Lexus offers various comfortable cruisers in its 2020 lineup, two of them being the ES and the GS. Both of these sedans exemplify luxuriousness and power. But what’s the difference between a Lexus ES and GS?

The 2020 Lexus ES is smooth and relaxed

The ES and GS are both luxury midsize sedans, but the ES is the more simplistic option of the two. The ES features one powertrain, and that’s a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Critics recognize the standard ES 350 for its peacefulness and ample power.

If you would like a more agile experience, consider the available ES 350 Sport variant, which adds a sports-tuned suspension. Fuel economy is another highlight of the ES. It has a fuel economy rating of 26 mpg, which is good for its class. You might also want to check out the ES Hybrid if fuel efficiency is one of your top priorities. 

The ES’ serene driving experience extends to the inside. Unlike some of its rivals, the ES looks grand and has plenty of interior space and comfortable seating for five. It comes standard with realistic-feeling faux leather upholstery; genuine leather upgrades are available. For the most part, ES is good on modern tech too. 

Lexus finally made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard features on the 2020 ES. Other standard features here include a wifi hotspot and Siri Eyes Free. However, the ES gets points taken away for its tricky computer-based interface. On the plus side, The ES is also loaded with active safety features, including pedestrian detection and roadside assist. 

The 2020 Lexus GS offers more power 

The GS provides a more thrilling experience. Fuel economy isn’t a focal point on the GS, but power is. With the GS, you get two engine options. The GS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 311-hp. This same engine is found on the F Sport model too. Models with rear-wheel-drive get an eight-speed automatic. If you opt for all-wheel-drive, a six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

For more power and speed, there’s the top-tier GS F. this variant features a 467-hp 5.0-liter V8 standard with RWD. According to U.S. News evaluations, the GS F can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The GS F is far more expensive than the entry-level GS, though.

Like the ES, the GS has a gorgeous interior. Models with RWD have genuine leather; AWD models have faux leather upholstery. You’ll appreciate the GS for its spaciousness, but it doesn’t have some of the same modern tech gadgets as the ES.

Standard features on the GS include navigation, Siri Eyes Free, and Amazon Alexa. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available on this model. Also, the GS has a less user-friendly infotainment setup than the ES does. 

U.S. News reviewers found the GS’ Remote Touch controller to be too distracting on the road. Because of this, the organization places the ES right before the GS in this year’s class rankings. The GS does better in the advanced safety department and comes with forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection.

Pricing matters 

The ES and GS are technically in the same category, but the GS has a much higher price tag. The 2020 GS starts at $51,065; the GS F begins at $85,010. On the other hand, the ES is more affordable at $39,900.