Is a base Lexus ES a better buy than a loaded Camry? You’d think it would be a simple answer but the waters have been muddied, somewhat, with updates and changes – to both vehicles.
Both manufacturers have fresh new sedans on offer, with the Camry – which went all-hybrid when it got its redo for 2025 – and the ES, which got a new generation for 2026 with even more drastic changes (also going all-hybrid but now offering an electric version, too). Despite these greater differences, the base ES starts only about $5,000 more than a loaded Camry. So which gives you the most bang for your buck?
The ES Gets A Next-Gen Hybrid System – And An EV Option That Hits 338 hp
2026 Toyota Camry XSE AWD front 3/4 angle in silver while parkedToyota
On the surface, the performance of these two vehicles seems similar. And they are, but there are some important differences. The Camry and the ES 350h both run a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors in the front-wheel-drive versions (one drive motor and one generator/starter motor), with a third motor added onto the rear axle for the all-wheel-drive options of each. They also both run eCVT transmissions.
We’ll break down the differences in spec in the table below, but the bottom line is that the ES 350h ends up with slightly more power while getting nearly identical fuel economy. The reason for this is the biggest difference between the powertrains for these two: The Camry uses the 5th-generation hybrid system, while the ES 350h gets the brand-new 6th-generation system.
Toyota Camry XSE
Lexus ES 350h
Power (FWD)
225 hp
244 hp
Power (AWD)
232 hp
244 hp
Fuel Economy (FWD) – City-Highway-Combined
48-47-47
48-44-46
Fuel Economy (AWD) – City-Highway-Combined
44-43-44
47-42-44
Behind the wheel, you probably won’t notice much difference in power or operation between the two, especially since the extra weight of the ES will likely require those extra ponies to get it moving as quickly as the Camry anyway. It’s also important to note that part of that extra power in the Lexus is possible because it recommends premium fuel, which enables a different tune that provides some extra power.
The Toyota makes its rated numbers on regular gas. One thing you might notice around corners, though, is a more stable and planted feel for the Lexus due to its nearly 5-inch longer wheelbase.
2026 Lexus ESIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
The final and biggest difference Lexus offers is the electric ES, which is available in a front-wheel-drive 350e and an all-wheel-drive 500e. While the front-wheel-drive version only offers 221 horsepower, the 500e boasts a much higher 338 hp, making it the appealing choice for Lexus buyers who want strong acceleration.
It could be a tempting option for those who miss the V6 power levels of past Camrys and ESes. Plus, you can feed it cheap electrons at home instead of premium fuel, and the front-wheel-drive version is actually cheaper than the hybrid.
The Base ES Has More Speakers Than The Loaded Camry – But Loses Real Leather And A Panoramic Roof
2026 Toyota Camry XSE rear 3/4Toyota
Despite having platform similarities, these two vehicles have pretty significant exterior and interior differences beyond just the different styling. On the outside, the Lexus is much bigger, nearly nine inches longer on a 4.9-inch longer wheelbase. It’s also 3.2 inches wider and 4.3 inches taller.
That, combined with the way Lexus utilized this space, adds up to a rear seat with 2.7 inches more legroom. Surprisingly though, you don’t really get any extra headroom, and the trunk space is actually smaller in the Lexus, with 1.8 cubic feet less space. Nevertheless, the grander size and more spacious interior of the ES alone could make it worth the $5,000 premium over the Camry, but Lexus continues to make the ES even more of an appealing upgrade when we look at the interior features.
2026 Toyota Camry XSE. Cabin. Interior. DashboardToyota
The loaded Camry is plenty nice already thanks to its recent modernization and improved materials, but it’s no match for the ES, even with the Camry’s fully loaded XSE trim. The top-of-the-line Camry comes with two 12.3-inch screens, one for gauges and one for infotainment, along with the usual offerings like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.
2026 Lexus ES interior view of the steering wheel from the driver’s seatLexus
Limiting ourselves to just the base trim of the Lexus to maintain that five grand price gap, you’d think the base ES skimps on features. But you’d be wrong. Even the base ES matches the 12.3-inch gauge display and gives you a bigger 14-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The trade-off here is that you lose some climate control buttons compared to the Toyota, which could nix the Lexus off some shoppers’ lists.
The advantages of the loaded Camry over the base ES are that the Camry gives you a head-up display that requires a higher ES trim to match, likewise for the panoramic view monitor and the more advanced driver-assist features. Surprisingly, the Camry also has real leather versus NuLuxe synthetic leather in all versions of the ES.
One strange difference is that the panoramic roof that you get in the loaded Camry is completely unavailable no matter how much you spend on an ES. A regular moonroof is standard, but it’s odd that Lexus doesn’t offer a feature that the cheaper Toyota has, along with all its competitors.
2026 Lexus ESIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
Otherwise, that base ES comes impressively packed with the main features most buyers will care about. Heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel — even the base unbranded Lexus stereo is better, with 10 speakers compared to the upgraded JBL system in the Camry, which only has nine speakers. It even gives you the driver’s memory seat, “thematic” ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, and 19-inch wheels, just like the Camry.
Pricing: A $5,000 Difference? Or More Like $11k?
2026 Lexus ESIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
As we mentioned at the beginning, the base Lexus ES is only about $5,000 more than the Camry, $5,040 to be exact. The loaded Camry XSE will run you $46,055 including destination fees, while the starting price for the ES 350h is $51,095 including destination.
As we pointed out, you do miss out on some features with that base ES, and we included all-wheel-drive when we loaded up the Camry, so for anyone curious, a truly comparably equipped ES 350h that also includes all-wheel-drive will run you $57,295 including destination, widening that gap to a more significant $11,240 premium for the Lexus.
Those wanting to narrow or eliminate that price gap always have the option of the used market, where a lightly used ES hybrid (admittedly with last-generation tech and powertrain) can be had for similar or less money than the Camry. That’s not a fair comparison, of course. There are all kinds of things that can be had for Camry money, like a V12 Aston Martin, but going the lightly used ES route isn’t a bad idea — unlike the Aston, potentially.
And don’t forget, if you’re willing to go electric, the ES 350e is only $48,895 to start (including destination), putting you under a $3k price difference, and it comes with all the same standard equipment as the hybrid, too.
Which One Should You Buy?
2026 Lexus ESLexus
The right choice for you will come down to your wants and needs, mainly how badly you want those few features the loaded Camry has over the base ES. Everyone will land differently on that, but in this writer’s opinion, none of those extra Camry features are things you can’t live without, although the panoramic view monitor is very helpful.
How significant the price gap is will vary from person to person as well, but for give-or-take $5,000 more, the Lexus seems worth the extra money. From the roomier, more luxurious, and higher-tech interior, to the grander size of the ES, the more refined driving experience, and the Lexus dealer experience and brand prestige, it seems like you get a lot more car for very little money.
The Lexus being less common and more desirable than the dime-a-dozen Camry also means you likely have a better investment on your hands, with higher resale value and potentially lower depreciation, although those two things will come down to how buyers respond to the new ES.
Since they just went on sale, it’s too early to tell if the exclusively hybrid and EV offerings and/or the polarizing exterior and interior design changes will help or hurt the appeal of the ES with shoppers. But when it comes to overall experience, the Lexus seems like the better buy of the two from here.
Let us know in the comments below which one you’d opt for.
Sources: Lexus, Toyota
