The Lexus 250 ES all-wheel-drive vehicle was the best-selling Lexus vehicle for 2021, and 2022 bodes well with a factory 250 ES refresh. The 2022 updates include improved multimedia systems, redesigned exterior, and safety and performance.
The 2022 Lexus 250 trim levels include base, Luxury, F Sport, and Ultra Luxury. The Lexus ES 250 AWD produces 203-HP with a four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 34 mpg highway with 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
The ES 250 AWD has a 203-HP 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic. The Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive (AWD) improves traction while minimizing additional fuel consumption.
The system is front-wheel-drive and can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels as needed. When AWD isn’t required, the rear axle can disengage by a coupling and provide better mileage.
Anticipated EPA fuel economy for the ES 250 AWD is expected to be 28 mpg combined with 0-60 is in 8.6 seconds.
Many worthy competitors for the Lexus ES 250 include the Volvo S60, Audi A4, Infiniti Q50 GT, and Mercedes Benz C-Class.
These vehicles and others are alternatives with pricing in the Lexus ES250 range of $41,875 for the base trim up to $51,055 for the Ultra Luxury trim.
Alternative Vehicles to Lexus ES 250
1. Volvo S60 B-5
The Volvo S60 is an excellent alternative for the ES 250 in both pricing and ride quality. This delightful entry-level luxury sedan has a quiet, understated yet elegant interior with options for hybrid models.
The gas-only S60 B-5 produces 209-HP with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and attains 0-60 in 5.6 seconds.
- Pricing: $40,295 – $65,845
- Mileage: 34 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes in the entry-luxury car segment with the Lexus ES 250. In addition, the legendary Mercedes-Benz, known for its quality and performance, will have a redesigned high-tech cabin for 2022.
The C-Class uses a four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 255-HP for the standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
- Pricing: $42,650 – $55,750
- Mileage (highway): 33 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
3. Audi A4 Quattro
The 2022 Audi A4 compact luxury sedan with the legendary all-wheel Quattro drive is a solid competitor to the Lexus ES 250. The well-rounded design of the Audi A4 appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers for many good reasons, including build quality.
The A4 Quattro comes in two models, the 40 and 45, both powered by a four-cylinder engine and supplemented by a 12-volt hybrid power system. The Model 40 produces 201 HP, and the 45 has 261 HP and 0-60 times in 4.8 seconds.
- Pricing: $40,995 – $51,995
- Mileage (highway): 33 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Hybrid
4. Infinity Q50
The Infinity Q50 entry-luxury vehicle has a stylish exterior but lacks many upscale interior features and exciting ride characteristics to be considered a solid competitor to the Lexus ES 250.
The Q50 uses a 3.0-liter V-6 to power the rear wheel or the available all-wheel-drive model. The standard Q50 creates 300 HP while the high-performance Red Sport model creates 400 HP and 0-60 times in 5.0 seconds for the 300 HP version.
- Pricing: $43,125 – $56,975
- Mileage: 29 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
5. Genesis G-70
The Genesis G-70 is a prime player to compete with the Audi A4 in either rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive with a posh cabin and athletic driving characteristics.
Gorgeous styling, quality build materials, and one of the lowest price points make the G-70 a considerable player in the entry-luxury market.
A standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine produces 252 HP, but the real thrill is delivered by the exciting, optional turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 engine producing 365 HP. The V-6 engine reaches 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.
- Pricing: $38,570 – $53,545
- Mileage (highway): 29 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
6. BMW 330I
The BMW 330 Series has athletic road manners with effortless styling to compete with the Audi A4. In addition, the 330I has a dynamic sportiness wrapped with a luxurious cabin for a richly rewarding driving experience.
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder BMW 330i engine creates 255 HP, while the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder cranks out 385 HP with a 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.
- Pricing: $42,445 – $55,695
- Mileage (highway): 36 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
7. Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a worthy alternative to the Audi A4 with gorgeous styling and a driver-focused interior. The Giulia has an exhilarating ride experience with eye-catching styling for a rewarding and fun driving experience.
The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 280 HP in either a rear-wheel or all-wheel driver configuration, making 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.
- Pricing: $38,570 – $44,945 – $50,185
- Mileage (highway): 33 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
8. Tesla Model 3
Cutting-edge technology meets performance with the Tesla Model 3. This vehicle and the Tesla Company have, in a short time, become legends in the electric vehicle market segment with Tesla EVs.
