The 2011 ES 350 is one of many conservative, front-wheel-drive sedans that favor ride and comfort over performance, to differing degrees.
The Hyundai Azera and new Buick LaCrosse also tend toward the comfort end of the scale, but both have a very competitive price and the Buick in particular has an expressive new interior that's arguably better looking than that of the Lexus.
Acura's TL is a bit sportier than the ES 350, though some of its styling details, like its grille, aren't to everyone's liking.
The Nissan Maxima is a sportier option; it has a roomy, stylish interior and more of an emphasis on performance, but it lacks the refinement and isolation of the overall experience in the Lexus and doesn't offer the excellent Lexus dealership experience.
The Lincoln MKZ is also a sharper-edged car, with an interior that is at the same time more stylish but less rich-looking.
The Lincoln’s engine also has more growl, and it's available with all-wheel drive; some might be interested to hear that an all-new MKIZ Hybrid is offered this year, with fuel economy ratings of more than 40 mpg.
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 2011 Lexus ESBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Acura TLBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Hyundai AzeraBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Lincoln MKZBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Nissan MaximaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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For those who value comfort and luxury—and still want the latest technology—but don't need a sport sedan, the 2011 Lexus ES 350 is one of the best bets. |
If the bold exterior is to your liking, the 2011 Acura TL is a solid luxury value—and the SH-AWD has true sport-sedan chops. |
Spacious, handsome, and unremittingly conservative, the 2011 Hyundai Azera is a great alternative for folks who think the company's Sonata is a bit risque. |
The 2011 Lincoln MKZ has a foot in both luxury worlds, with buttery leather and wood for traditionalists, and hybrid power with flower petals for the high-minded greens. |
The 2011 Nissan Maxima is no longer primarily a sport sedan; think of it as comfortable and refined first, with its sportiness a bonus, and you’ll be happy. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $36,725 | $35,305 | $25,495 | $34,645 | $31,750 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact | Mid-Size | Large | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 2WD | 4-Door Sedan GLS | 4-Door Sedan Hybrid FWD | 4-Door Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Continuously variable ratio | Continuously Variable |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Acura TL | 2011 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Hyundai Azera | 2011 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Lincoln MKZ | 2011 Lexus ES vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
