2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES starting price: $41,015 | price for you or View listings near you
above average: trusted; Optional hybrid Competitive price; Excellent build quality.
Below average: not very athletic; non-intuitive infotainment system; Cute design.
consensus: Starting at just over $40,000, the 2021 Lexus ES is a low-priced, durable, well-equipped and comfortable mid-size sedan that offers plenty of luxury touches and a selection of engines, including hybrids. The ES is a repeat KBB Best Buy winner for luxury cars.
2021 Infiniti Q50
2021 Infiniti Q50 starting price: $37,625 | price for you or View listings near you
above average: Strong Standard V6; Sharp styling Competitive prices Standard technical features.
Below average: The interior needs updating. Airless tires can be noisy; Steering is not as sharp as we would like.
consensus: Powered by a twin-turbo V6, the luxurious 2021 Infiniti Q50 is comfortable, well-appointed and fun to drive. However, the interior could use an update, and the steering isn’t as responsive as we’d like in a sports sedan.
ES vs. Q50: Smooth vs. Sporty
Lexus ES
People come to Lexus for bulletproof reliability, excellent build quality, good resale prices, and plenty of standard equipment. Starting at just over $40,000, the 2021 Lexus ES offers all of that in addition to excellent value. Lexus charges the same for the ES 250 (with all-wheel drive) and the ES 350 with a V6 but front-wheel drive. In fact, the ES 250 is the only all-wheel-drive alternative, as the hybrid ES 300h is also front-wheel drive.
The 2021 ES comes well-equipped, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, different drive modes, three USB ports, an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system voice .
Also standard is the Lexus Safety System Plus 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, among other things. There’s plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and a good-sized trunk. However, what the Lexus ES does not consider particularly sporty, although the ride is very comfortable and confident handling.
Infiniti Q50
With a stylish yet sporty look, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 offers great performance at a good price. Standard engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which sends 300 horsepower through a 7-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or optionally, all four.
A Red Sport 400 is also available, with the same engine tuned with 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is excellent, although the steering isn’t as communicative as we’d like, and we’re not a fan of the optional adaptive direct steering.
The seats are excellent and comfortable and there are plenty of soft surfaces inside. Rear seat space is plentiful, although the trunk is a bit small.
Standard features on the Q50 are generous, including ignition and keyless entry, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, infotainment system with two touchscreens, two USB ports, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
Standard safety features include forward collision mitigation, and the upper trim adds driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and the ProAssist package, which includes a 360-degree camera system. Resale values are usually below average.
Similarity
Guarantee; Optional all-wheel drive has good standard safety features.
Advantages of the 2021 Lexus ES
fuel economy; selection of engines, including hybrid; Trunk greater high resale value.
Features of 2021 Infiniti Q50
The starting price is less powerful V6 handling.
Which one is right for me?
The 2021 Lexus ES prefers comfort over the thrill of driving. If you’re looking for high build quality, reliability and good resale value, the ES stands out in the luxury category.
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 offers a powerful V6 engine and performance-tuned suspension. If the thrill of driving is important to you, the Q50 is the way to go.
Are you ready to buy a Lexus ES or an Infiniti Q50? Shop for one for sale now near you.
| 2021 Lexus ES | 2021 Infiniti Q50 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.5 Liter I4 | 3.0L Turbo V6.0 |
| horse power | 203 HP @ 6500 RPM | 300 HP @ 6400 RPM |
| torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto | 7-spd auto |
| fuel economy | 28 mpg (25 city/34 hour) | 23 mpg (20 city / 29 h) |
| also available | 3.5 liter V6; 2.5L I4 Hybrid with CVT; four wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Safety Rating | 5 stars | not available |
| Maximum Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 112.2 inches |
| total length | 195.9 inches | 189.6 inches |
| an offer | 73.4 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Height | 57.1 inches | 57.2 inches |
| turning diameter | 38 feet | 36.7 ft |
| headspace, front | 37.5 inches | 40.2 inches |
| headspace, rear | 37.8 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Legroom, front | 42.4 inches | 44.5 inches |
| Legroom, background | 39.2 inches | 35.1 inch |
| Shoulder room, front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder room in the back | 54.3 inches | 56.1 inches |
| EPA passenger volume | 100 cubic feet | 101.5 cubic feet |
| EPA Shipping Volume | 16.7 cubic feet | 13.5 cubic feet |