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The Lexus ES has always split the difference between premium and full luxury, and its diverse competitors reflect that straddle.
The high-tech Acura RLX gets almost no attention, but it’s as luxurious and much better-handling than the far more popular ES.
The Buick Lacrosse and Kia Cadenza are premium entries from carmakers not considered luxury brands, but they score high on value even if they can’t come close to the Lexus dealer experience.
The Lincoln MKZ may be a dressed-up Ford Fusion, but the ES has a lot of Toyota Avalon underneath, and the MKZ adds plenty of luxury features.
It failed to convince us, however.
Finally, if you have the financial wherewithal, the Volvo S90 may be the prettiest and most distinctive of the bunch, the most luxury entry among this group even as it stays priced below Mercedes and BMW.
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 2018 Lexus ESBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Acura RLXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Buick LacrosseBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Kia CadenzaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Lincoln MKZBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Volvo S90Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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If you’re after a smooth, quiet, roomy, comforting luxury sedan that’s still good value, the 2018 Lexus ES may be one of the better choices. |
The 2018 Acura RLX brandishes some exotic hardware, and wraps it in anonymity. |
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is a proper flagship, a refined and comfortable sedan with only a few quirks. |
The 2018 Kia Cadenza has matured greatly, and offers exceptional room and polish. |
The 2018 Lincoln MKZ is a comfortable, quiet luxury sedan with the right ingredients but lacks in execution. |
With its graceful styling and gentle demeanor, the 2018 Volvo S90 is one of our favorite luxury sedans—at any price. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $38,950 | $54,900 | $29,565 | $32,290 | $35,605 | $48,100 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded V-6 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| ES 350 FWD | Sedan w/Technology Pkg | 4-Door Sedan FWD | Premium Sedan | Hybrid Premiere FWD | T5 FWD Momentum |
| 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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Lexus ES vs. 2018 Acura RLX | 2018 Lexus ES vs. 2018 Buick Lacrosse | 2018 Lexus ES vs. 2018 Kia Cadenza | 2018 Lexus ES vs. 2018 Lincoln MKZ | 2018 Lexus ES vs. 2018 Volvo S90 | |
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