When it comes time to buy another car, the question of new-versus-used will typically come up at some point. On one hand, new cars offer major benefits in the way of things, like factory warranties and a very low risk of component failures during their first couple of years of life or so. In addition, new cars don’t carry the risks of potential misuse, abuse, or neglect from a previous owner because you are the first owner. However, used cars come with a whole host of benefits, too, especially when it comes to price.
Take our model of interest; the 2020 Lexus ES. These days, you can pick up an average example with average mileage for less than a brand-new Mazda CX-50. Of course, the CX-50 is an SUV, and the Lexus a sedan. But, the fact of the matter is, the Mazda is about as mainstream as you can get. It’s got the standard sort of kit you’d expect from a sub-$30k new car. The Lexus, though, offers a boatload more in terms of amenities, build quality and, at the end of the day, reliability.
Just How Reliable Is The Lexus?
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
One of the most glaring and important questions to ask when buying a used car is how reliable it will be and, in turn, how long it will last you before the cost of repairing it will outweigh its value. One of the benefits of buying a Lexus is it’s, essentially, a fancy Toyota. In other words, Lexus models are historically reliable. According to RepairPal.com, the entire Lexus brand ranks 7th out of 32 total car brands, making it slightly above average overall.
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
However, when it comes to the 2020 Lexus ES specifically, the model boasts exemplary reliability marks. JD Power reported that the ’20 ES model received a score of 52 PP100 in its Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) that same year, which translates to 52 problems per 100 vehicles. For comparison, the national average VDS score sits right around 202 PP100. That means that, on average, the 2020 Lexus ES is roughly 74 percent more reliable than average.
What Lives Under The Hood
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
In total, there are two distinct engine choices for the 2020 Lexus ES. At base level sits a 3.5-liter V6, which is installed within the ES 350 model. The mill itself belongs to Toyota’s GR engine family, and carries the specific code name 2GR-FKS. The mill employs Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection setup, which combines both direct and port injection.
It also offers an on-demand simulated Atkinson cycle configuration, which keeps the engine’s intake valves open slightly longer, allowing some of the air-fuel mixture to escape back out. This results in a shorter compression stroke and a longer combustion stroke.
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
As for the “20 ES” second powertrain option, it’s a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine hooked up to a hybrid powerplant found in the ES 300h model. The internal combustion aspect of the ES 300h’s powertrain equation is Toyota’s A25A-FXS engine. It’s part of the Toyota Dynamic Force engine family, and carries an exceptionally high compression ratio of 14.0:1. Its hybrid system takes advantage of a high-capacity Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack mounted in the trunk.
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
Both the ES 350 and the ES 300h utilize an automatic transmission, with the former being granted the use of an eight-speed automatic. ES 300h models use an eCVT. Front-wheel drive is the sole drivetrain configuration. As for its suspension, the ’20 ES uses a fully independent setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link configuration in the rear.
2020 Lexus ES
ES 350
ES 300h
Powertrain
3.5L NA V6
2.5L NA inline-four hybrid
Combined Power
302 hp
215 hp
Combined Torque
267 lb-ft
163 lb-ft
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/CMB)
22/32/26 MPG
43/44/44 MPG
0-60 mph
6.6 seconds
8.1 seconds
Top Speed
131 mph (limited)
112 mph (claimed)
Curb Weight
3,649 lbs
3,704 lbs
*Specs courtesy of Lexus & SixSpeedBlog.com
In addition, a pair of Dynamic Control Shocks are mounted at the rear, which are designed to remove excessive road vibrations via a unique mounting point and upgraded bushings. The ES Ultra Luxury trim level adds lateral performance dampers mounted at specific points on the chassis to help further reduce vibrations, noise, and harshness.
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What The 2020 Lexus ES Has To Offer
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
Being a luxury model, the 2020 Lexus ES comes standard with a whole host of amenities, many not seen on the standard 2026 Mazda CX-50. For starters, the ES is outfitted with synthetic NuLuxe leather seating, dashboard, console, and door card surfaces.
Both front seats sport heating and 10-way power adjustment, and both front passengers can utilize the dual-zone climate control system. A power-sliding moonroof is also standard. Sitting center stage in the dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. A 10-speaker sound system is hooked into the infotainment setup, and Amazon Alexa is there to help drivers take advantage of hands-free commands.
2019 Lexus ES finished in silver with tan interiorLexus
Optional equipment includes things like genuine leather seating, along with semi-aniline leather surfaces. You can also add front seat ventilation into the mix, along with a heated steering wheel. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen can be added, and the 10-speaker sound system can be upgraded to a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt setup courtesy of Mark Levinson.
A head-up display (HUD), ambient LED interior lighting, a power rear sunshade, and panoramic glass join into the mix, too. Those who opt for the Luxury ES trim grade are granted things like real wood trim and double-laminated windows for better sound proofing.
The Ultra Luxury trim adds those things, along with genuine or semi-aniline leather seats and a power-closing trunk lid, among other things. An F Sport grade is also available, which adds unique, race-inspired touches like aluminum pedals and special instruments. It’s important to note that the F Sport pack cannot be had with the hybrid model.
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Current Pricing
2019-2021 Lexus ES Front 3/4 Rolling in blueLexus
Most of you reading this will know that Lexus models don’t necessarily depreciate at the rate of most other brands. This is due to a litany of factors, most notably Lexus’ reputation for reliability and its ability to design cars that look good, but don’t age out of style very often. The 2020 Lexus ES is no exception to the depreciation-proof rule, either. According to CarEdge.com, a six-year-old Lexus ES 350 will only lose about 37.8 percent of its value, and the ES 300h will lose about 43.1 percent.
For contrast, the overall market average rate of depreciation after six years is about 62 to 78 percent. This just goes to show that, while the 2020 Lexus ES may carry a higher-than-average entry price, you’ll get more money back from your investment once it comes time to sell.
2019-2021 Lexus ES Rear 3/4 angle in blueLexus
As things stand now, a 2020 Lexus ES 350 will run you roughly $29,270 on the used market when in average condition with average mileage. That new Mazda CX-50 we mentioned earlier? It carries a base MSRP of $29,990, and that’s before destination fees. Once those are factored in, among the potential miscellaneous other fees, your new CX-50 will probably end up costing you close to $35k.
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Is A Used Lexus ES Worth It?
2019-2021 Lexus ES Front angle in blueLexus
Now, we know that comparing a luxury sedan with a compact crossover SUV in an apples-to-apples fashion is silly. Both models are built for very different purposes, and both occupy very different segments of the automotive market.
However, when it comes to value for money, you can compare almost any car to any other. In this case, it nearly goes without saying that a used Lexus simply offers more bang-for-your-buck than a new Mazda CX-50. How far your dollar goes matters when you’re on a budget, and in the Lexus, it will continue to go a long way even after you’re done with it.
Sources: Lexus, JD Power, RepairPal.com, SixSpeedBlog.com, CarEdge.com, Kelley Blue Book.
