Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Membership Icon

Non-member Version

Unlock Consumer Report’s ratings and test results today.

Become a Member

2026 Lexus IS vs. 2026 Lexus ES Comparison

See how the 2026 Lexus IS and 2026 Lexus ES performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

IS 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 Lexus IS

$45,500 - $49,950

All Test Results
In Test
ES 2026

Electric luxury cars

2026 Lexus ES

$47,500 - $58,900

All Test Results
Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.


About
About
The IS luxury sports sedan continues to trail the competition in terms of the driving experience, interior room, and fuel economy. For 2026, all versions come with a polished but thirsty 311-hp V6. The sedan can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6 s...
 
The Lexus ES has a new look and a new all-electric option for 2026. The new ES is 6.5 inches longer than its predecessor, gets a stiffer structure, and switches to a multilink rear suspension for better handling and a smoother ride. Buyers can choose...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
 

NA

Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Controls
Red 'X' Icon Tight quarters
Red 'X' Icon Driving position
Red 'X' Icon Fuel economy for class
Red 'X' Icon Lumbar support adjustment isn’t available
 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
NA
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
NA

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

350 F Sport, 350 F Sport Design

 

500e Premium, 350h Premium+, 500e Luxury, 350h Premium, 350e Premium, 350e Luxury

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$45,500 - $49,950

 

$47,500 - $58,900

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, RWD

 

AWD, FWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3.5-liter V6 (311 hp)

 

electric (221 hp); electric (244 hp); electric (338 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic

 

1-speed Direct, CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

130+

researchers, engineers, and testing experts

89 years

of fighting for what's right

5M

members strong

Add Another Model

cr-trademark

Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.