ES 250 AWD Worth the Upgrade From Toyota Avalon
Though the 2021 ES 250 AWD shares a few bits with the near-luxury Toyota Avalon, the entry-level Lexus sedan still a cut above.
Though tons of eyes and hearts flock to the likes of the LS, LC, RX, and so on, there’s one Lexus in the lineup ready to escort new converts into the pursuit of perfection: the ES. The entry-level sedan is one of two models that’s always been there since the start over 30 years ago; the other is the flagship LS. With every generation, the ES continues to be, for many, the first Lexus to grace the driveway.
However, parent company Toyota’s stepped up its own luxury game in the past few years, blurring the line between their top-tier offerings and the ES. Yet, TFLnow’s Nathan Adlen believes the 2021 ES 250 AWD is still worth making the jump into an entry-level Lexus.
“This vehicle is very special because it shares a lot of components with other Toyotas,” said Adlen. “But on its own, it is fairly remarkable.”
Those components include the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder used by the all-wheel drive Avalon and Camry models. Despite the AWD, though, the ES 250 only needs it when traversing through the same snowy, icy roads as the LX and GX. With the rear wheels just rolling along, the Lexus nets 28 mpg combined, better than other AWD sedans. And it rides better than the AWD competition, too, thanks to its more mellow, floaty vibes.
“In terms of the Avalon and the Camry, they have a very similar type of platform,” said Adlen. “Obviously, this is stretched just like the Avalon […] What you’re looking at here is something that physically has a lot of the characteristics than an Avalon would have in terms of packaging, in terms of space, and, obviously, once again, wheelbase. But it looks like a Lexus.”
While it stands out against the premium Toyotas, though, the ES 250 looks a lot like the LS and IS, as all three share the same update appearance. Thus, more dyed-in-the-wool Lexus fans fear not standing out as much. Yet, the ES’s true attraction, especially for those on the fence, is within.
“Lexus interiors are known to be extremely high quality,” said Adlen, “and this one is no different. But there are a couple of things I want to point out that aren’t– they’re not great.”
One of the few downsides is the new screen, which is not a touchscreen at all. Instead, a haptic touchpad behind the eight-speed auto’s shifter is all the control one needs. That said, it’s not so usable while in motion. Everything thing else, though, is a cut-above Toyota’s premium level offerings.
Though a top-tier Avalon with all-wheel drive almost matches a top-tier ES 250 in price, the Lexus offers an experience the Avalon can’t match.
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