Lexus debuted the first luxury brand hybrid vehicle nearly 10 years ago, and continues its hybrid leadership by offering five models powered by the innovative Hybrid Synergy Drive. The latest addition, the 2015 ES 300h, cuts a striking figure, highlighted by the Lexus spindle grille, dramatic L-themed LED daytime running lights and coupe-like profile.
Similarities are many when it comes to comparing the 2015 hybrid models of Toyota's Avalon and the company's entry into the luxury sedan segment of the market, the Lexus ES.
Both are front-wheel-drive and equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid power train system that results in the same fuel economy. Strong performance and fuel economy are due to the Hybrid Synergy Drive that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with an electric motor to generate 200 total system horsepower. The hybrid's power is transmitted through the system's electronic continuously variable transmission, and the combination can move the ES 300h in rapid fashion, with 0-to-60 mph in 8.1-seconds. It is also a car with EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined.
Since the ES is a smaller midsize rather than a full-size sedan, its turn circle is 37.4 feet versus the 40 feet in the Avalon. Exterior measurements are virtually the same and in fact are when it comes to the 111-inch wheelbase. The Avalon has more front legroom by, officially, less than an inch. The ES beats the Avalon in official rear seat leg room, but this, too, is by less than an inch. It is as though Avalon designers sacrificed an inch for the rear and added it to the front. An opposite sacrifice for the ES.
In the Avalon, the trunk measures 14 cubic feet or two more than in the ES.
Tires, wheels, brakes, suspension systems mimic each other. Both vehicles are extremely quiet in the cabin, get great economy for their weight and offer many of the same amenities.
The price differential is not enormous with an asking price of $36,470 for the Avalon and $40,430 for the ES. So, why choose one over the other? Well, price is one factor with the Avalon favored. Two, safety fare is a second factor and that favors the ES. There is more of it. Three, standard amenities are a factor that favor the ES. For example, on the ES there are eight instead of six speakers for the sound system. Entune, which includes a navigation system and a multimedia bundle is a $935 option on the Avalon. That Entune bundle includes various apps, auxiliary ports, Bluetooth, high definition AM-FM-satellite radio, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability and more. This is standard fare on the ES. Then there are the little things, such as a mist cycle on the variable windshield rain-sensing wipers on the ES. Also, $400 buys a power trunk closer on the ES. The Avalon's trunk closes by human muscle only. Another neat option is a bamboo and leather steering wheel. It costs $300 on the ES. Try finding it on an Avalon standalone option list.
The ES 300h conveys its hybrid status in subtle ways, with specific split-five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, lip spoiler, hidden exhaust pipe and blue hybrid badges. Now in its third year, the new-generation ES 300h gains LED fog lamps with HID headlamps, heated/ventilated seats in perforated NuLuxe trim, and Siri Eyes Free mode. Leather is available, as is semi-aniline leather
for a more refined look and feel. An array of available driver aids included a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). Ask about the additional luxury tiers in the ES 300h via the Premium and Luxury packages, with the Ultra Luxury Package delivering flagship-style amenities.
Both vehicles were driven recently and it seemed, just seemed, that the midsize ES was a bit more luxurious. At the same time, it felt that the Avalon was larger and, as far as front seat leg room and trunk space are concerned, it is. For quiet and smoothness of ride, there was no difference between them.
More than 90 percent of the 280 miles of mileage in the ES hybrid was on the high speed interstate system (I-39, I-55) where the electric motor bows to the gasoline engine as far as propulsion is concerned. That was reflected in fuel economy. The average was 36.8 mpg or less than the EPA 39 mpg highway estimate.
Warranties differ. For the Avalon it is three years or 36,000 miles, five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. For the ES, it is four years or 50,000 miles and six years or 70,000 on the powertrain. The warranty is the same for both at eight years or 100,000 miles on the hybrid componentry. Avalon has roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles and the ES has it for four years or unlimited mileage. The ES also has free scheduled maintenance for first and second scheduled maintenance visits plus free lodging for breakdowns more than 100 miles from home.
For Lexus, the ES is an entry level luxury sedan. More luxury awaits in much higher priced Lexus sedans such as the $75,000 Lexus LS460.
For Toyota, the Avalon is the best in a luxury sedan the company has to offer. Have fun comparison shopping.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: 300h model of
2015 Lexus ES Type: front-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger midsize luxury sedan
Price: $40,430
Powerplant: 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam, inline four-cylinder engine, battery pack with permanent magnet electric drive, combined 200 horsepower
Transmission: continuously variable
Towing: 1,000 pounds
Fuel tank: 17 gallons
Fuel: regular unleaded
Turn circle: 40 feet
Tires (P215), alloy wheels: 17-inch
Brakes: 11.6-inch discs front, 11-inch discs rear
Wheelbase: 111 inches
Length: 192.7 inches
Width: 71.1 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Weight: 3,660 pounds
Suspension: struts, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bars front and rear
Trunk: 12.1 cubic feet
Ground clearance: 5.5 inches
Leg room: 41.9 inches front, 40 inches rear
Tires (P215), alloy wheels: 17-inch
Brakes: 11.6-inch discs front, 11-inch discs rear
Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles, six years or 70,000 miles powertrain, eight years or 100,000 miles hybrid componentry, free first and second scheduled maintenance
Information: www.lexus.com/models/ES