty edge, the Camry is the perfect choice. However, if your priorities are comfort and advanced features, the ES delivers a superior experience.

Whichever way you’re leaning, at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, we’re ready to help you explore your options and make an informed decision. Visit us today to test-drive both models and discover which luxury sedan wins your heart. 

Tags: Lexus ES, Toyota Camry
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