The Model 3 has affordable pricing, outstanding performance, and a class-leading driving range and is an attractive alternative to the Lexus ES 250.
The Model 3 (Performance model) delivers power to the all-wheel-drive vehicle with two powerful electric motors producing 450 HP to propel the car from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.
- Pricing: $46,400 – $60,440
- Driving range (Long Range): 358 miles
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Electric
9. Jaguar XF
With a rich pedigree, the Jaguar XF positions well as an alternative Lexus ES 250.
In addition, the Jaguar XF uniquely offers a cheap four-cylinder engine with many high-tech features, excellent road handling, and a luxurious interior with an affordable luxury price point.
The XF 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has two trim levels, the P250 and P300. The P250 produces 246 HP, and the P300 generates 296 HP to propel the XF from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.
- Pricing: $46,450 – $52,150
- Mileage (highway): 30 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
10. Lincoln MKZ (Zephyr)
The legendary Lincoln MKZ will debut in 2022 with a new brand name, the Lincoln Zephyr.
The venerable Lincoln will have a stylish and premium design and an updated luxurious cabin with many high-tech features. The new Zephyr (MKZ) should compete well with the Lexus ES 250.
The Zephyr will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, with three options. The base engine produces 245 HP and a hybrid option, producing 188 HP and improved mileage.
The last option will be a 3.0-liter v-6 engine with 350 HP and an AWD version for 400 HP with 0-60 times of 6.8 seconds.
- Pricing: $40,000 – $50,000
- Mileage (highway): 39 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas/Hybrid
11. BMW 440i
BMW vehicles’ legendary moniker “Ultimate Driving Machine” is carried forward as an attractive alternative to the Lexus ES 250.
Designed as a wider, longer, and lower coupe than the three series, the 440i competes in the luxury and performance market segments.
The rear-wheel-drive model generates 382 HP from a three-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder and goes to 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. There is also an optional model with the xDrive System for all-wheel-drive.
- Pricing: $56,700 – $67,320
- Mileage (highway): 28 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
12. Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 has an attractive sports-styled exterior that pairs well with the high-performance power train options. Although the cabin’s interior is not quite up to Lexus standards, the Cadillac persona for the CT5 is an attractive alternative to the ES 250.
A base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 237 HP with an option to upgrade to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with 335 HP, while the CT5 Performance model creates 360 HP. The 237 HP base engine achieves 0-60 times in 6.6 seconds.
- Pricing: $38,440 – $51,240
- Mileage (highway): 27 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
13. Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is an entry-level luxury vehicle focused on a comfortable and pleasing ride rather than sportiness.
The S90 builds upon the Scandinavian concept of cosseting the cabin occupant with a handsome design and excellent yet functional and relaxing comfort to be an alternative to the sportiness of the Lexus ES 250.
Powered by a supercharged in-line four-cylinder engine, the Volvo S90 produces 316 HP and 0-60 times in 5.9 seconds. Also available with the hybrid B6 powertrain utilizing the gasoline engine with electric motors and AWD with a combined 295 HP.
- Pricing: $59,595 – $69,140
- Mileage (highway): 32 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Hybrid
14. Infinity Q60
The gorgeous styling of the Infiniti Q60 presents itself as eye-candy without all the substance necessary for a supermodel.
It is an alternative to the Lexus ES 250, but it may not quite match up in performance with the luxury ride market segment to represent a great value proposition once delving beyond skin deep.
The Q60 has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 producing 300 HP or 400 HP with the optional Red Sport 400 engine. The Q60 is standard with rear-wheel drive and has an all-wheel-drive option. The 400 HP model powers from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.
- Pricing: $42,7755 – $59,225
- Mileage (highway): 27 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
15. Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli is on the upper end of high-performance luxury cars to consider as an alternative to the Lexus ES 250. The Ghibli has eye-catching styling with an Italian pedigree and delivers an exhilarating ride to compete in the marketplace.
However, the price point may not compete due to not having quite the quality finish in the interior others offer for a better value proposition.
One of the reasons for the higher starting price is the Ghibli starts with a high-performance twin-turbo V-6 as a base engine. The base 3.0 liter twin-turbo V-6 generates 345 HP with various engine options up to 424 HP with 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.
The high-performance 3.8-liter V-8 engine produces 580 HP and 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. The Maserati Ghibli is offered as a rear-wheel or a V-6 all-wheel (Q4 model) drive vehicle.
- Pricing: $77,695 – $115,795
- Mileage (highway): 24 MPG
- Passengers: 5
- Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas
