2013 Lexus ES 350 vs. Its Competition

8.2

/ 10

TCC Rating

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

May 30, 2012

The 2013 Lexus ES models arrive just in time to take on an all-new version of the Hyundai Azera and a brand-new Cadillac, the XTS, while the Lincoln MKS and Acura TL remain strong alternatives.

Compared to the ES, the Acura TL also has a (primarily) front-wheel-drive layout, but it still feels (and drives) somewhat sportier than the ES 350.

The Buick LaCrosse is sized about the same as the ES—if not slightly larger—and while it's a slightly better value for the money than the ES, the Buick brand doesn't quite have the same cachet (or dealer service).

The new Cadillac XTS is more expensive than the ES, but it offers the new CUE touch-screen interface—far better than Remote Touch—along with a number of active-safety features not seen in the ES (or MyLincoln Touch in the MKS).

Those who want all-wheel-drive in a larger, comfort-oriented luxury car will want to go for either the Lincoln MKS, the Buick LaCrosse, or the Cadillac XTS.

The Hyundai Azera is a new wildcard; just redesigned this past model year, it offers a lot of features for the money—along with some of the same luxury ambiance as the ES models, at an even lower price.

Otherwise, it's hard to beat the new ES 300h hybrid; other green-luxury possibilities like the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 or Mercedes Benz E 350 BlueTec cost far more.

2013 Lexus ES 350 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Cadillac XTS Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Lincoln MKS Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Acura TL Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Buick Lacrosse Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Azera Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
8.6 / 10 TCC Rating Larger but leaner, the 2013 Lexus ES gains a hybrid model and some very attractive new styling to stave off strong new competition.	9.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Cadillac XTS is everything a big comfort-oriented luxury sedan should be--plus a lot more, for the safety- and tech-focused.	8.8 / 10 TCC Rating The 2013 Lincoln MKS steers away from both traditional American luxury and German sport sedans--and ends up in a good place for those who want a distinctive, well-rounded big sedan.	8.0 / 10 TCC Rating The 2012 Acura TL is a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with a host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan.	8.2 / 10 TCC Rating As a sophisticated, roomy, tech-savvy premium sedan—now with up to 36 mpg—the 2012 Buick LaCrosse hits the mark for a lot of shoppers who want luxury on a limited budget.	8.6 / 10 TCC Rating With real design appeal, confident performance, and a true luxury-car ambiance, the new 2012 Hyundai Azera brings far more sophistication to the showroom, but doesn't lose its carry-over attributes of comfort and value for the money.
MSRP From
$36,370	$44,075	$42,870	$35,705	$30,170	$32,000
Gas Mileage
21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas/Electric I4	Gas V6
EPA Class
Midsize	Full Size	Large Cars	Mid-Size	Midsize Cars	Large
Style Name
4-Door Sedan	4-Door Sedan FWD	4-Door Sedan 3.7L FWD	4-Door Sedan Automatic 2WD	4-Door Sedan Base FWD	4-Door Sedan
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic w/manual shift